Admissions
How to Apply
Our admissions process is designed to help you learn more about our school, and for us to get to know your family. Here’s what the process looks like:
Schedule a Tour
The best way to experience Intercultural is to see it in action. We invite you to schedule a tour of either our Chicago or Oak Park campus to observe our classrooms, meet our educators, and learn more about our curriculum. Tours are available by appointment and provide an opportunity to ask any questions you may have.
Submit an Application
After your tour, you’ll receive an application link. We recommend applying early, as spots fill quickly in many of our programs.
Family Interview & Child Observation
Once we receive your application, we’ll schedule a child observation so our team can meet your child in a relaxed, natural setting.
Enrollment & Next Steps
Once accepted, families will receive enrollment details on next steps, including tuition, program details, and important dates. Our admissions team is available to support you through this transition.
FAQs
How do students learn the language?
Our Early Childhood (Preschool – Kindergarten) program is immersive. Both the teacher and the assistant are native speakers of the target language. Children learn to read, write, and speak in Mandarin, Japanese, Spanish, or Arabic. In our Early Childhood classrooms, the teachers introduce English literacy in the afternoons. The immersive nature of the classroom aligns with the sensitive period for language learning in young children. Our Lower Elementary program (1st – 3rd grade) is a 50/50 dual language program with an English teacher and a target language teacher in the classroom.
What credentials do your teachers have?
Our school is accredited through the American Montessori Society. As such, our teachers are certified and hold credentials that align with their guidance. All of our Lead Teachers have their Montessori certification, or are completing the process and most of them hold 4-year college degrees or Master degrees as well. Our Elementary teachers are also state certified, along with holding the appropriate Montessori credentials.
What is your student to teacher ratio?
For our Toddlers program (15 Months and 3-year-olds) the ratio is 7:1 or better. In Early Childhood (Preschool – Kindergarten) the ratio is 12:1 or better. In our Elementary program the ratio could be as high as 15:1 but typically is lower and averages 10:1.
If my child does not get accepted, is there a waiting list?
For our Toddlers program (15 Months and 3-year-olds) and Early Childhood (Preschool – Kindergarten) programs, families join the waiting pool if there is no space available. We are often able to offer a second choice language program or location. Our aim is not to keep families waiting for long periods. However, we need to ensure that student: teacher ratios are maintained, the classrooms are well balanced, and that we are offering a great experience to all students. Enrollment can change quickly. We do our best to communicate as often and clearly as we’re able.
Our Elementary and Middle School programs are highly selective. Students may not be offered a space in the Elementary program if there is limited space or if the Admissions team and teachers feel it is not a good fit.
What is the lunch program and how much does it cost?
In Chicago and Oak Park, our hot lunch provider is Gourmet Gorilla. The food is not strictly organic but it is fresh and popular among students and staff.
How much outdoor time / gym time do the children have each day?
Gross motor movement and time outdoors are important parts of child development in the Montessori tradition. Everyday that weather permits, teachers take students for 30 minutes of outdoor time at the park. In Oak Park, students use the outdoor playground. In Chicago, students play at Skinner park and at our indoor playground, The Dock. Each Elementary classroom also has physical education as part of their curriculum.
Do you have a choice of language for the Toddler program?
Our Toddler program is a language exploration program. Currently, our teachers are native Spanish speakers, therefore the program is immersive in Spanish. In the future, we may have a Japanese or Mandarin teacher and they would speak their native language. It is helpful for us to understand which language program you are most interested in when you enroll in our Toddler Program but it’s also a good opportunity for families to think more before deciding.