At Optima®, we are dedicated to cultivating lively communities where businesses flourish in harmony with our residents, enriching the overall living experience. In this installment of “Discover Optima®’s Commercial Tenants,” we explore the story of Guidepost Montessori at Optima Signature®. Learn how this respected educational institution enriches the lives of residents and their families.
Guidepost Montessori serves students from six weeks old to 12 years old, through sixth grade. As part of a global network of schools, Guidepost Montessori has multiple locations within Chicago, surrounding areas, and even internationally. Their aim is to provide high-fidelity Montessori education, fostering the development of agency in children and equipping them with executive functioning skills. This pedagogy emphasizes independence, encouraging children to take care of their environment, themselves, and their minds through academics and material-based learning. Currently, Guidepost Montessori at Optima Signature® has an enrollment of nearly 150 students, including a section dedicated to Spanish immersion.
The decision to establish Guidepost Montessori at Optima Signature® aligns seamlessly with the school’s values and goals. The prime location offers unparalleled access to the vibrant city life of Chicago, with proximity to the Northwestern Medical campus, University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business, and the bustling commerce of Michigan Avenue. This strategic position attracts a diverse range of families who live and work nearby, drawn by the unique educational opportunities the school provides.
The physical space at Optima Signature® is a crucial factor in creating the ideal learning environment. At Guidepost Montessori, the emphasis on creating prepared environments is paramount. The school’s design focuses on aesthetics, ensuring spaces are calm, comfortable, and filled with natural materials, plants, and well-designed furniture. The architecture of Optima Signature®, with its glass walls and abundant natural light, enhances this vision, making the classrooms inspiring spaces where children thrive. One classroom, surrounded by glass, offers breathtaking views of the city, the river, and the ever-changing skies, creating a spectacular and motivating environment for both students and staff.
The spacious layout of the school includes gross motor rooms, providing children with ample space to move freely and play, even during inclement weather. These rooms are equipped with tricycles and play equipment, ensuring children can expend their energy and engage in less structured activities regardless of the weather outside.
Guidepost Montessori contributes significantly to residential life at Optima Signature®. Many residents of the building have enrolled their children in the school, benefiting from a special arrangement that provides a dual tuition credit from both Optima® and Guidepost Montessori. This perk underscores Optima®’’s commitment to attracting and retaining exceptional commercial tenants and residents.
The remarkable space and location of Optima Signature® also enable Guidepost Montessori to recruit top-tier faculty. The staff and teachers are as happy as the children to work in this environment, providing the school with a competitive advantage in attracting an incredible team.
Looking ahead, Guidepost Montessori is exploring possibilities for expansion due to the significant interest in their schools, particularly for toddlers. Given the strong strategic partnership with Optima®, the school is excited about the potential to open new locations within other Optima® communities. The synergies between Guidepost Montessori and Optima® promise a bright future, fostering educational excellence and vibrant community life.
