Rigorous Curriculum

Mount de Chantal offers a rigorous curriculum with an emphasis on real world application. Our standards are high and our practices are current. We research and use the most effective teaching strategies for the new millennium.

Our rigorous coursework and value-based approach help our students become confident young men and women of character, prepared to face the challenges and opportunities that are a part of everyday life.

Outstanding College Preparatory Program

A Mount de Chantal education prepares your child for acceptance into and success at the nation's best colleges and universities as shown by the following average test score comparisons:

Unique Programs

Mount de Chantal offers a unique variety of highly valued programs not found in many schools, such as Spanish language instruction starting at first grade, along with several other languages, a state of the art computer program, art, pottery, choir, piano, violin, service clubs, drama, several sports, robotics, religion, and guidance.

Dimensional Art Program

“Art does not render the visible; rather it makes visible.” Paul Klee (1918). Since Mount de Chantal’s inception in 1848 to today, the Twenty-first century, the value of a viable, diversified fine arts curriculum has remained a priority. At Mount de Chantal art is academic and regarded as seriously as all other core classes. Students learn to experience art through their understanding of technique and application, exploration of art history and being taught and encouraged to think creatively.

The art curriculum at Mount de Chantal is not taught in a vacuum, but rather in context with other disciplines. This approach is applied school-wide with our Montessori students learning about the Renaissance, mixing their paints like the old masters and then painting like Michelangelo. Elementary students learn about the elements of art through their studies of Mondrian, Matisse and Picasso. Secondary Program students apply their knowledge of biology, literature, and history to create art in a variety of mediums from a variety of perspectives. Additionally Secondary Program art students gain a strong foundation in the history of art, with application of their knowledge occurring in museums in Chicago, Washington DC, and New York City.

Strong Science Program

Mount de Chantal's Science Department endeavors to achieve a cohesive progression through science disciplines using intensive concentration on basic science skills and utilizing in-depth curriculum in each of the various science topics. The goal in studying the major disciplines in science should not just be an accumulation of facts, but also acquiring the ability to apply facts to new situations.

Individualized Learning

Individualized learning is the key to success at the Mount. With a smaller ratio of students to teachers, instruction is easily tailored to each student's individual needs.

Mount faculty are trained to identify each child's learning style and teach in the way they'll learn best. Our goal is to create students who love to learn.

Mount de Chantal fosters each student's unique set of competencies; our Pathways Program in the secondary school enables you and your child to map an individualized curriculum tailored to her needs.

Return on Investment

If you think a private education is too expensive for your college-bound student, think again. Investment in a Mount education paid big dividends for the class of 2005 just as it did for the class of 2004. The 13 seniors who applied for college aid were offered more than $2.4 million in scholarships and grants from some of the country’s most elite universities.

Diverse Student Body

Mount de Chantal students come from a diverse background; our student body is composed of students from many races, religious backgrounds, socioeconomic levels, and from other nations. These students live, learn, and compete together. We believe that there is no better way to understand the world than by interacting with someone from a culture different from your own.

Great Student or Great Athlete? Mount de Chantal thinks that you can be both. Our students are successful in the classroom, on the field, and in life.

Mount de Chantal offers outstanding educational opportunities for students of many levels of ability, from students identified as gifted and talented to students who need differentiated instruction to help them achieve despite a diagnosed learning disability. Our faculty is committed to all students, including those with special needs. All students are welcome in the Learning Assistance Center, where they can receive or give extra help on a certain subject or concept. In addition, for our international students, we offer instruction in English as a Second Language and TOEFL preparation.

We Live our Motto

Mount de Chantal's motto, "Be who you are and be it well that you may bring honor to the Master Craftsman whose handiwork you are", is embraced in all aspects of the Mount.

The faculty, staff, and administration are focused on helping every child learn to "do the right thing". This includes distinguishing right from wrong, holding up against peer pressure, learning to resolve conflicts, and including God and prayer in her/his daily life.

Family Atmosphere

Our students are taught in a "family atmosphere" where they receive individual attention, both academically and emotionally.