Who We Are
Confidently Facing the Unknowns of Tomorrow
We curate opportunities for students to question, explore, and innovate—helping them unlock the joy and drive to learn independently. It's a visionary philosophy of what an education should be—a bold vision first realized by Dr. Maria Montessori more than a century ago and one we continue to evolve.
Mission, Vision, and Values
Mission
NNM prepares students for life in an
ever-changing and complex world, inspiring them to reach their inherent potential through Montessori philosophy and with a strong parent-school partnership.
Vision
In keeping with Dr. Montessori’s goal of making the world a better place for all humanity through education, it is incumbent upon us to prepare our students to be tomorrow’s ethical leaders.
Values
The NNM community respects and demonstrates: diversity and inclusion; lifelong learning; concern for others and empathy; integrity, honesty, and authenticity; humility; cultural competency; civility and respect; responsibility; sustainability and community; and courageous leadership.
Valuing Inclusion
One of the ways we prepare students for an ever-changing world is by creating a school community that reflects the diversity of the broader world. Our commitment to equity, inclusion, and belonging helps students learn to understand and respect people of all backgrounds and beliefs, building empathy and cultural competency—skills essential for forging meaningful connections and communicating effectively. We are dedicated to maintaining a community that is inclusive and supportive, because that is how we help foster bold visions for the future.
Our Campus
NNM’s campus is centered around our four-story Division Street school, but our broader Wicker Park community is also an integral part of the NNM experience. By engaging with the neighborhood and city beyond our walls, students learn to apply their knowledge in real-world contexts, preparing them to navigate the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.
STEAM Innovation Center
Urban Farm
Sandwich Shoppe
Flex Fridays
Excursions and Camps
Head of School and Leadership
Welcome to NNM!
I’m delighted to invite you into our vibrant school community, a place where joyful learning, meaningful relationships, and bold thinking come together to prepare young people not just for what’s next, but for what’s possible.
At NNM, we know that the desire to learn comes from within. Whether students are exploring number systems, harvesting produce on our 3,500 square foot rooftop farm, learning to run a business in our Sandwich Shoppe, or writing and producing a play in their classrooms, curiosity and engagement drive everything we do. Academic rigor is essential, but we believe in academic vigor where education goes beyond mastering content. It’s about nurturing confident and compassionate thinkers who are equipped to thrive in this complex and ever-changing world.
For over 60 years, our Montessori program has empowered students to grow with purpose, developing independence, responsibility, and a strong sense of self. Learning is active, experiential, and student-driven. Our approach ensures that children are prepared not only to meet the future but to shape it. The experience at NNM is built on a partnership between educators, students, and their parents and caregivers.
NNM is a genuine, inclusive community in the Wicker Park neighborhood of Chicago. I believe you will see it and feel it as you explore this website and visit our campus. Our community is a source of strength, support and inspiration for families as they raise their children.
Angela G. Garcia
Head of School
Our Board of Directors
The Board of Directors is comprised of 19-24 NNM members. The Head of School and 3 faculty/staff representatives are
ex-officio members of the board.
NNM's Board of Directors provides guidance and direction for the school, oversees budgeting to ensure financial stability,
and ensures that the school maintains its focus on its educational mission.
Erica Bauer
Secretary
Jay Beidler
Director
Rebecca Butler
Director
Kathleen Caliento
Director
Paul Do
Director
Taylor Dugas
Director
Erica Faulkner
Board President
Timothy Forrester
Vice President
Bhumika Gashti
Treasurer
Eric Gastevich
Director
Jeanette Hunter
Director
Ali Khan
Director
Alison Mankowski
Director
Raina Patel
Director
Rina Patel
Director
Carlos Perez
Director
Lesley Pinckney
Director
Priyanka Rupani
Director
Fareeda Shabazz
Director
Dan Sullivan
Director
Lawrence Tanzman
Director
Denise Tollinche
Director
Ex Officio
Daniel Blanco, 6-14 Faculty Representative
Angela G. Garcia, Head of School
Annastecia Spano, 0-6 Faculty Representative
Officers
Erica Faulkner, President
Tim Forrester, Vice President
Bhumika Gashti, Treasurer
Erica Bauer, Secretary
Standing Committees
Governance
Finance
Advancement
Audit
DEI
Memberships and Accreditations
All lead Guides are certified by American Montessori Society (AMS) or Association Montessori Internationale (AMI).
Association of Illinois Montessori Schools (AIMS)
Lake Michigan Association of Independent Schools (LMAIS)
Independent Schools of the Central States (ISACS)
National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
Equal Opportunity
In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at the School are based on merit, qualifications and skills.
The School is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to an individual’s actual or perceived race, color, religion, gender identity and expression, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, ancestry, marital status, order of protection status, sex (including sexual harassment), pregnancy, childbirth or related medical or common conditions, arrest record, conviction record, military service, application for military services, military status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, work authorization status, language, unfavorable discharge from military service, hair texture/hairstyles, status as a victim of domestic, sexual, gender or criminal violence, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local anti-discrimination laws.
The School makes reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities or pregnancy-related conditions, in accordance with applicable law. Qualified individuals with disabilities or pregnancy-related conditions may make requests for reasonable accommodation/s by engaging in dialogue with the School's Human Resources Department. The School asks employees seeking an accommodation to submit a letter noting the request; medical documentation substantiating the request should accompany this letter.
This commitment is evident in all aspects of the School’s employment practices and policies, including recruitment, hiring, selection, compensation, benefits, job assignment, transfer, promotion, training, discipline, discharge and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment.
All employees are responsible for complying with the School’s equal opportunity policy.