Ms. Ann Phillips
A Village Green Montessori
125 W. Church Street
Libertyville, Illinois 60048
Dear Ann,
Michael and I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you and your staff for all
your fine work. The past year has been one of tremendous growth for Jack. While Jack
has always been artistic and imaginative, he began the year, a mere three years of age,
completely immersed in his own little world. Your program has taught him to refine and
build on his fine motor skills, letter recognition, organization, number recognition and
how to spell his name.
However, of equal importance to Michael and me, he has learned respect,
responsibility and what it means to be a good friend. These lessons have resulted in a
great sense of pride. Jack can often be found tracing letters in books and on household
items; happily dancing around and singing songs he learned in school; and sharing
responsibly with his siblings.
Your tireless efforts and attention to detail have created an environment that has
allowed Jack’s self confidence to soar. Perhaps of greater importance you have created a
program that generates a wonderful sense of enthusiasm in the students. At bedtime Jack
routinely asks if we can talk “the school talk” which means he wants to tell us all about
his busy day at school. Jack sleeps better if he can be assured that tomorrow is a school
day before he closes his eyes.
Please relate to all of your staff our sincere gratitude for a job well done. Jack
adores all of his teachers and speaks of them often. He considers each of his classmates
good friends and even experienced his first love. You have accomplished a considerable
amount in a relatively brief period of time. Jack will always remember his first school
experience as fun, exciting and enjoyable. We could not have asked for a better start on
his educational journey.
Fondly,
Maureen and Michael Freeman
Lake Forest, IL
May 21, 2006
Dear Ann,
Well, we’re almost at the end of another fabulous year at Village Green, and I have to tell
you how grateful we are for you and your school. I am in awe at how much Scotty has
grown both emotionally and intellectually since he started at VGM. And, while I’d like
to take credit as his parent, I know that so much of it is due to you and your incredible
staff.
Not only has Scotty learned a tremendous amount, but he has become a nice and
respectful boy. He really enjoys going to school and has developed some great
friendships. Miss Kelly and her team have been wonderful. I really don’t know how
they do it – they seem to have an endless amount of patience! And, you have an amazing
way of knowing just the right thing to say or do to make everyone feel at ease. You’re all
talented beyond belief! I cannot thank you enough for everything you do!
Sincerely,
Barb Patterson
Libertyville, IL
In Search of Excellence…
As parents of three girls, my husband and I wanted to provide a positive
foundational learning experience for our children. Our oldest thrived in one of the wellknown Montessori schools in the north suburbs, and we realized that the younger two
would also benefit. Subsequently, we searched high and low for the “right” preschool
since we moved to Green Oaks. After interviewing, visiting, and observing numerous
reputable schools in the area our daughters tried two of the recognized Montessori
schools but the schools did not seem to meet the needs of our daughters. The search
continued until we heard wonderful things about Village Green Montessori.
When we observed Ann’s class for the first time, we knew we found what we
were looking for. We loved the rich curriculum in the classroom that is not only
available but is taught with enthusiasm. Ann is energetic, affectionate, intelligent, social,
wonderful at multi-tasking, and determined. She obviously knows how to select the best
teachers for her school as well. We love Ms. Lynn, Ms. Nicole, and Ms. Susan. The
teachers here are conscientious enough to know the day-to-day happenings of each
student. Each teacher plays an integral role in making VGM an exceptional school. They
are passionate about our children and our children reciprocate their adoration.
The cozy atmosphere of the school and the close relationship between teachers
and parents make the school a natural extension of the family. Excellence, dedication,
and love are what make VGM an exceptional place. We have been so fortunate to have
finally found a gem in the heart of Libertyville.
Toni Kwon
Green Oaks, IL
Miss Ann,
Thank you for all that you and your team do for our children. Max and Olivia (and soon
Emma) benefit greatly from the time they spend with each of you. They’re excited to go
to Village Green in the morning and they’re excited to tell us about their day when they
come home – it’s amazing the knowledge and new ideas they tell us about each night.
As you know, our children are quite different in the way they learn and respond to new
ideas. Of particular importance to us is the way each of them is handled in a manner best
suited for their individual character, personality and development style. This personal
attention and guidance (that we know each child receives) makes them feel very special
and us feel very fortunate. We are also thrilled with the way we learn about our
children’s progress. Although the parent conferences are important, of even greater
benefit is the extra effort you and your staff take to provide the constant feedback we get
about our children’s daily developments and challenges.
We looked long and hard to find the perfect place for our children to begin their outside
learning. Village Green is a fantastic combination of Montessori teaching styles blended
with a fun-loving and caring environment. We couldn’t be more pleased with our choice
and would highly recommend Village Green Montessori to anyone looking for a great
start for their child’s learning process.
Thanks again,
Kyle and Joanie Sauers
Green Oaks, IL
October 16, 2005
Ann Phillips, Directress
Nicole Shemroske, Directress
Village Green Montessori
125 West Church Street
Libertyville, Illinois 60048
Dear Ann and Nicole,
We want to take the opportunity to thank you so very much for the wonderful experience
Alex had while attending Village Green Montessori. His two years of preschool there far
exceeded our expectations.
You have created at Village Green an incredibly rich and nurturing learning environment.
During Alex’s time there, you and the others on the staff truly cultivated his desire and
interest in learning. One of the most impressive and unique aspects of your program is
how much importance is placed on fostering respect and community within the
classroom. It made us very proud to watch Alex grow and mature socially as a result of
these values.
These years are obviously very important in a child’s life. Your program at Village
Green could not have been more wonderful or beneficial for our Alex and his first school
experience. We are truly sad to leave the Village Green Montessori family, but we will
always be grateful for what you provided for our child.
Sincerely,
Stephanie and Eric Klein
Gurnee, IL
July 21, 2006
To Whom It May Concern:
I feel very fortunate to be able to share how pleased our family is with A Village Green
Montessori. The school has had an enormous and highly beneficial impact on our two
oldest sons. Their growth has been remarkable, and this is due to the extremely dedicated
and patient work of the teachers.
The academic opportunities at A Village Green Montessori are great. Ann Phillips and
her staff know how to excite the children about learning. My children have intensively
pursued topics they are passionate about, and they have been encouraged to explore and
learn about many other subjects.
The instructors manage to combine true compassion for their students with positive
discipline. Their ability to nurture their students while keeping the classroom calm and
orderly leads the students to feel secure and allows them to concentrate, bringing greater
opportunities for learning. These teachers have a keen understanding and concern for
their students, always putting their needs first, and the children respond to this treatment
very positively.
Ann and her staff have been incredibly kind and generous with us parents as well,
dispensing advice and offering support, lending an ear whenever one is needed. This
school is a place where the whole family can grow. My husband and I have become
better parents both by observing how the teachers relate to their students, and by listening
to their advice.
I highly recommend A Village Green Montessori, and look forward to sending my
youngest son there when he turns three.
Sincerely,
Marianne Maes