Wheaton Montessori School
Site Master Plan

Wheaton Montessori School is located in the northwest corner of Wheaton, Illinois. Living Habitats was hired as the primary consultant to reimagine the campus through a comprehensive site design process grounded in the Montessori method of teaching and ecological education principles. The goal of the project is to thoughtfully guide future campus growth while deepening the school’s connection to nature, outdoor learning, and student-led exploration.

Rooted in Montessori philosophy, the campus vision emphasizes student-focused, hands-on learning, independence, and meaningful interaction with the natural environment. The opportunity to restore the new one-acre parcel as an extension of the classroom and as a place where students can observe ecological processes, engage their senses, and enjoy independent learning at their own pace.

As part of this effort, Living Habitats completed a site analysis that included a detailed tree inventory and a wetland delineation for the newly acquired wooded parcel west of the existing campus. Living Habitats worked closely with the Wheaton Montessori School committee, comprised of teachers and parents, to define site program elements that support experiential and age-appropriate outdoor learning. An expanded natural play area is at the heart of this campus expansion, with plans to extend the existing upland area adjacent to the current play space, providing more opportunities for movement and exploration.

The existing isolated wetland will be restored to a flatwoods wetland (both closed and open canopy), as well as a sunny sedge meadow. These various restoration areas will become distinct exploration zones for students and teachers that are integrated into the campus as a living laboratory. This restoration will offer opportunities for environmental stewardship, wildlife observation, and immersive nature-based learning aligned with Montessori values. All necessary wetland mitigation will be accommodated within the upland areas of the new parcels.

Throughout the site master planning process, Living Habitats aimed to balance imagination and environmental responsibility while translating educational philosophy into a practical, buildable vision. The resulting master plan will support the school’s fundraising efforts, with the project advancing into construction documentation and implementation once fundraising is complete.

Location:
Wheaton, Illinois

Date:
2025 – Present