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Illinois Needs Public Montessori Academies Now: Preparing Children for an Unknown Future — With the Freedom to Thrive

We envision state-funded Montessori academies in every state—accessible to children from all communities, free from the constraints of one-size-fits-all public education mandates, and built on a funding model proven to work. We are starting with Illinois and asking that they lead the way. 

Illinois Needs Public Montessori Academies Now

Preparing Children for an Unknown Future — With the Freedom to Thrive

Why This Matters

In 1985, Illinois created the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) to address an urgent national gap in STEM education. IMSA is publicly funded directly by the Illinois General Assembly and operates independently from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE). This funding model gave it the freedom to innovate while staying accessible to all Illinois students.

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Today, our children face a different kind of gap — one that goes beyond STEM. They need an education that develops:

  • Independence and agency

  • Adaptability and resilience

  • Creativity and problem-solving skills

Montessori education delivers all of this and more — but public Montessori programs in Illinois are constrained by rigid ISBE regulations that limit authentic implementation.

Our Proposal

Illinois should establish Public Montessori Academies modeled after IMSA:

  • Fully funded by the Illinois General Assembly

  • Independent of ISBE mandates that restrict innovation

  • Accessible to children from every community

These academies would provide individualized, hands-on, real-world learning that prepares students not for yesterday’s jobs — but for an unpredictable future.

The Ask

We call on the Illinois General Assembly to:

  1. Pass legislation creating Public Montessori Academies with independent governance.

  2. Fund them directly, outside of ISBE’s restrictions.

  3. Guarantee equitable access across Illinois, ensuring all children — not just a privileged few — can benefit from liberatory, future-ready learning.

What You Can Do

✅ Sign the Petition to show your support for Public Montessori Academies in Illinois.
✅ Share this Campaign with your networks, using the hashtag #FundMontessoriIL.
✅ Contact Your Legislators and tell them why Illinois needs this change.

This is the next step in liberatory education.


Just as IMSA redefined STEM learning for a generation, Public Montessori Academies can redefine education for the next.

✊🏾 Join us.

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