About.

Hope Montessori Inc. was founded to nurture the spirit of children and the joy of learning in an atmosphere of freedom, respect, and responsibility. We aim to assist the child in his or her own development by preparing an environment rich in didactic materials that will invite hands-on discoveries. We seek to help each child to build an awareness of self, of others, and the world.  It is our hope, that in giving the best we can give of ourselves, we will be creating a better world.

Established in 2000

Our teachers are experienced and dedicated Montessori Certified Educators. Hope Montessori is an Authentic Montessori Program, meeting all the standards outlined by the the American Montessori Society as a quality school. 

Freedom and Respect

Each child is unique. At Hope, the prepared environment allows children to learn at their own pace, in a non-competitive atmosphere. Children are encouraged to be self-directed. Given a smorgasbord of healthy choices, the child is free to pursue and absorb what he craves for his own personal development. When the child is respectful of himself, others, and the environment, he is in turn respected and trusted. Respect and trust of the child is the root of the Montessori Approach.

Our Team

Traci Tyszka
Founder

Traci Tyszka (Ms. Traci) hails from Chicago’s Southside.  She studied Education, as well as Psychology, Criminal Justice, and English (Literature and Writing) at UIC, Chicago. She trained and earned her Montessori Certifications at the Seton Institute (MECA), worked in both Birth to 3 and 3-6 for 10 years. During that time,  Ms. Traci also immensely enjoyed working with adults,- communicating with parents and lecturing for the Training Center. She mentored a number of interns over the years, and continues to this day as a Field Representative for Seton, visiting Teachers in Training.   She founded Hope Montessori  in 1999.  She currently co-teaches with Ms. Ann.

Ann Signore
Teacher

Ann Signore, “Ms. Ann” first came to observe at Hope Montessori in 2002. She completed the MECA Paraprofessional course, in 2003, and joined the Hope staff initially as an Assistant Teacher. In 2005, Ms. Ann earned her Montessori Teacher Certification and has been working as a Lead Teacher and Guide ever since. 

Cailyn Tyszka
​​Administrative Assistant/Registrar

"Ms. Cailyn' attended Montessori from infancy through Kindergarten year, at MECA Lab Schools (The Seton  in Hinsdale and Clarendon Hills.  Thereafter, she spent Montessori summers at Hope…eventually earning L.I.T. (leader in training) .  She worked for several years Assistant Teaching in the Two Year Old and 3-6 Classrooms, before  becoming our Vice Principal/Registrar.