The Ancona School is an independent school located in Chicago’s historic Hyde Park-Kenwood community, educating students 3 years old through 8th grade. Since our founding in 1962, Ancona has been dedicated to diversity in both our community and our curriculum which draws upon the Montessori and Progressive Education models. Our commitment to a student-centered environment informs what we teach and how we teach it. Social justice education is a key value of our community: at every grade level, Ancona students learn to identify inequality and are empowered to address injustice in the world. Our Mission: Ancona educates students to become creative problem solvers, confident risk takers and independent, lifelong learners. Rooted in the Montessori tradition, our child-centered school stimulates the joy of learning and builds a strong academic foundation. We inspire children to nourish their inner lives, find the power in their own voices and strive for justice and peace. In a community of cultural and economic diversity, Ancona cultivates understanding, care and respect for others.