About Us
Where Science, Heart & Education Come Together
A place to nurture the whole child through Montessori education, Spanish immersion, and developmental neuroscience.
Our Montessori School in Forest Park, Illinois
Bilingual Montessori Lab Academy is an authentic Montessori school in Forest Park, Illinois, where science, heart, and education come together to nurture the whole child through Spanish immersion and developmental neuroscience. We serve children ages 3 to 9, guiding them through the most formative years of their development in a warm, bilingual, and intellectually rich environment.
Founded on Respect, Discovery & Cultural Pride
BMLA was founded in 2018 by Claudia Medina, an educator with over 30 years of experience and dual credentials from both the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) and the American Montessori Society (AMS). Alongside her husband Rosalio, Claudia built BMLA on a deep belief: that every child deserves an education rooted in respect, discovery, and cultural pride.
Furthermore, our team of passionate educators shares this vision. Together, we create a school community where curiosity is invited, diversity is celebrated, and every child’s unique journey is honored.
What Sets Our Montessori School Apart
At BMLA, our approach is built on three interconnected foundations.
Montessori Education
We follow the authentic Montessori method — a hands-on, self-directed approach where children learn by doing, at their own pace, in a carefully prepared environment.
Spanish Immersion
Our Primary Montessori Dual Language Spanish Immersion Program integrates Spanish into every part of the school day — through language, music, arts, and culture — from age 3 onward.
Developmental Neuroscience
Our curriculum is informed by the science of how children's brains grow and learn. We design experiences that align with sensitive periods of development. These experiences strengthen executive function and build lasting cognitive resilience."
More Than a School
As a Montessori school in Forest Park, Illinois, BMLA is a community of families, educators, and learners united by a shared vision for the future. In fact, we welcome families from all backgrounds, including those who don’t speak Spanish at home. As a result, our “Lab” approach allows every child to absorb language naturally, through play, song, routine, and connection.
A Welcoming Space for Every Family
“Here, children don’t just learn two languages — they live them. And in doing so, they grow into empathetic, confident, and globally minded human beings, prepared for a diverse and interconnected world.”
Ready to Learn More?
Schedule a visit to our campus and discover how BMLA can transform your child’s education.