The Language and Music School
at International Mansion Est. 1994
Alternative Spanish Immersion K-12 School
Year Round "Homeschool in School" Style of Education
“Emergent Curriculum”
Our Founder and Director Maria Emilia Fermi serves as the primary educator to our mixed age student body, supported by tutors who supplement and assess each student's learning.
Is a philosophy of teaching and developing a curriculum that adapts to your child’s needs, interests, and strengths as opposed to a pre-set curriculum. Our daily schedule is customized and flexible.
This reinforces education as an adventure
rather than a chore, drawing out the natural talents and abilities of a child, and creating a lifelong learner in the process.
Every Child has a Gift to be Shared
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Listed by MENSA as a recommended program for gifted students.
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Each subject is approached with practical application rather than theoretical application.
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Students are paired by interests in a mixed age setting.
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Students receive a value-driven education with an emphasis on doing the right thing, at the right time, in the right place with the right attitude.
Our schedule
at a glance...
Our school year encompasses the entire year, subtracting holidays and two weeks off for winter vacation, two weeks off for spring break, and two weeks off for summer vacation.
The school day generally begins at 9:30am and ends at 2:30pm with before and after hours available as early as 7:00am and as late as 5:00pm for families that need early or late drop off. We also have options for fully customized schedules and are flexible to our families' needs.
What does
language immersion
look like?
The Absorbent Mind
the timeframe to develop true
native fluency is in childhood.
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Multilingual children are proven to have “greater openness to other languages and to new learning”
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Spanish is spoken throughout the day in a natural, inviting environment, transforming it from a class into second nature with the goal of fluency.
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Russian and Chinese are taught weekly with students immersed in the languages.
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Exposure to languages including German, Italian, French, Hebrew, Indonesian, etc.
The LMS Method
Why the language and
music school?
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The LMS Method, created by our founded and director Maria Emilia Fermi was a language learning curriculum first publishing in 1999 and translated into 12 languages, with the vision of teaching language through music to the world.
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Our students learn songs in different languages and are exposed to piano, ukulele, violin, bass, cello, drums and guitar.
Young language-learners should feel part of a community of linguists which stretches through the generations- not participants in an esoteric activity that stops when you finish the curriculum.
Dr. Charlotte Ryland
Tuition
Year-Round Enrollment
Open for 2025–26!
We are proud to offer a full-year academic program, including summer sessions, designed to support consistent learning and growth.
Our thriving academic scholarship fund offers partial scholarships to all applicants, regardless of financial background. Currently, 100% of our students receive scholarship support.
Ready to learn more?
Schedule a consultation today to begin your application process.
Book a Consultation and Tour with our founder and director, Maria Emilia Fermi!
1 hr
48 US dollars
Edevina Quetua
My daughter has been attending the Language and Music School in Oak Park for the past 8 years, since she was 4 years old. She will be 12 this summer, entering 7th grade, and my husband and I cannot be happier that she is at LMS.
Although we had originally planned for her to attend LMS only for preschool (and then for her to go to our local public school afterwards), we have kept her at LMS because she is thriving there. She is reading at an advanced level for her age, and is consistently performing at or above grade level in math. Her science and social studies classes bolster her innate curiosity about the world and foster her love of learning. Besides English, she is now fluent in Spanish, thanks to the school’s Spanish Immersion curriculum. Additionally, she has studied Mandarin, Russian and Korean. At the school, she has been exposed to a variety of interesting subjects that she has enjoyed--like art, music, dance, calligraphy, creative writing, and musical theater. She loves going to school, even now in her preteen years. She’s happy, learning--and happy to be learning--which is what every parent wants for their child!
The micro-school environment and the homeschool-style teaching model at LMS is not for everyone, but it has been wonderful for our daughter. It gives the students a balance of instructional styles to support their learning--they are challenged by a rigorous curriculum and do their learning amidst the more relaxed, informal setting of a homeschool environment. The kids have other students to interact with and learn with, while still keeping classes at the micro-level to provide personalized instruction. The setting allows the main teacher, Maria Emilia Fermi, and the tutors to be attuned to and to guide not just the students’ academic learning, but their social-emotional well-being also.
With this nontraditional model, I am cognizant that my daughter is having a school experience that is very different from that of most of her peers (and different from what I myself received growing up attending more traditional schools). By definition, there won’t be as many kids to interact with at a micro-school than at a large public school. She doesn’t have a typical school building with traditional classrooms, but she also doesn’t have to spend the majority of the school day confined to a desk--and might I add that she’s also the envy of her public school friends for having a school that looks like it’s part of Hogwarts! The mixed-grade model means she’s spending more time with kids of different ages than strictly with those of her same age or grade-level. But this has also been teaching her valuable life skills in learning how to interact with others of all different ages and how to be a helper and a role model.
We also don’t have formal parent-teacher conferences, the familiar expectation for open communication between parents and schools. But since we don't have the higher student-to-teacher ratio that other schools contend with, I appreciate that we as parents can have more informal, more open communications with the school, rather than only talking to teachers on prescheduled days once a quarter. Maria Emilia and the tutors send us weekly reports on our children’s progress, and we have regular, informal conversations with her at pick up and drop off. I have enjoyed getting to know the tutors through our informal chats around school, at recitals and other events, and even when I have run into them around town. I have found them to be very open, very responsive and very insightful. I appreciate them very much.
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Jim Schwartz
For the past eight years, my wife and I have sent our daughter to the Language and Music School. The school’s director Maria Emilia Fermi goes above and beyond to care for our daughter and the other children at the school. She looks after their physical, emotional, and social safety while appropriately challenging them to grow. We have also had wonderful experiences with the teachers who work at the school and trust them to do what is best for our child. We have subsequently kept our daughter in the school and plan to do so for the foreseeable future.
Souders Family
It is an honor to leave a testimonial for this wonderful school in Oak Park, Illinois. My daughter Josey has been attending this school full time since she was 4 years old. As a public school teacher of over 15 years I have been really impressed with the amount of learning Josey has exhibited for the past 4 years. Her fluency in Spanish is excellent. The homeschool approach to learning is something I am an advocate for. As much as I love being a public school teacher, today it is extremely hard for kids to explore all different types of learning. Josey is able to do this daily while also receiving the best education with literally one on one attention from her teacher. If you have a child that loves to learn and explore language and music this is the school for them. I am grateful that Josey's mother and I can send her to this school. It is a blessing knowing that my daughter is safe and receiving the best education in the Chicagoland area.
From one of our Tutors: Maria R.
I love teaching at LMS because of its unique approach to education. The combination of a beautiful, mansion-like setting and small-group lessons creates an ideal learning environment. Our students thrive in an atmosphere that encourages exploration, critical thinking, and creativity.
What sets us apart is our commitment to personalized education. Without a traditional grading system, we focus on nurturing each student's curiosity and passions. Our students can advance beyond traditional curriculum boundaries, and parents have the freedom to tailor their child's program.
As a teacher, I appreciate the emphasis on logical reasoning, problem-solving, and deeper understanding. We encourage students to ask 'why' and think critically, rather than just memorizing facts. The result is a community of respectful, responsible, and thoughtful individuals.
I'm proud to be part of a school that values creativity, with opportunities for students to engage in languages, music, art, and performance. Our students grow into confident, well-rounded individuals, and I feel fortunate to be a part of their educational journey.
From one of our Tutors: Kat
There are so many great things about working at the Language and Music School that I hardly know where to start! I think being a part of an involved learning community is a huge advantage for students, staff and families. Maria Emilia and Brando head the team with skill and compassion; making sure there is communication between parents, teachers, and students. They lead by example, taking an interest in each student- everything from physical needs like
snacks and water, to listening about the latest interest, to personally teaching lessons and
classes. The families always show support through sending shareable snacks, planning fun birthday celebrations, attending recitals, encouraging their students to take on new interests, and more. Teachers are able to support and reinforce the work that we do in classrooms, and it is so fun to hear the students come in from an engaging lesson with another teacher and want to tell me everything they have learned that day! It is also great to work with such a talented set
of educators and know that they are willing and able to collaborate in multiple areas of study. The students are all amazing to work with, and the flexibility of the schedule and
curriculum allows the interest of the students to align with the expertise of the teachers. Giving individual lessons serves to help each student focus on personalized interests or clarification on subjects they are already studying. Working in a small group environment fosters cooperative learning and allows for helping each other spark creativity and curiosity in each other. Several
classes that I now teach were born out of class discussions; when introducing a concept in one class, students wanted to know more and requested to get a more in depth look, and so a new class would be born!
It is also amazing to watch students develop over the years through consistent teaching,
as well as family and community support. Whether it is watching them break through an academic struggle, become a better performer, get along better with their peers, or even grow a little taller, being a part of the journey is an amazing experience. Being a teacher here is fulfilling, challenging, and always exciting!
Testimonials
Keri-Ann Wenckowski
The Language and Musical School is an amazing educational facility and any child would be lucky to attend a school like it. It focuses on the child as a whole person. They validate their interests in addition to providing them a top tier education focused on real world applications. My daughter has been attending LMS since 2012. She is now 13 and finishing her 7th grade year.
Through The Language and Music School, my daughter has become fluent in Spanish due to their immersion program. Has learned to be compassionate, understanding, and patient due to their multi age curriculum. Excels in music through piano and singing. Is exposed to other cultures and languages such as Korean and Russian. Learned cooperation, business management, economics, social studies, political science, and so much more through creative lesson plans that incorporate projects and games that engross the children’s interest. And all this is in addition to the standard curriculum received through other educational facilities.
Another factor that sets LMS apart from other schools is the staff. Señorita Maria Emilia is one of the most dedicated educational professionals I have ever met. She takes a personal invested interest in every child that comes to her doors. She nurtures the individual, recognizes their strength and helps them to improve their weakness. She gets to know the kids as individuals nurturing their emotional and academic education. The staff that she chooses really embrace her lead in focusing on the whole child and not just solely academic needs. I have no doubt this will lead to well-rounded graduates ready to take on any obstacle or goal in their path.
Casas Medina Family
We are the Casas Medina family, and we are writing to express our strong support for the Language and Music School (LMS). Our child has been a student at LMS for over five years, and during this time, we have consistently experienced open communication, a caring atmosphere, and a responsive staff. We are deeply grateful for the LMS team and the important role they continue to play in our child’s growth and education.
Robin Queen
Our daughter has been attending The Language and Music School (LMS) for six years. When she was two years old we attended a Saturday Spanish music class as a family. It was wonderful! Our daughter loved it and the teacher, Maria Emilia Fermi, was so engaging. The kids absolutely loved her.
When we found out that there were openings for preschool, we jumped at the chance to apply. The school was just what we were looking for, Spanish immersion with a low student-to-teacher ratio. Coincidentally, a co-worker had her children in the pre- school and highly recommended the school. She was extremely happy with the teachers and the social emotional care given to the children.
When the time came for our daughter to start first grade, we toured several schools wondering if she should be at a larger school. The other schools had great reputations and programming but our daughter was academically ahead of their curriculum and she enjoyed school. When Christmas break came she was truly upset not to be at school. We then decided to keep her at LMS for her primary education. She was already in a school where she was thriving. She enjoyed reading and thought math was fun! She was confident and had opportunities to create as her imagination blossomed. She was fluent in English and Spanish and was learning two more languages. What more could a parent want for their child's initial educational journey?
Our daughter has developed a love for learning, inquiry, languages and imagination while attending The Language and Music School. We are so thankful for The Language and Music School.
Kozak Family
Since my child has enrolled at LMS I've seen unprecedented growth from them in the areas of social and emotional health and in academic curiosity. These changes had a cascading affect on the family creating a growing sense of security and understanding. There is a reason that LMS is Mensa-endorsed. The school facilitates my child's potential intellectually, artistically, and socially like no other school that they've attended in Oak Park. The flexibility in the curriculum is unmatched in that it meets your child where they're at whether that means that their growth requires the support of a soft and patient cadence that polishes developing skills or if they're expanding to material that reaches beyond K-12. This is a school where the staff and children feel like family and both the framework of the day and the physical school environment create a space for learning and rejuvenation. Before my child transitioned to LMS they were drowning in the misfit of the public school system. At LMS, they are thriving, studying multiple languages, pushing themselves into advanced math and science, exploring and enjoying piano and voice lessons, asking questions about the global community, and connecting with peers that value and understand them. LMS is a school that executes an exceptional vision; one that is desperately needed in our culture and society and especially so for children and parents that consider themselves divergent and curious. The LMS school is not just a place where my child learns, it's where they're healing, growing, and seeing for themselves that they're incredible. LMS is ahead of it's time which is not a surprise considering the deeply dedicated and talented people that run the school. Education takes on the form of cultivation as opposed to standardization which allows individual minds, bodies, hearts, and spirits to flourish at their own pace and in the directions that identify their talents, raising intrinsic motivation. Graduates of LMS, I think, will yield enriched young adults that look to our community and to humanity and ask, "what can I lift up"?
From one of our Tutors: Jennifer
Teaching at the Language and Music School (LMS) for the past seven years has been an experience I’m grateful for and a community I’m proud to be part of—one that truly values learning, creativity, and care. LMS is a place where education goes beyond academics—it’s a space where children are encouraged to think freely, create boldly, and grow with confidence. What sets this school apart is the warmth that fills every classroom and the kindness extended to every child. I have witnessed firsthand how students thrive when they feel seen, supported, and free to express their feelings and interests without judgment.
Reflecting the LMS model of personalized, student-centered learning, my focus is on language arts—reading and writing—and I tailor each session using platforms such as the CommonLit Library and IXL. These tools, combined with individualized assessments, help me to design instruction that meets each child at their level and taps into their interests. It’s incredibly rewarding to watch students engage deeply with the material and make unexpected discoveries that spark their curiosity—like realizing fast food isn’t a modern invention. Learning that ancient Romans had street food vendors serving hot meals, much like today’s fast-food restaurants, is the kind of moment that turns passive learning into genuine excitement.
Working alongside passionate educators and devoted families makes this journey both joyful and inspiring. I’m proud to contribute to an environment where learning is not only effective but truly uplifting for students and teachers alike.
The Irizarrys family:
My nephew comes from a low-income family. We were looking for a school where he could learn while he was in town for several months. Public schools were unable to accept him, not sure why. Attending a private school was out of our budget. We knocked on many other doors, and it was unfortunate that some private schools, which claim to promote the mission of education and help underserved students, were not genuine. It wasn’t until we heard about the Language and Music School (LMS) and decided to visit. We met Ms. Maria Emilia Fermi, who immediately understood the circumstances and provided us with an opportunity to help our nephew. My nephew is a very smart kid, can be reserved at times, but after getting to know people can be an outgoing person. He enjoyed every day he spent at LMS! He loved working with his extraordinarily diverse instructors and classmates. He valued the fact that everyone was respected and welcome, regardless of the different ways they learned, due to the uniqueness of their personalities. There was no standard way to learn or teach; everything was tailored to each student's individual needs. My nephew was able to get to know each student since the group size is also small. This is also beneficial because the instructors were able to provide more personalized help to each student. My nephew was able to share his culture and language from another country while learning about this one and its language. Ms. Maria sent me pictures of my nephew working on his assignments, doing chemistry experiments, and playing with his peers. I enjoyed seeing the pictures and seeing my nephew''s happy face, as well as his focus on his work. When it comes to food, it was not a problem at all. Ms. Emilia offers high-quality snacks to suit everyone’s preferences. My nephew is vegan, and although he brought his own snacks, the LMS also offered him snack options. He always felt he was at home! Being able to attend such a prestigious school was a blessed opportunity for him!
Thank you so much to the Language and School of Music for your teaching and your dedication to your mission! Thank you, parents and other organizations, for your contributions and for being part of this mission!
Albert Smart
I’m the proud father of a bright, creative young girl who has been attending the Language and Music School in Oak Park since she was just six months old. Now over a decade in, I can confidently say that LMS has had a profound and positive impact on her development—academically, emotionally, and artistically.
Our daughter has flourished in this unique environment. She is now fluent in Spanish, has developed strong communication skills, and has immersed herself in music through both voice and piano lessons. Her love for learning has only deepened over the years, thanks to the school’s thoughtful, culturally rich curriculum and its nurturing approach to education.
Maria Fermi and her staff have always gone above and beyond to support both students and families. We speak with them regularly at drop-off and school events, and they are consistently available for thoughtful, open conversations. This level of access and transparency is something we truly value—it makes us feel connected, involved, and reassured that our daughter is in the best possible hands.
Speaking as a parent who has been part of this community for over a decade, I can say with certainty that we have full trust in the school, the staff, and its leadership. The environment is safe, joyful, and enriching—and we plan to keep our daughter enrolled for the foreseeable future.
I’m incredibly grateful for everything LMS has done for our family, and I stand firmly in support of Maria and her dedicated team.
From one of our Tutors: Phil
Teaching at LMS has been as good for me as it has been for the students. The school has a great combination of a basic curriculum as well as a very special education in the arts. Music, theatre, foreign languages, dance, and opportunity for students to explore. I teach math for preschoolers through high school level. Part of the advantage of LMS is having one on one sessions with students who have special needs or special interests, that the teachers can accommodate during the school day. There are also private lessons
for a variety of musical instruments and other subjects. I have been teaching at the school for almost ten years and I have enjoyed being part of the LMS family.
From one of our Tutors: Zifeng
As a teacher at The Language and Music School (LMS), what I share here comes from my own observations and heartfelt experiences. LMS is truly a place filled with love, respect, and care. Ms. Maria Emilia is wholeheartedly dedicated to creating an inclusive, welcoming, and warm environment where every child and teacher feels comfortable and supported. The needs of all students are met with great attention and compassion. There were times when Ms. Maria Emilia provided coats to children just in case they felt cold outside or offered snacks to ensure they had the energy to enjoy and complete their day of learning. She treats each child as if they were her own, and it’s clear that every student at LMS feels a deep sense of belonging and security. Her genuine care for the well-being of the children shines through in everything she does—she wants every student to live a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life.
Learning at LMS is never a burden. Instead, it’s a joyful and engaging experience. Students participate in hands-on activities, explore real-life connections, play educational games, and engage in fun experiments. Throughout the year, the school hosts exciting events like the student concert, where children collaborate, express their creativity, and showcase their talents.
Education at LMS extends far beyond academics. The school nurtures emotional intelligence, social skills, and personal growth. If I were a child again, I would be truly thrilled to be a student at LMS.