"At WSMS the warm and welcoming atmosphere starts in the classroom, extends through the entire staff and goes all the way to the wonderful community of families. From day one my son and I have felt WSMS is a second home." - Matt Cote

West Suburban Montessori School offers a small, nurturing environment where children grow and thrive. But WSMS is so much more than a school. We're a vibrant community of parents, alumni families and a dedicated staff. Because we're a not-for-profit, parent-run school, a parent's relationship to WSMS doesn't begin and end with drop-off and pick-up. Parent volunteers are involved in nearly every aspect of the school operation, and that commitment is what has helped us run smoothly and keep tuition costs competitive.

Parent Membership

All parents of children currently enrolled at WSMS are members of the Corporation. Membership duties include classroom observations with parent-teacher conference, fulfillment of financial obligations, compliance with the school's policies, attendance at three membership meetings each year, and the yearly election of the WSMS Parent Board of Directors. Parent members are also strongly encouraged to support the key Montessori tenet of the 3-year enrollment cycle.

Governance by a Parent Board of Directors

The school's Directors and Officers are comprised exclusively of current and former parents/members. The affairs of WSMS are managed under the direction of its Parent Board of Directors, which is elected yearly by the current parent membership.

2009-10 Board of Directors

• Alma Klein, Co-President
• Jani Wescott, Co-President
• Phil DeBush, Treasurer
• Amy Kuehl, Recording Seretary
• Jane Baker, Administrator
• Melanie Brown
• Sally Washlow
• Nancy Hines, Ex-Officio
• Bruce Ulrich, Ex-Officio

Volunteer Committees

Parent committees are established to support the various business and operational areas of the school. Committees include facilities, finance, fundraising (whose purpose is to raise funds for our scholarship program), landscaping, long-range planning, social, marketing and yearbook. The committees' collective efforts to make the school outstanding are something of which we are all very proud.