Academic

Established in 1988, West Suburban Montessori School is anchored by its proven success with children. It offers a rich educational program geared toward the whole child, facilitated by highly qualified, caring instructors who are accredited by the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI). Our two classrooms are bright and well-equipped with a variety of engaging learning materials, arranged to fully support the learning experiences of all students. There is a specialized focus on the development of students aged three to six. Instructional areas include language and mathematics, with engaging lessons involving culture and geography, practical life, sensorial, history, science, art and music.

The Montessori philosophy recognizes that the most important influence on learning at this age is the child's level of self-motivation. Children naturally move themselves toward learning. While the teacher can prepare the learning environment, provide guidance, and offer stimulation, it is the child who is in control of the learning process, motivating herself to persist with a given task.

Child Care

WSMS provides child care services as an option to families with children enrolled in the regular instructional program. These experiences stimulate creativity as an extension of classroom learning through arts and crafts activities that employ general Montessori principles. These activities are both fun and provide a sense of accomplishment, learning, and growth. Weather permitting, outdoor play occurs both onsite and at nearby Rehm Park. During inclement weather, our large gymnasium is used for games, free play, and other physical activities. Books and music are incorporated daily.

Summer Programs

WSMS provides a summer program as another option to families with children enrolled in the regular instructional program. During this time, children engage in arts and crafts projects, stories, visits to the nearby community park and library, safe indoor and outdoor play, and special theme days (e.g., water day, dress up day). There is also a weekly field trip to an area location.

The summer program is offered from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm and is staffed by the school's childcare teachers. Enrollment can be for mornings only (8:30 to 11:30 am), extended day (8:30 am to 2:30 pm), or full days. Children can be enrolled from one to five days per week, and attend up to the full 13 weeks of the program.

Extra-Curricular Activities

WSMS provides an array of after-school activities as an option to families with children enrolled in the regular instructional program. These extra-curricular classes are provided for a nominal fee, and vary slightly from year to year, dependent upon interest and instructor availability. In the past we have offered dance, music, Spanish, sports, art/drawing, and drama.