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
"We're extremely grateful for the outstanding childcare available at WSMS. As two parents working full-time, we require a pre-school that offers care before 8:30 a.m. and until 6 p.m. Beyond just offering the hours we need, though, the WSMS childcare program provides a stimulating and fun environment that supports Montessori principles. We feel very comfortable knowing our daughter spends part of her day under the loving (yet firm) supervision of Gloria Nash." - Megan and Bruce Finkleman
WSMS provides child care services as an option to families with children enrolled in the regular instructional program. Our child care room buzzes with activity as children sing songs, express their creativity in arts and crafts projects and gather together for story time and healthy snacks. Weather permitting, the children head outdoors to play onsite or 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 child care teachers. Enrollment can be from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm or 7:00 am to 6:00 pm. 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
For a nominal fee, children can be enrolled in afternoon dance, gym, Spanish, art and music classes taught by local professionals.