About
Our School
This photo is from the inauguration of the Church School Building, built in 1925.
who We Are
OUr Mission
At West Suburban Montessori School, we believe that a quality Montessori education is an aid to life and that in committing to the education of the whole child, we are committed to building a better world for future generations and, ultimately, a more peaceful world. We believe in igniting the child's natural curiosity for learning.
OUr HIghly Qualified Faculty
West Suburban Montessori School's highly qualified and AMI Montessori-trained faculty work in collaboration with each child’s caregivers and the local Oak Park/River Forest community and many surrounding communities to support the physical, intellectual, and emotional development of each child, both in and out of the classroom.
Where It All Began
The WSMS Story
WSMS was incorporated in 1988 by Mrs. Niranjana Bashyal, a teacher-trainer, with the intention of providing the Oak Park community with a traditional AMI Montessori School. The school initially rented its current building at 1039 S. East Avenue in Oak Park and subsequently purchased the facility several years later. The vision that Mrs. Bashyal set forth continues, and we look forward to many years in this space.
In 2015, Patty Eggerding and Emily Peterson added the first elementary program for students at WSMS. In 2023, WSMS began its 35th year as an AMI school.
In the summer of 2026, Patty Eggerding retired from her role as Head of School after 14 incredible years at WSMS. Through her many years of service, Mrs. Eggerding helped shape the culture and values that define our school. Her legacy will remain an enduring part of WSMS, and we are committed to carrying it forward.
accreditation
West Suburban Montessori School is proud to be affiliated with and accredited by the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI), headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, with its U.S. office located in Alexandria, Virginia.
Founded by Dr. Maria Montessori in 1929, AMI was established to preserve the integrity of the Montessori approach and maintain the highest standards of educational excellence in Montessori schools around the world. Today, AMI upholds these standards through internationally recognized teacher training, school accreditation, and ongoing support for Montessori educators.
AMI accreditation is awarded only to schools that meet rigorous standards, including:
- AMI-trained Guides at each program level
- Complete, AMI-approved Montessori materials in every classroom
- Faithful implementation of Montessori philosophy and practice
- A commitment to continuous improvement and educational excellence
All WSMS Lead Guides and the Head of School hold AMI Montessori diplomas and are members of the Association Montessori Internationale. They are also members of the North American Montessori Teachers' Association (NAMTA).
In addition, West Suburban Montessori School is a member of the Association of Illinois Montessori Schools (AIMS), the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), and Independent School Management (ISM). WSMS is also registered with the Illinois State Board of Education as a non-public Montessori school.
You can learn more about AMI and AMI/USA here:
WHAT People are saying
Parent Reviews
"My daughter transitioned from a traditional daycare, and it's been an incredible experience for our family. We absolutely love the school and the community the families and educators have built."
— Simona Roe
"We are elated with our experience at West Suburban Montessori School. The teachers and staff truly care about each child as an individual. At WSMS, I know that my daughter is growing up to be a lifelong learner, independent thinker, and compassionate community member."
— Metta and Kurt Carney
