History of Wichita Montessori

We have been growing lifelong learners since 1985

Incorporated in 1985, Wichita Montessori School was a dream come to life, initiated by committed parents. Engaging Karen Combs to lead the new school, WMS was invited by Willard and Jean Garvey to share space on the campus of The Independent School. After a few years of teaching students in large closets and any other available space, WMS was given a beautiful home of our own on the campus, where we have been located since the early 1990’s

Mission Statement

Throughout the years, the mission of Wichita Montessori School has remained constant:

To provide a superior educational experience for children from the ages of 3-11, utilizing the Montessori methods of teaching and learning. It is our goal to address the intellectual, emotional, physical, and social growth of each child entrusted to our care. Wichita Montessori School seeks diversity in its enrollment, in the belief that a child benefits from interacting with children of various talents and backgrounds. The school’s non-discriminatory policy insures that boys and girls of any race, color, nationality, or religious preference may enroll in the school.

Since opening our doors, hundreds of children have joined us in our unique pursuit of learning. Our first graduates are now young adults, making their own history.
 

Karen Combs
Administrator Emeritus

For 25 years, Mrs. Combs served as administrator of the school. When she retired in 2011, she had helped to grow WMS from a handful of students and teachers to the approximately 80 students and 11 teachers that make up the school today.

Indranie Weerakoon
Primary Program Director Emeritus

A key component to a Montessori school is a strong Primary Program. Having been a small group student of Dr. Maria Montessori herself, Indranie Weerakoon was just the woman for the task of building our program. She was recruited from Sri Lanka, by way of Minnesota, for the job of Primary Directress where she graciously served for over 25 years.