Welcome to KMS!
Kenosha Montessori School is a non-profit, non-sectarian, private Montessori school serving the communities of southeast Wisconsin and northeast Illinois. KMS is a full-member school of the American Montessori Society.
At KMS, we strive to provide an atmosphere that encourages learning for life, a peaceful community, independence, curiosity, and creativity by following the philosophy and method established by Dr. Maria Montessori.
History of KMS
Montessori has a long history in Kenosha & Racine counties.
1963
Nancy McCormick Rambusch, the first president of the American Montessori Society, gives a public talk about Montessori education at the Dominican College in Racine.
1966
Mario Montessori, Dr. Maria Montessori’s son, lectures at the Sands Motel in Milwaukee about the method that his mother created. The Kenosha Montessori Society is established in order to create a Montessori school in Kenosha. At this time, 18 children from Kenosha attend the Children’s House at Racine Montessori and many are planning on attending KMS once opened.
1967
Kenosha Montessori School begins its first day of attendance by 16 students on September 11, 1967. The school is located in the basement of St. Matthew’s Guild Hall, 5900 7th Avenue.
The first directress of the school is Betty Ann Kiesner. She received her AMS training under the direction of the first president of AMS, Nancy McCormick Rambusch, at Fairleigh Dickinson University, N.J. The members of the first Board of Directors were pediatrician Dr. David W. Davis (president), Mrs. Elizabeth (Howard) Brown (vice president), Rev. Dennis Day (treasurer), Mrs. Robert Lahr (secretary), attorney Charles J. Richards (legal advisor).
1983
The school moves from its original location at St. Matthew’s Church to St. Joseph High School, 2401 69th Street. An extended day program is added.
1991
The Board of Directors approves the expansion of KMS to include a 6-12 year old classroom.
2015
The Board of Directors approves the expansion of KMS to include an adolescent program.
2016
The Board of Directors approves the formation of a Parent-Teacher Organization.
2017
KMS celebrates 50 years!
KMS has its first 7th graders attending.