JMS has been in existence since 1966 when seven couples joined together to create a Montessori school for the Joliet Area. These couples were Jean and the late Dr. Daniel Baca, Jacqueline and the late James Beirnes, Connie and Robert Brink, Sue and the late Douglas Hutchison, The Honorable Harry Leinenweber and Geraldine Leinenwber, Sue and Dr. Thomas Streitz, and Harriet and Donald Turk.
Originally the school began in rented rooms at the Guardian Angel Home with only two Primary classrooms. The present building at 1600 Root Street, in Crest Hill, opened for children in 1968, and an Elementary classroom was added shortly thereafter in 1969. Enrollment was at 64 children.
We have grown steadily over the years. Subsequent elementary classrooms were added, and in 2005, JMS opened an adolescent program for students ages 12-15. We currently house 148 students, pre-K through 9th years, in two buildings located on campus: the original school building and the recently renovated Adolescent House.
