In the early 1960s, the late Sandy Dwyer of Mendham, NJ read an article in
The New York Times about Maria Montessori and her teaching methodology.
"I think we need a Montessori school," she told her husband. He encouraged
her to take action and the Westmont legacy began.
Mr. and Mrs. Dwyer found other interested local people who also had young
children. The posting of notices in nearby towns brought over a hundred
parents to a meeting in St. Lawrence Church in Chester, on a freezing cold
night in February of 1964. As a result, a Board of Directors was formed.
Westmont's original class was held locally at the Community Presbyterian
Church. Soon after getting started, enrollment increased dramatically and
Westmont relocated to two different facilities.
