Are you interested in learning more about Williamsburg Montessori School? As a part of our Admissions process, prospective families start by visiting our school for a tour for an introduction to the Montessori philosophy and a classroom observation.
Below you will find virtual tours for each of our programs. You can also contact us to schedule an in-person tour. In-person tours are available year-round.
Montessori recognized that even the youngest child has an innate desire to learn and believed that education should begin early so that each child can begin forming his or her identity and begin realizing their unique potential. The WMS Toddler Program allows children ages 18 months to 3 years to develop social skills, emotional growth, physical coordination, and cognitive learning.
Entry into this environment begins gradually, with parent and child coming in together for short periods of time until a foundation of trust is established. This “phasing-in” also supports the parent/child separation process which is a primary task of the toddler period of development. We encourage parents who enroll their children in the WMS Toddler Program to provide a home environment which is consistent with the Montessori philosophy of child development.
The Toddler Curriculum is based on four developmental areas: sensory and perceptual, physical and motor, self-help skills, and social/emotional development.
The Children’s House or preschool program is for children between the ages of three to six who are going through an intense period of cognitive, social, and physical change. All of the lessons and materials are designed so that children learn in the best possible way – by doing. It is a special kind of doing, carefully directed within a beautifully “prepared environment” that calls to the child’s inherent desire to learn. The concrete materials allow children to explore the world through all their senses, and to develop the capacities that set the stage for all future learning: concentration, coordination, order, and independence.
Children in their third year of Children’s House, or kindergarten year, have a special role. As the leaders in the class they help younger students, assume more responsibilities and experience the real world through field trips into the community. They also receive an additional period of afternoon lessons that focus on academics while the younger students nap.
Carefully trained adults respond to the needs of the children with appropriate lessons to support each child’s growth and emerging capabilities. The curriculum in the Children’s House is made up of Practical Life, mathematics, language, Sensorial and cultural studies.
The WMS Elementary School is based on the unique needs of children between the ages of six and twelve. WMS offers students the intellectual, social, and spiritual tools they need to flourish not just in school, but in life beyond school. The curriculum is both broad and deep, fully integrating rigorous academic study with practical work in an atmosphere that fosters social, emotional and intellectual development.
Children entering the elementary years combine vigorous stamina and curiosity with the excitement that comes with mastering the basics of reading and writing, time management, independent work, and harmonious community life. Children spend their days working both individually and collaboratively on a variety of highly engaging projects in the core subject areas of math, language, cultural studies (geography, history, sciences), and practical life. Highly skilled teachers customize research activity, field study, and art and music instruction based on a balance of student interest and the core goals of the curriculum.
The WMS Middle School provides the ideal learning environment for adolescents fostering intellectual, physical, and emotional development (the whole person) and allowing them to pursue their interests while achieving academic and leadership excellence. The Montessori process encourages lifelong learning and an approach to every experience as an opportunity to acquire knowledge, continue personal growth, and positively impact the environment.
The Middle School is housed at 800 Richmond Road and takes advantage of the tremendous resources that both the Watermen’s Museum and York River State Park have to offer. Distinctive features of the program include access to science labs and research-based facilities; partnership with the Waterman’s Museum and other community resources; aquaculture service projects; oyster bed cultivation; and boat building.
The curriculum is designed to equip students with skills, concepts, and habits of mind needed to succeed in high school advanced placement courses and college. All courses of study are hands-on opportunities to engage in meaningful work. Seventh and Eighth graders take high school credit classes depending on their choices and placement. Courses marked with an * indicate a high school credit course.
