Washington Montessori School

Washington Montessori cultivates individuality and freedom of expression throughout the curriculum, emphasizing independent learning and creativity. My daughter is 9 and thrives in the multi-age classrooms; she truly loves helping her peers (and learning from them as well). Nature and mindfulness are integral to this community. The parents and teachers work together - I really can't say enough positive things about being part in a community of like-minded parents and having the continual support of the teachers. Everything is tailored, and every student is seen as an individual learner. This is not a one-size-fits-all school. I think it is important to mention that WMS has given us so much in the way of distance learning- the work is engaging, there is a vast amount of work to choose from, and if your child is moving ahead, you can use materials from grades above (or below to get refresh certain skills). It is very flexible (I work full time) and can be adapted for any type of learner. I am a WMS Alum (the 80s) and have been a WMS parent for 4 years; I volunteer heavily to support the school and love doing it. WMS is an exceptional place to grow and learn, for children and parents alike.

Our two children have enjoyed WMS since the elementary level (one graduated, the other within years) garnering friends while growing academically. Each year's experiences are tailored to reflect progress into the next, in what we've discovered is a seamless, academic surge culminating in one of the most remarkable Middle School experiences available - where all they've been guided through becomes their own, and the skills they've learned (organization, application, independence) flourish. Highly recommended - and as early as you can start.

I just can't say enough positive things about this school. My son attended from kindergarten through eighth grade and is presently a senior in high school. He said to me "Mom if I hadn't gone to WMS I wouldn't have been accepted at my high school, and be able to keep up with the work". On top of that, he is still very close with his WMS friends, he loves to to visit his old teachers at WMS and update them on his life . That kind of says it all. I have a happy, thoughtful and kind teenager...thank you WMS!

WMS was a great experience for both of our kids. The school has a welcoming community led by parents that work hard to create an inclusive environment. Academics are appropriately challenging, yet the individualized attention of the teachers allows for students to work at the best pace for their specific learning style. Our children left the school with high character, an ability to advocate for themselves and very much prepared for high school. Every high school we visited raved about WMS alums in terms of character and academic preparedness. Our family highly recommends WMS.

We are nearing the end of our 4th year at WMS. We joined when my older son was starting 4th grade. Because we had moved, this was the third school he had attended in three years, so we were concerned about his transition. However, since his very first day, his teachers and classmates have treated him (and our entire family!) as if he had been there since kindergarten. The entire WMS community is warm and welcoming, and is committed to a comprehensive approach which values the whole child. My boys are now in 7th and 2nd grade and are thriving in the WMS environment which emphasizes hands-on learning and strongly values respect, mindfulness and awareness. The experiences my children have had at WMS are simply amazing. We are grateful every day to have found this wonderful school.

We could not be more pleased with our experience of WMS. Our kids both look forward to getting to school in the morning. They have been exposed to theater and an exceptional music program which has helped them feel comfortable and confident on stage and also helped them assume music and theater are parts of life. The annual work they do to study a continent or an ancient civilization has been fun and informative. The approach to learning spurs their own curiosity and engagement with all sorts of topics. They are truly curious about the world even though we live in a small town. They are both active in local sports teams and look forward to middle school sports at WMS. They also learn kindness and good communication skills through student-led meetings from an early age. We could not be more happy with the way WMS has cared for and nurtured our kids.

As our son graduates and ends his five years at WMS, we could not be more grateful that we sent him there. The only regret is that he did not start sooner! As a family, we are huge fans of the Montessori teaching philosophy, and while our son missed the early years at WMS, these principles are well integrated into the Upper and Middle Schools and translate well for the older students, too. WMS has the most qualified, invested, nurturing, insightful and receptive teachers and staff, who clearly want every child to succeed. Students learn through trial and error, are supported and guided through the process of learning and discovery, and are helped to be independent and take ownership of their learning. The program is extremely intentional, starting from the early years through the last, with consistent themes and subjects built upon and expanded as students graduate from one class/grade to another, taking on greater academic challenges. The curriculum is well developed, hands-on, and supported and enhanced with wonderful resources and meaningful, outside experiences. As parents, we have also had the privilege of spending time in the younger classrooms, and these Montessori principles are well rooted and students as young as 18 months are showing incredible independence, responsibility, compassion and awareness. The WMS program and community are exceptionally enriching and stimulating for its students as well as families, and beyond its educational mission, WMS has cultivated an incredible community which includes the faculty, students, parents, and alumni. We could not be more honored to be part of WMS and recommend it as one of the best gifts you will ever give your child!

We are in our second year at this school with two children. I cannot speak highly enough about the level of care, support, and energy that comes from the teachers. We have been very happy with the ways in which our teachers have handled mean girl play, illness, and learning differences. . This is a progressive school and its approach is not for everyone. But for those families that are looking for a more nurturing and nimble education environment this school is for you.