Program Options:     
Half Day (M-F) 8:30am - 12pm     
​Full Day (M-F) 8:30am - 3:30pm
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Our primary age classrooms (also known by the Montessori term "case dei bambini" or Children's House) for students from 2.9 to 6 years old are at the heart of what we do here.  All children at WMS are enrolled in either one morning or one afternoon Montessori classroom session.  Children in these classrooms experience an academically enriched atmosphere embedded in a well-ordered social community. Older students are completing the vital third year of the Montessori three-year cycle. They gain self-esteem by aiding younger students, while the younger children learn from and emulate their older peers.

The combination of defined social structure and intellectual atmosphere is propelled by the unique ability of children this age to absorb their environment, language, and culture.  Students at this level learn through the use of many manipulative classroom materials introduced through careful teacher guidance. Teachers work with children individually and in small groups, and then allow each child many repetitions with that activity to master its content in depth.  Students develop autonomy in choosing their "work", finding those activities suitable to their developmental needs at different stages. Through the use of carefully prepared materials and activities, in addition to communication with teachers and interaction with peers, children grow in personal independence, concentration, self-motivation, cooperation and a genuine love of learning.

Each classroom is multi-aged, holding true to the traditional Montessori model. This three-year age span has innumerable benefits as children pass through different developmental periods. The younger children are inspired and helped by the older students, often spontaneously “absorbing” concepts simply from being near others’ work. Older students revel in their strengths and abilities and assume roles as helpers and guides to their younger friends. Children will frequently work together and learn from one another.  The three-year span also allows children to stay with the same teachers.  Classroom teachers come to deeply understand every child according to his or her unique qualities. The strong bonds between child and teacher aid the academic, emotional, and social development of the whole child.