We help our young students become:

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Self-Directed Learners

Children have a natural love for learning. At WSMS, we focus on helping children learn how to learn, so they become intrinsically motivated to do so, and retain their zest for knowledge throughout their lives.

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Flexible Thinkers

Developing the ability to think in a flexible way, and to adapt to one’s surroundings, was something Maria Montessori valued greatly: “The person who is developing freely and naturally arrives at a spiritual equilibrium, in which he is master of his actions, just as one who has acquired physical poise can move freely. When he is master of himself he is also flexible in his attitude towards others, and capable of adaptation to the wishes and requirements of others, and of ‘give and take.’ ”

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Creative Problem Solvers

Montessori children are natural and confident problem solvers. They are resourceful, and can come up with imaginative solutions that adults might not think of. Rather than try and mold the child to our adult way of thinking, we believe that he can arrive at informed decisions by using his own innate reasoning skills. As Maria Montessori said, “Leave the child free to make use of his powers and he will show himself capable of success.”

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Empathic Citizens

At WSMS, it is important to us that children grow to be confident, successful, and self-assured individuals, but equally important that they possess empathy and respect for others. Children who develop a social conscience, compassion for others, and a sense of responsibility towards others will change the world for the better, and we work every day to ensure that happens.

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Resilient Individuals

Every child experiences disappointment and failure as he learns and grows, but the way he is helped to respond to these difficult times is key. A resilient child looks at mistakes and disappointments as opportunities to learn, rather than setbacks, and as a result, he approaches life with enthusiasm and confidence. Building resilience is an important part of our work at WSMS.

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Application Process

2011-12 School Year
Children must be born before November 1, 2008 to be eligible for September 2011 enrollment.  We regret that we cannot make exceptions to this policy.

There are 4 steps to our admissions process.

1) Application: Online submission of our application is strongly encouraged. All applications received by January 7, 2011 will be considered with equal care and consideration. In order to schedule a Classroom Observation, Parent Interview and Group Child Visit, an application must be on file. Interested parents may attend an Open House before submitting an application. Please click here to submit your application online.

2) Classroom Observation: Classroom Observations are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays mornings from 9:15 am to 10:30am beginning October 19, 2010 and continuing through January 2011. The Classroom Observation is for parents only. Parents of sibling applicants are not required to attend a Classroom Observation. Upon completion of your online application submission, you will be invited to schedule your Classroom Observation through our online appointment scheduler.

3) Parent Interview:  After your Classroom Observation, you will be invited to schedule your Parent Interview.  During this visit, parents meet with a member of our Admissions Committee.

4) Group Child Visit:  After your Classroom Observation, you will also be invited to schedule your child's visit. At this visit, children participate in a playgroup with WSMS teachers.  Group Child Visits are held on Saturday mornings for new families and on a Friday afternoon for sibling applicants.
 
West Side Montessori School | 309 West 92nd Street | New York, New York 10025 | Phone: 212-662-8000 | Fax: 212-662-8323