We help our young students become:

Blank

 

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.

Read more...
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.’ ”

Read more...
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.”

Read more...
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.

Read more...
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.

Read more...
Program Description

 

WSMS-TEP prepares adults for the American Montessori Society (AMS) Early Childhood (2 ½ through 6 year olds) Credential.

Academic Phase

  • The Academic Phase (300+ hours) consists of non-degree bearing coursework in Montessori theory and practice.  Course Descriptions are outlines on the next page.

The Academic Phase begins with a 3 week Summer Session and continues through the Academic Year with classes held approximately two weekends a month beginning in mid-September through mid-June. After the Academic Phase is completed, students apply their knowledge in a supervised Student Teaching placement in a Montessori classroom.

Classes for the Summer Session meet Monday through Thursday form 8 am – 5 pm; on Fridays from 8 am – 3 pm.  Classes for the Academic Year are held on weekends from 8 am – 6 pm.


Student Teaching Phase

  • The supervised non-degree bearing Student Teaching Phase consists of a minimum of three hours a day, five days a week from September through June.

  • Concurrent with Student Teaching is a monthly Student Teaching Seminar (STS) that takes place on Sundays, from 8:30 am – 1 pm at WSMS.

Student Teaching must take place at an approved Montessori school under the supervision of a Montessori-credentialed teacher.

 
West Side Montessori School | 309 West 92nd Street | New York, New York 10025 | Phone: 212-662-8000 | Fax: 212-662-8323