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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Workshops

EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCES


Daytime Drop in Groups: These groups meet once a week in the morning and in the afternoon. They are led by our mental health consultants. In the fall they focus on helping parents and children adjust to school. As the year progresses, the groups determine their own topics.

Adoptive Parents Group is led by one of our mental health consultants. The group holds a meeting in September to plan the year's topics and possible speakers.

Four-part Caregiver Workshop Series
is held in the mornings and repeated in the afternoons. Caregivers may attend whenever possible.

Evening Parent Workshops

Exmissions Series:
Since all our children must leave WSMS for other schools, we developed a comprehensive process to help parents select the best next school for their child, whether it be a public or independent school. The Head of School meets a few times with each family to discuss options, untangle the process and, in general, provide guidance and support.

In early fall (repeated in May), the Head of School conducts an evening meeting focused on the independent school process in NYC. Soon after, we hold public school and independent school alumni/ae evenings at which alum parents discuss their experiences at their current schools.

Parenting Workshops: The following workshops will be presented by one of our mental health consultants, the Head of School, or teachers. We encourage our parents to bring guests.
What Young Children Understand and When (mental health consultant)
Nurturing Your Child's Self-esteem (mental health consultant)
Discipline Dilemmas: Raising Cooperative Children (mental health consultant)
Childhood Sexuality (mental health consultant)
The Montessori Curriculum Workshop (teachers)
 
West Side Montessori School | 309 West 92nd Street | New York, New York 10025 | Phone: 212-662-8000 | Fax: 212-662-8323