Frequently Asked Questions
Explore our Admissions FAQs to find answers to commonly asked questions.
What is the Montessori approach?
The core ideas of the Montessori educational philosophy include child-led, hands-on learning, mixed-age groupings, and an emphasis on independence, collaboration, and respect for the child’s abilities and interests. Freedom exists within a structured framework that instills in young children a sense of responsibility and care for the environment and others. While the Montessori approach takes a different shape at each stage – from the gentle, sensory-rich environment of the Infant Toddler classroom to the independence-building Twos Program and the structured exploration of the Early Childhood Program – the same through line stays constant: trust in the child, respect for their pace, and a thoughtfully prepared environment.
How old does my child need to be to apply?
Infant Toddler Program applicants must be at least 3 months old to attend.
Twos Program applicants must be born between December 1, 2024 and September 1, 2025.
Early Childhood Program applicants must be born on or before December 1, 2024.
Can I tour the school before I apply?
Tours of WSMS Early Childhood and WSMS Infant Toddler are for parents who submitted an application.
I submitted an application. What happens next?
After your application has been processed, you will be able to schedule a meeting and tour of one or both of our campuses and meet the Director of Admissions or the Infant Toddler Program Director. If you are applying to our Early Childhood Program, your child will be invited for a visit in January. We do not meet applicants to our Infant Toddler Program and Twos Program.
Do you host Open Houses?
There will be two Open Houses in the fall. Open Houses are for parents who submitted an application. Attendance is optional, but registration is required. For families who wish to learn more about WSMS before applying, we invite you to attend a Virtual Info Session. Details about Open Houses and the Virtual Info Session can be found here.
What happens at the Child Visit in January?
The Group Child Visit is for applicants to the Early Childhood Program only. Your child will spend about 30 minutes in a classroom with a few other children and WSMS teachers. One parent will stay with the child during the visit. Group Child Visits are held on Saturday mornings in January.
What is the Late Afternoon Program?
Children enrolled in our Late Afternoon Program (LAP) begin their day at 8:30 a.m. and end at 5:30 p.m., with options to drop off as early as 8:00 a.m. (Twos and Early Childhood Program) and pick up as late as 6:00 p.m. (Early Childhood Program). LAP is an extension of the enriching experiences children have throughout the day, grounded in friendship, movement, exploration, learning, and familiar relationships. Here is more information about our LAP program.
What are the tuition fees? How is tuition paid?
Here are the tuitions fees for the 2026-27 school year. Fees for the upcoming school year are posted in January. An initial deposit is due with your signed contract, followed by a first payment due in June and a second payment in December. Payment plans are available.
Does WSMS offer Financial Aid?
Yes. 20% of our families receive tuition assistance. Families receiving aid must reapply each year. FA awards are based on demonstrated need and the availability of funds. You can learn more about the process of applying for aid here.
What is the difference between an Academic Year contract and an Extended Year contract?
The Academic Year contract covers the school year, from September through mid-June. The Extended Year contract covers the school year and all Vacation Schools. Families who are not enrolled in Extended Year may still participate in school break sessions have the option to register for those sessions by registering during the year. Please note that Extended Year families are prioritized for Vacation School enrollment.
Does WSMS offer summer, winter, and spring break programming?
Yes. Families enrolled in Extended Year are guaranteed spots in our summer, winter, and spring break Vacation School programs. You can learn more about our Winter, Spring and Summer Vacation Schools here.
Does my child’s schedule have to remain the same every year?
No. You may select a different schedule each year, provided there is space available.
Do Infants and Toddlers transition to a new classroom during the school year, as in traditional daycares?
No. At WSMS, children stay together as a group for the entire year. This continuity is at the core of how we nurture children, providing familiarity, comforting routines, and attachments that help them feel calm and secure.
