Our classroom practices include mixed-age groupings, a focus on global education, valuing teacher observations and classroom research, and careful design of the environment and materials. These practices empower all participants (children, parents, teachers) as collaborators, teachers and learners. When you observe our classrooms, you see children initiating and doing and talking and collaborating. The day is theirs; the room is theirs-with its floor mats, child-sized tables, attractive materials and accessible storage shelves.

Mixed-age groupings enable children to learn from one another, gain autonomy, and develop positive self-esteem. Having an ethnic, social and economic mix in our classrooms prepares children to accept, respect and understand themselves in our diverse society. WSMS classrooms are integrated by sex, age, ethnicity, race, religion, economic status and temperament. We create communities in which everyone learns, works, shares and celebrates together.

Classroom activities are carefully designed to focus on the development and integration of specific skills and concepts. Active engagement with hands-on tasks supports the growth of problem-solving strategies, innovation, collaboration, reflection, and a positive disposition toward “figuring things out” - qualities needed throughout life.

Each classroom has two or three teachers, at least one of whom is Montessori certified. We also have movement and nature specialists plus student teachers from New York University and various Montessori Teacher Education Programs.

 Active engagement with hands-on tasks supports the growth of a positive disposition toward "figuring things out."