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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At A Glance

General Information

  • Founded in 1963
  • Montessori-based early childhood program for boys and girls ages 2.10 through 6 years old
  • Head of School: Mimi Donohue Basso
    • BA: Trinity College, Washington, DC; MA: New York University, NY, NY
    • American Montessori Society Infant/Toddler and Early Childhood credentials
    • ISAAGNY Co-Chair
    • Parents League Trustee
    • Middle States Association of Colleges and Elementary Schools Advisory Board for Early Childhood Education

Facilities

  • Large, double brownstone on West 92 Street between West End Avenue and Riverside Drive
  • 8 large classrooms, renovated in 2009 to be environmentally and ergonomically sound
  • Full-size gymnasium
  • Rooftop play space
  • Parents Room
  • Full service, institutional kitchen
  • Close to subway (1,2,3 lines) and Riverside Park

Program

  • 225 students enrolled for the 2011-12 academic year
  • 4 programs available, all 5 days per week:
    • AM: 8:30am–12:30pm
    • PM: 1:00–5:00pm (schedule change, starting 2011-12)
    • 9-3: 9:00am–3:00pm Monday-Thursday, 9:00am–12:30pm Friday
    • LAP (Late Afternoon Program): 8:30am–5:30pm
  • Up to 22 children per classroom with 3-4 teachers per classroom
  • 20 % of families receive tuition assistance.
  • Graduates attend a variety of public schools and independent schools throughout New York City.
  • Summer camp and vacation schools

Faculty (2010-11)

  • 43 teachers, of which, 25 are Montessori Certified, 14 are working towards Montessori Certification, 19 have master's degrees and 3 are enrolled in graduate programs.
  • Our teachers represent 15 countries and speak 17 languages.
  • The average number of years of teaching experience is 7.8 years
  • Each classroom is staffed by a Head Teacher, 1-2 Assistant Teachers, and student teachers from WSMS-TEP, our Montessori accredited teacher education program

Accreditations and Memberships

  • Accredited by the American Montessori Society (AMS)
  • Accredited by NYSAIS (New York State Association of Independent Schools)
  • Accredited by Middle States Association of Colleges and Elementary Schools (MSA-CES)
  • Member School, ISAAGNY (Independent School Admission Association of Greater New York
  • Member School, NAIS (National Association of Independent Schools)
  • Member School, Parents League of New York

Cultural, Ethnic and Economic Diversity

West Side Montessori School welcomes students and families of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sexual orientation, national and ethnic origin in administration of their educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs and other school-administered programs.
 
West Side Montessori School | 309 West 92nd Street | New York, New York 10025 | Phone: 212-662-8000 | Fax: 212-662-8323