WELCOME TO CONNECTICUT’S
Washington Montessori School New Preston, Connecticut
Independence. Belonging. Purpose.
WMS is a community of learners, from toddlers to Middle School, rooted in the innovative approach to education designed by Dr. Maria Montessori. Our community of teachers and families focuses on individual and collective growth.
Launa Schweizer
Head of School
At WMS, each student matters. Each student learns through a deep engagement with the material, developing a sturdy, flexible and powerful understanding of the world around them. Students learn to make choices and take responsibility. As a result, they go on to become responsible global citizens who lead fulfilling lives.
At WMS, the community also matters. We know that we all benefit from the strength of a shared commitment to high standards, deep compassion, and mutual respect. Our program is supported by a diverse and deeply rooted community of educators and families.
I hope that you will reach out to us and engage in personal conversations about our teachers, our students, and the community, in order to truly discover how Montessori matters. I look forward to hearing from you.
Mission
Washington Montessori School creates an inclusive and joyful environment, supported by a deeply rooted community of families and educators, where children embrace their individual and collective potential and prepare to live with integrity in a changing world.
Vision
“The child is both a hope and a promise for mankind.”
— Maria Montessori
Mission
Washington Montessori School creates an inclusive and joyful environment, supported by a deeply rooted community of families and educators, where children embrace their individual and collective potential and prepare to live with integrity in a changing world.
Values
Independence
When given responsibility, agency, and freedom within limits, children develop resilience, confidence, flexibility, and self-reliance.
Belonging
Mutual respect, compassion, empathy, collaboration, and kindness build an environment of trust in which a diverse group of individuals can thrive. Montessori’s reverence for human potential inspires our unconditional positive regard for children.
Purpose
Our prepared environment creates space for children to be curious, creative, active learners who engage with their own education, pursue excellence, and chart their course in an evolving world.
Outcomes
As a result, our students become lifelong learners who…
- Thrive academically and personally, intrinsically motivated by the joy of learning;
- understand who they are;
- value other people, treating them with dignity and kindness;
- believe in their ability to solve problems and contribute to the world in positive ways;
- see life as filled with possibility.
Our Roots
At Washington Montessori School, we nurture academic excellence through Montessori principles, value inclusive community, and empower students for responsible, fulfilling lives.
1965
Washington Montessori School Is Founded
Elvira and Otis Charles, with guidance from Helen Parkhurst, establish WMS in the basement of St. John’s Church in Washington. The school follows Montessori principles for students aged three to six and is overseen by a dedicated Board of Trustees.
1975
Our First Elementary Program
Pat Werner joins as Head Teacher for the inaugural Lower Elementary class of eight students. Within four years, the program expands to 48 students in 2 classrooms. Pat is named Head of School in 1979 and serves in that role for nearly 40 years.
2003
The New Campus
WMS moves to its current location at 240 Litchfield Turnpike. Our purpose-built school includes a black box theater, full-size gym, and classrooms open to the 48 acres of fields and forest.
2010-2020
Expanding Our Prepared Environment
An outdoor classroom and a system of running and hiking trails, including Pat’s Track, are added to the grounds. The Booth Sportspark is built, with the upper playing field and tennis courts completed in 2016 and the ship added to the Elementary playground in 2017.
Present day
A Thriving School, Committed to Montessori Education
Led by Head of School Launa Schweizer, the school employs 59 staff with an enrollment of over 260 students from toddlers to Grade 8.
Our Alumni
Washington Montessori School has gained a reputation for graduating students who are self-motivated, confident, and curious thinkers, well-prepared to take on the challenges of a rapidly changing world. WMS alumni have attended a wide range of high schools, including local public high schools and the following:
WMS alumni view the school as a “second family,” maintaining connections with teachers and peers beyond graduation.
Visit Alumni Spotlights to learn more.
Related Stories
