WMS is a source of support and education for parents, family members, and caregivers. We believe that educating children requires partnership and trust among teachers, administrators, and families. With that in mind, we offer a variety of events throughout the year, including discussions and educational programs about Montessori philosophy and relevant parenting topics, community-building family gatherings, fundraising events that support WMS and its programs, and social opportunities for parents.
The purpose of Welcome to…Nights is to present our approach to teaching at each level and to help parents understand both the curriculum and how WMS meets the needs of children at each developmental stage. Please feel free to attend more than one session if you’d like a more comprehensive understanding of the continuity of a WMS education.
Childcare available.
You are invited to hear about the strengths of a WMS education from a panel of experts – local educators & WMS alumni – on January 28 at 7:30 PM. Please join this virtual panel to learn more about how WMS students are prepared for high school and beyond.
The Voyage is a guided experience designed to help parents understand how the Montessori method works by placing them in a child’s shoes. It involves a visit to a classroom in each of five levels, where parents can observe and even participate in the kinds of activities children engage in every day. It’s structured as a hands-on event and includes opportunities to interact with Montessori materials, observe lessons, and engage with teachers.
By walking in a child’s shoes, parents come to see the beauty of Montessori education and not only how it nurtures curiosity, independence, and a love for learning, but also how it prepares students for high school and beyond. It’s often an eye-opening and deeply rewarding experience!
The WMS Annual auction is a wonderful opportunity to gather with fellow members of our community in support of our school.
After the Annual Fund, the auction is our second largest fundraiser, helping meet our operating costs. And if you like parties or bidding on unique items, it’s a lot of fun! We also sell tickets to “gatherings,” which are parties hosted throughout the year by WMS families.
Save the date and stay tuned for more information on the 2025 Auction!
The WMS Moving Up Ceremony recognizes the children moving up to a new level. All of our LS through MS students will gather in the gym together for this WMS tradition. If your child is moving up a level, we hope you can join us! If your child is not moving up, this is by no means a “command performance”; your child will be sitting with their classmates, so they won’t miss you if you don’t attend. Nevertheless, the beauty of the ceremony and the intention with which it kicks off the summer vacation is worth seeing if you have the time.
Students, parents, and caregivers are invited to bring a picnic and enjoy waterslides, Chet’s Italian Ice and each other’s company as we close out the school year together.
Everyone Welcome! Parenting Unplugged is a casual yet informative, supportive yet fun way to gather with fellow WMS parents and dish on the ups and downs of parenting. We all know parenting can be as stressful as it is joyful, as challenging as it is rewarding. Whether our children are in YCC or Middle School, we parents need all the help we can get, as it truly does take a village. Fortunately for us at WMS, we have one! Parenting Unplugged is a safe place to gather, unwind and talk. Whether you come weekly or just once in a while, whether you speak up, or just listen, there is always much to gain. We also laugh a lot! “Parenting, Unplugged” is facilitated by WMS past parent Martha Beck and certified life coach, Tal Fagin.
Every December the WMS community comes together to make a splash for a good cause. With all proceeds going to support tuition assistance and scholarship, the Polar Plunge is a fun and slightly crazy event where students, parents, teachers and, yes, even the Head of School, jump into the frigid waters of Lake Waramaug. Support comes from a range of generous sponsors and the brave individuals who pay to plunge. Come on in, the water’s fine!
Washington Montessori has a strong commitment to the principles and practices of diversity, including diversifying our student population geographically and socioeconomically. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, gender, sexual orientation, national and ethnic origin, or physical or mental disability status in the administration of our educational and admissions policies or other school-administered programs.
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