Auxiliary Programs
Washington Montessori School
New Preston, Connecticut
Getting Started
Complement your child’s education journey with education that goes beyond traditional hours.
Our auxiliary programs have evolved over the years to include a variety of flexible childcare and enrichment options available both before and after school hours. These programs are available to our Elementary, Lower School, and YCC students. Middle School after-school programs, though optional, are considered part of the school day.
Morning Care
Childcare is available on both a regular and drop-in basis Mondays through Fridays beginning at 7:45 AM. Beforecare is held in our Community Room until classrooms open for the day. Younger students are guided to their classrooms, while older students walk independently.
YCC Wednesday Care
Wednesdays are a half-day for all YCC students with dismissal at 11:35 AM. Families needing care until 3 pm can register for YCC Wednesday Care. This program functions as an extension of the YCC day and offers students lunch time, nap, and pick up at 3 PM. (If students need care beyond 3 PM., they may be signed up for Aftercare, which runs from 3-5 PM).
After Care
Aftercare is available on both a regular and drop-in basis from 3-5 PM.
Enrichment
A variety of Enrichment programs are available for Lower School and Elementary students. Enrichment classes run on a trimester schedule. Enrichment fees vary.
See 25-26 Enrichments below.
SPRING ENRICHMENTS
25-26
Spring Enrichment classes run from March 23, 2026, through June 5th 2026.
Lower School
Art with Melani (for P1-P3): Create a variety of crafts — including collage and jewelry — with Melani King.
Lower Elementary
Pilobulus: Join Pilobolus for a playful, high-energy movement class where students explore creativity, collaboration, and communication through guided games, improvisation, and physical storytelling. Led by Pilobolus teaching artist, Melody Green, this weekly class helps children express themselves, build confidence, and connect with others—all while having fun and staying active. No dance experience needed, just a willingness to move!
Explorations in STEM: Let your imagination run wild and build engineer-designed projects using tens of thousands of LEGO® parts! Under the guidance of experts from PlayWell, children will have the opportunity to use special LEGO pieces to bring their unique designs to life.
Upper Elementary
Pilobolus: Join Pilobolus for a playful, high-energy movement class where students explore creativity, collaboration, and communication through guided games, improvisation, and physical storytelling. Led by Pilobolus teaching artist Melody Green, this weekly class helps children express themselves, build confidence, and connect with others—all while having fun and staying active. No dance experience needed, just a willingness to move!
WMS Running Club
For many children, running before school starts is a great way to focus and prepare their brains for a productive morning of learning. On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings, the WMS Running Club — open to all Lower School, Lower Elementary, and Upper Elementary students — embarks on a group run around one of the many fields and trails on campus, guided by Athletic Director Greg DeRosa.
Lower School
Movement and Performance (for P2-P3): Swing, sway, hop, skip, and run to your favorite tunes during Movement and Performance with Kait. Music is student-selected, and the emphasis is on movement and activity rather than specific dance forms. There is a celebration and performance in the last weeks of the trimester that will be announced after the class begins.
Lower Elementary
Movement and Performance: Swing, sway, hop, skip, and run to your favorite tunes during Movement and Performance with Kait. Music is student-selected, and the emphasis is on movement and activity rather than specific dance forms. There is a celebration and performance in the last weeks of the trimester that will be announced after the class begins.
Cocina Divertida (for 2nd-5th years): ¡Cocina Divertida con Abby! Cook en Español with Abby in the WMS Kitchen, exploring a different dish from Central and South America each week!
Upper Elementary
LEGO Robotics: Learn all about the LEGO robotics platform called Spike Prime. Children will collaboratively design a competition-grade robot with state-of-the-art technology (with NO artificial intelligence). This program will prepare our roboticists and school for future competitions in the state FIRST robotics competition.
Cocina Divertida (for 2nd-5th years): ¡Cocina Divertida con Abby! Cook en Español with Abby in the WMS Kitchen, exploring a different dish from Central and South America each week!
Study Hall: A place to get homework done in a quiet, structured environment. Led by an Upper Elementary associate teacher.
Lower School
Nature Art and Exploration (for P2-P3): Craft with materials inspired by the great outdoors with Julia! Children participating in this enrichment will be outside every week and should come with appropriate clothing.
Lower Elementary
Art with Kait: Follow your own creativity while exploring 3D sculpture and ceramic art with Kait!
Yoga with ah Yoga: Join ah Yoga’s Anne Hungerford for a 45-minute yoga class, followed by after school recess. No special equipment is required, but comfortable clothes that allow for free movement are a must. This enrichment is split in half between our regular After Care schedule and the group lesson with ah Yoga. Please expect your learner to be with their Yoga teacher until 4 PM and at After Care until pick-up at 5 PM.
WMS Running Club
For many children, running before school starts is a great way to focus and prepare their brains for a productive morning of learning. On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings, the WMS Running Club — open to all Lower School, Lower Elementary, and Upper Elementary students — embarks on a group run around one of the many fields and trails on campus, guided by Athletic Director Greg DeRosa.
Lower School
World of Puppetry (for P3s): This exciting new program, led by a professional puppeteer from Sova Dance & Puppet Theater, invites students to explore the world of puppetry through hands-on experiential learning! Students will have the opportunity to make tabletop, rod, hand, and shadow puppets, and at least one easy-to-make marionette. Spanning the globe, this art form allows for a playful approach to after-school learning while giving students the creative freedom to bring their imaginations to life.
Lower Elementary
Chess (for 2nd and 3rd years): Chess is the game of thinking. It has been proven to improve math and reading skills, and develop memory, concentration, focus and logical thinking. This class will involve playing and learning, with an emphasis on the rules and basic skills of Chess. This program is offered by Connecticut Kids Play Chess, Inc. (CKPCI), one of the largest chess teaching organizations in Connecticut. The founder and owner is Glenn Budzinski, a chess teacher, Expert-rated player, and certified chess tournament director for over 40 years. CKPCI instructors hold PhDs, are certified teachers, or experienced, competitive chess players who teach chess based on a proven curriculum developed by Mr. Budzinski.
World of Puppetry (for 1st and 2nd years): This exciting new program, led by a professional puppeteer from Sova Dance & Puppet Theater, invites students to explore the world of puppetry through hands-on experiential learning! Students will have the opportunity to make tabletop, rod, hand, and shadow puppets, and at least one easy-to-make marionette. Spanning the globe, this art form allows for a playful approach to after-school learning while giving students the creative freedom to bring their imaginations to life.
Field Games and Sports (2nd-5th years) – Come and play a selection of active, outdoor games and sports each week. Emphasis is on being active and outdoors, not on competition. Students should be prepared to play outside for an extended time, rain or shine.
Upper Elementary
Field Games and Sports (2nd-5th years) – Come and play a selection of active, outdoor games and sports each week. Emphasis is on being active and outdoors, not on competition. Students should be prepared to play outside for an extended time, rain or shine.
Study Hall: A place to get homework done in a quiet, structured environment. Led by an Upper Elementary associate teacher.
Lower Elementary
Fencing with Team USA’s Jess Davis: Join Team USA Olympic fencer Jess Davis for a 45-minute fencing lesson exploring the fundamental strategies of Épée fencing with real equipment. Please expect your learner to have their group fencing lesson between 3:15-4:00 PM and to be with After Care until pick-up at 5 PM. Private lessons are available at WMS for interested students for an extra fee; please inquire with TJ Vanek for availability.
Upper Elementary
Fencing with Team USA’s Jess Davis: Join Team USA Olympic Fencer Jess Davis for a 45-minute fencing lesson exploring the fundamental strategies of Epee fencing with real equipment. Please plan for your learner to have recess with After Care from 3:15-3:55 and their group fencing lesson between 4-5 PM. Private lessons are available at WMS for interested students for an extra fee; please inquire with TJ Vanek for availability.
WMS Running Club
For many children, running before school starts is a great way to focus and prepare their brains for a productive morning of learning. On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings, the WMS Running Club — open to all Lower School, Lower Elementary, and Upper Elementary students — embarks on a group run around one of the many fields and trails on campus, guided by Athletic Director Greg DeRosa.