What Does an Affinity Space Look Like at a Montessori School?Washington Montessori School
New Preston, Connecticut

What’s an Affinity Space?

In a Montessori classroom, educators maintain a careful and thoughtful balance between individuals and the group as a whole. Rather than privileging one over the other, we create a space where the collective experience is heightened and strengthened by the individual contribution and identity of each child.

In a Cherish and Change meeting, one parent described the school’s approach in this way: “an unconditional positive regard for children is assumed.” This is the precise foundation on which a WMS education is built.

As Montessorians, we understand the constant ebb and flow of a child’s development. As children move through the planes of development, we watch their skills grow and interests deepen. We also see each child develop a sense of individual and group identity. That identity is both rooted in personality and in the social identifiers that shape us all. 

Affinity spaces are places where people who share a similar identity, background, or experience can gather and learn in community. Many affinity groups form to drive change, solve problems, or provide a safe space for open dialogue.

At WMS, we have several active affinity groups for both students and parents, and we are always looking to create more opportunities for meaningful community connection. Please reach out if you have any questions about affinity spaces or requests for additional affinity groups at WMS. 

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