Williamsburg Montessori School

Jun 2024 update: (In Progress) Jan 2024: Post COVID review. Our little one has gone to this school starting in the Nido (starting around 8 months), Toddler community (1-2yrs), and now Children's House (3-6yrs). What stood out to us about WMS is that the school is heavily invested in your child's development for the long term. Unlike a lot of other nurseries/preschools that end at 4 or 5 years old, WMS operates under the assumption that your child could stay until the are 12. The head of the school is a parent herself and imo is dedicated, compassionate and no-nonsense. Pros and cons (depending on everyone's different perspective): + Sense of community. A handful of teachers are parents to kids that go to the school themselves. There are opportunities to volunteer at the school (ex. library), social events, parenting classes (ex. positive parenting, gentle potty training). + Diversity/Language. The school cares heavily about DEI and fostering a diverse community both culturally and social-economically (there is financial aid). -/+ Low tech. WMS uses transparent classroom for photos/individual student progress, phone calls, emails, "Signup Genius". They will accept email attachment or paper forms. In person meetings needs to be scheduled over email. A virtual calendar was just created (6.2024) and being managed by a mom. There is a WhatsApp group for parents to connect but there isn't a direct/app/text access to the teachers for easy back and forth communication. The pro side to this is that you know that the teachers aren't being pinged by potentially 40+ other parents. +/- Very Montessori-focused. A lot of time and money spent on adhering to the Montessori philosophy and the school is working on getting fully certified. If your child thrives with unstructured play and you cringe at the words "work cycle" then the school may not be the best fit =).. -/+ Schedule/Cost. Because it is also an Elementary school, WMS abides by DOE standards (this means there are a LOT of days off throughout the school year). On the positive side, some guides/floaters offer babysitting which is amazing because they already have a connection with your child and you feel safe that your little one is being looked after by a someone who is already vetted and qualified.

This is a top notch school in the area. Our daughter started going to Williamsburg Montessori at the start of the year. She started in their Nido program and is currently in the One’s classroom. We have had a very pleasant experience sending our daughter here. One thing that immediately stands out is that the school is very well organized. The teachers are genuinely interested in the well being of the child. Overall no complaints!

Absolutely love love love this school! Everything is carefully thought out and planned out, and the after care activities are on point. My kids are enjoying learning to cook (my 1 year old helped bake blueberry cake this week, and my 3 yo baked pumpkin bread a couple of weeks ago). My two year old taught me how to meditate 🧘‍♀️ based on techniques she learned at school. My 1yo cleans up his table, eats independently and is potty training! I’m so proud of his progress. The staff is A++++ we are so happy at Williamsburg Montessori

Updating: We are still attending with a now 5 & 7yo & are just as happy as ever. The school is growing & the 1st-6th grade students just moved into a new building a couple blocks away on Broadway. Guides here truly take the time to know each & ever child & follow their lead as they progress in their education. Administration is always available to answer your questions or concerns. If you are looking for a real authentic Montessori experience this is your school. WMS will soon have dual accreditation from American Montessori Society & Middle States. Which speaks to its dedication & experience with the Montessori pedagogy. Children here get lots of outdoor time, elementary children have many extracurricular activities (art, dance, cooking, soccer, Spanish). The parent community is so warm & welcoming you can find many parents & children in the local playgrounds after school. There are many planned events for children & families throughout the year. We love being part of this school community & watching WMS grow. I have nothing but great things to say about WMS! My son joined the school in the 2's & is now in his 3rd year at the school. My daughter joined 2's this year & had the choice between a full Spanish language room or English. We chose the 100% Spanish room even though we don't speak any Spanish. We felt like exposure to language could never be a bad thing. Plus dual language is continued into the children's house classrooms so she will continue to develop it in the coming years. Ms. Becky became director last year & really has a strong vision for the school & has handled covid in stride. We have really transparent contracts that indicate what happens tuition wise for pandemic related shutdowns. For flexibility tuition is now charged monthly. The student teacher ratio is low & I feel my children get plenty of attention. It's also an accredited Montessori school which was important to me since Montessori is not copyrighted & any school can put that word up on their sign without being a true Montessori program. The children gave access to a library & can bring books home, an indoor gym space & nature relaxation space. They go outside everyday except in dangerous weather & utilize the ferry landing, Domino Park & Jacobs Ladder park. In non covid times they would make trips to the local grocery & purchase ingredients to make something such as guacamole & did visit playgrounds as well. Now they have play time outside but also do nature based studies, composting at domino park & painting in the rain just to name a few. There has been some restructuring & its feeling really solid. The teachers are dedicated & very communicative. Since we can't go inside this year for drop off/ pickup we have a great app that is Montessori specific & we get pictures daily with little blurbs of what they are working on & the teachers can tag the Montessori works & parents can click on those tabs & learn more about what that work helps develop etc... In addition we get emails frequently & our emails are always welcomed & responded to. Another thing that one might consider is WMS Montessori program extends to the elementary years (many other schools stop at 5yo) while originally we thought we'd be here a couple years & done we love having the option to continue into the elementary years & stay part of the community. In non covid times there was also a strong parent/guide association & room parents. My children have learned so much, they are independent willing workers & they truly enjoy every day here. We feel part of a community here & only have great things to say.l

Our 5 year-old daughter has been here for two years. Her teachers are wonderful and we think it's one of the best-kept secrets in Brooklyn schools.