Wilmington Montessori School

I have one WMS one graduate from 6th grade and three kids in the elementary program and the education is excellent. My oldest easily transitioned to the academics at Friends because WMS not only helped him learn academics, but he has become a self directed learner (just like the WMS literature says!). My other kids love learning - they are so proud of their language and math accomplishments. They progress at their own speed which keeps them interested. And they work with other kids in the class - sometimes helping others, sometimes being helped, which makes the kids feel like part of a vibrant classroom community. The teachers are intelligent, caring and supportive - every child feels celebrated for who they are. The parent community is strong, and the co-op requirement helps us all get involved. WMS has truly been a joyful experience for me as a parent, and for my kids.
—Submitted by a parent

We visited other Montessori schools, and can say with conviction that from the devoted teachers to the helpful staff to the Montessori teaching style, there is no better elementary school in the state of Delaware.
—Submitted by a parent

Both of our daughters attended WMS since pre-school, with truly amazing results. Both have developed a true love for learning and read confidently AND for pleasure far above expected level. With the physical expression of numbers and value learning principle of Montessori in early childhood development, their understanding of mathematics is extraordinarily well developed for their age. Montessori method works! The school is very well staffed and the children are nurtured not just taught. As a result, both they and their peers have developed into self motivated and eager learners who take on new subject and new responsibilities with joy! Parent cooperatives really make this school feel more like a community of friends and family than any school around! It has been a true pleasure to be involved at WMS, I really couldn't be more pleased with my own personal experiences or more proud of my children achievements, and of their peers, all fine little citizens of the world.
—Submitted by a parent

our child is in the toddler program, and it has turned out to be an excellent experience for our kid. the school has tremendous resources: library/librarian, gym/p/e teacher, artist in residence, strong music program with "Music Kelly" better than any gymboree type program. kids learn about the world, the environment, self control, manners, confidence, and most importantly: self respect. My 2 year old is reading basic words like Go and Cat, and I give a lot of credit to the school. WMS offers a good value for the amount of tuition paid. As an unexpected bonus: we love all the parents and have become friends with many.
—Submitted by a parent

Wonderful staff; great community environment; very welcoming; many extra curricular programs; safe; program allows for individualized learning

The preschool was wonderful but the Kindergardena nd elementary school curriculum were lacking. My child struggled with reading and WMS said they could teach him to read but they never figured out how to teach to his learning style and even as a 2nd grader he lacked all basic reading skills. Ultimately we had to take him out of WMS to address his reading issues.
—Submitted by a parent

I have all three of my children in WMS. Our oldest started in 2004, we tried Mullica Hill Friends in 2005 and returned to WMS in 2006. What an excellent place for you kids to grow in. All three are VERY different but they have all blossomed here. They offer so much and it's such a community atmosphere.
—Submitted by a parent

Both of my children attend WMS. I am extremely happy with the quality of education that they receive and the manner that they are taught, meaning the Montessori method. The school is fully AMS accredited school and has at least one AMS accredited teacher in every classroom, and sometimes two (including the assistant) which is a high standard compared to other accredited schools.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children enrolled at Wilmington Montessori school. I am impressed with the teaching staff at all levels. I attended a Montessori 'Journey' program held at the school and was able to see firsthand how the Montessori Method develops children from infant/toddler through the elementary program (up to age 12). I wish I had been taught this way in this kind of encouraging, interesting, respectful, and challenging environment. Not only do I have a fuller appreciation of the Montessori Method in general, but I also appreciate the teachers at Wilmington Montessori specifically.
—Submitted by a parent

My family moved here several years ago and after an exhaustive search of private schools in Wilmington we chose WMS. Our daughter was in 2nd grade when we enrolled her and although our she attended a small private school, she was not familiar with Montessori method or curriculum. Not only is she flourishing academically but through the parent co-op program we met other families and felt part of the school community almost at once. The teachers and adminstative staff are dedicated to providing the best educational experience for their students. There is a positive energy that is evident everytime I walk through the door. We are so happy we chose WMS!
—Submitted by a parent

I am the proud parent of 2 current WMS students (preschool and 4th grade) and one recent graduate. Wilmington Montessori School has an excellent program that develops independent, resilient, socially responsible, highly capable young people. The program is tailor-made to fit the needs of students who display a wide range of giftings & talents. I have seen my children develop into students who love learning and look forward to going to school everyday. I think what sets this program apart from others is not only the relevant, challenging Montessori curriculum., but the level of professionalism and expertise of the very talented teaching staff.
—Submitted by a parent

We are very happy with our Wilmington Montessori School experience. My daughter is currently enrolled as a first grade student, and we could not be more thrilled with the level of attention she receives from her teachers. As a Montessori based school, the curriculum allows her to progress at her own pace, yet always encourages her to challenge herself. In addition to the teaching staff however, we have met other fantastic parents and families that contribute their time and energy to the school, enhancing the learning environment and school facility. Just as a point of reference, we have other children and many different school experiences, including other independent schools and public schools. Wilmington Montessori has been the best choice for our child in terms of the quality of the teachers and learning environment, the school's commitment to the child, the faculty interaction with students and overall school environment.
—Submitted by a parent

My issue with one of the teacher is a lack of respect for the parents and I do see favoritism going on. Ultimately it's the curriculum that was a major disappointment. There are 2 or 3 teachers in the preschool level that seem to do a good job teaching the right mix of academics/social but the teacher we were stuck with, left us wondering how the school is different than any run-of-the-mill daycare. Yes, it's a beautiful campus with great facilities but at the end of the day it is a lot of fluff. We have since placed our children in another (smaller) Montesosori school and the difference has been tremendous.
—Submitted by a parent

Our children received an absolutely fabulous preschool experience here. They left for Kindergarten well rounded, well read and aware of the world. It was definitely worth the money during those formative years.
—Submitted by a parent

I and my wife have a great opinion of this school. Our 5 year old daughter has attended the last two years here and has really flourished. The teachers are great and caring. The facilities and programs are excellent.
—Submitted by a parent

Extraordinarily good toddler and preschool program and the school's before and aftercare programs are very sensitive to needs of parents. Co-op format was great for parental involvement.
—Submitted by a parent

Wilmington Montessori offers an amazing program, one that respects the child's instinctive desire to learn. As a parent cooperative school it is as much a community as a school. Children begin a path here to become life-long learners and happy, self-sufficient people.
—Submitted by a parent