Williamsburg Montessori School

4200 Longhill Road

Williamsburg, VA 23188

13 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by other on March 22, 2024

As an alum of WMS, I want to say that my Montessori education was invaluable. What sets Williamsburg Montessori School apart is its curriculum or methodology and the unwavering dedication of its teachers and administrators committed to nurturing each child's potential. One of the standout features of Montessori education is its emphasis on holistic development. Alongside a standard educational curriculum, my Montessori education cultivated an intrinsic motivation to learn, how to ask questions and find answers, and brought insight to how I learn/retain information. I am immensely grateful to the dedicated teachers and administrators - some of whom are still currently at WMS - who nurtured my growth which helped me succeed in public high school and college by providing an environment that encouraged independence and self-discipline. For any families seeking a nurturing, holistic education for their children, I wholeheartedly recommend WMS. Beyond academics, WMS fosters an amazing community of passionate and supportive staff, student peers, and parents that is incomparable to other schools.
Submitted by parent on March 20, 2024

My child has been a student at Williamsburg Montessori School since he was 20 months old. I am consistently blown away by his level of vocabulary, maturity in interactions with peers and adults alike, his autonomy in both school and home environments, and his excitement for learning. He can't wait to tell me about his science lessons and experiments, the new math he's learning, or the animal research he conducted in class that day. His teachers are kind and caring and always open to communicating outside of regularly prescribed times such as progress reports and conferences. Those of us who were educated in traditional pedagogical settings might at first feel uncomfortable with a constructivist pedagogy and following the child, but it's so fulfilling to watch your student blossom with intrinsic motivation, a deep care for the environment, and the grace and courtesy that's imbued in every lesson and interaction.
Submitted by parent on January 12, 2024

Absolutely the best school you can aspire to get your kids into, the not only have strong academics but the kids grow a respectful mindset towards their peers, the environment, I am so happy I sent my 2 girls here, their confidence and independence along with a very strong academic package that allows them to review and revisit lessons or advance faster as they go, I just love this kind of education and all the opportunities the kids have to explore and learn. It takes time to get them into the philosophy but once they get it Boy the fly!
Submitted by parent on November 29, 2023

I don’t really understand where the negative reviews come from, specially when special Kids rejected out right from schools like Walshingham are very welcome to join the Montessori School, I didn’t like the idea at first to get my kids on a class mixed on occasion with special needs children but I see how it builds compassion, anti-bullying, empathy and love, also greatly motivates the kids who in another school setting will be in a completely separate classroom, I have volunteer at many classes and activities and I see first hand what the teachers and aides do to help all kids, myself being the picky parent I am gave this teachers and staff the hardest time last year, but after 1 full year has passed in upper elementary I can see a 180 degree positive change and I am Glad they didn’t give up on me or my kid, now we enjoy amazing work ethic, self control, confidence, compassion, leadership skills, and academically an advanced level that my kid wasn’t ready for last year but completely paid off for this one, I have a kid in middle school as well and doing amazing seeing an advance grade in math and getting high school credits on a foreign language, science programIs the best in the Peninsula, I didn’t learn to study the way my kid does for science until I was in College so I am beyond impressed with the quality of education, and yes it costs the kids effort to get there, most parents like meLast year want magical powered teachers and they really are it just takes time and patience, as humans we tend to want results immediately but never enjoy the process, I am glad I have kept my kids here and I have met many who are now at Lafayette excelling and coming back to give testimony of their amazing experience at Montessori.
Submitted by parent on November 06, 2023

This school has a Toddler, Childrens House, Lower Elementary, Upper Elementary program, and a Middle School. This review is specifically in regards to Upper Elementary. Montessori education is wonderful in many ways, but we feel that WMS is better structured to serve younger students through Grade 3. The Upper Elementary campus struggles to adapt to the many varied needs of growing children between the ages of 9-12. Children with specific learning differences or wanting social emotional support will most likely not find it due to a lack of teacher training and special education services. Parents may find it very frustrating to advocate for their child's needs due to this lack of resources. Communication exists, but it is austere and lackluster. Some parents may feel like squeaky wheel complainers rather than respected members of the school community. There are a few specials such as Art, Music, Spanish, and once a week Physical Education, but all of these programs are under whelming compared to what is offered in other independent schools and public programs. There is no school nurse and few clear safety protocols for emergencies in place. Under no circumstances send your child here if you suspect need support with executive planning or functioning skills. Montessori programs require children to be self driven which works well for some, but it is not for all learners. Children in Upper Elementary do most of their work in the classroom and rarely bring home completed assignments. There is little technology available so it takes many steps to understand what is happening in the classroom each day if you are not a direct part of it. On the flip side- IF you are looking for a small student body, secular program that uses Montessori manipulatives for an extremely organized, independent learner, and you have low expectations, WMS might be a good fit. It also helps if you and/or your child really like knitting.
Submitted by parent on September 23, 2022

As an education professional, my informed view is that this school is abysmal. The student turnover rate is high, and academics are less challenging than the majority of public schools I’ve worked at. School leadership focuses far more attention on fundraising than on academics, which is evident in both the qualification level of administration as well as the experiences of board members. School leadership is deficit in the area of instructional management, which results in disengaged teachers. When teachers at a private school do not feel comfortable sending their children to that same school, this is a strong indicator that something is problematic with that school. There are no external metrics such as standardized tests (which are administered at other local private schools), so it’s easy for the leadership to bury the lack of student academic achievement. I, and many other parents in my child’s class, pulled my child from this school, which was the best decision we could have made for his education. If you’re a parent, ask lots and lots of questions about academics, and don’t accept that teachers feels good about what they are doing as an indicator of rigor.
Submitted by other on September 12, 2016

The teachers and principal are all super at WMS. They are very good at communicating with the parents and offer a truly fun, challenging authentic Montessori curriculum.
Submitted by parent on September 20, 2015

We are huge fans of the Montessori educational program. Hands-on learning and challenging academics are evidenced in ages 18 month through grade 8. The Williamsburg Montessori School offers a tolerant, diverse, and secular educational option for families in the Hampton Roads area. Both of our children have attended since they were 3 and we cannot say enough good things about the experienced, kind faculty, wonderful learning experiences (they do amazing field trips and activities at this school!) and fantastic parent community. We've been really happy here.
Submitted by parent on May 12, 2014

My daughter has been attending Williamsburg Montessori since Lower Elementary and currently is in the Middle School program. It's truly the most remarkable program I've ever seen. Compassion, respect for others, stewardship, and a sense of independence all accompany a rigorous academic program. The students I see graduating from this school have a social maturity I just don't see elsewhere. Outstanding faculty too!
Submitted by parent on June 05, 2013

Both my sons attended WMS from age 3 to 12 for one and 14 for the other and it has been a remarkable experience. I am seeing in them everything I hoped for - confidence, independence, respect for all people, curiosity, problem solving ability, compassion and a huge appetite for academics - all thanks to the method of Montessori education and the dedicated teachers. I am so thankful we invested in this education for the two of them because now they can do anything!
Submitted by parent on June 04, 2013

We started attending WMS six years ago when my eldest child was five and her brother began attending when he was three. I have so many happy things to say about this incredible school. From the kind, nurturing and very experienced faculty, to the beautiful academic program, to the warm and helpful staff and the involved parent community - this place has it all. I love the consistent intellectual challenge in all disciplines, the encouragement of curiosity, the music, art, Spanish and Latin enrichment, as well as the focus on social and emotional development. And finally, the students themselves are amazing - diverse, respectful of one another and excited to learn. I definitely recommend coming for an observation if you are interested!
Submitted by other on June 03, 2013

I went to this school from ages three to four. I am now twenty and have been back to visit twice. Montessori is such a uniquely conceptualized method of teaching and learning; nonetheless, the "follow the child" model contentious for a reason. Williamsburg had struck just the right balance of keeping the supervision and discipline needed for this age group while utilizing the Montessori structure to its full potential. I would go so far as to say that Williamsburg is the ideal that Maria Montessori herself would have envisioned. At twenty, I remember this school so vividly and fondly and am still able to utilize some of the lessons that Angela, Lisa, Mary-Lou and others taught me. For me to have these memories, and to have learned skills at three years old in such a way that they are still meaningful and relevant to my life more than a decade and a half later, speaks to an amazing institution. Sending me to Williamsburg Montessori was one of the best gifts my parents have given me. If you're looking to instill in your child a love of learning, an appropriate sense of confidence, and the value of education, all while still allowing your child to be a child... look no further.
Submitted by parent on April 21, 2010

Excellent school. Fantastic teachers in a loving and supportive environment. Our 3 year old daughter is already writing letters, sounding out words and counting up to 100 by 1's, 5's and 10's. As a result she is very engaged and happy at school and has made many wonderful little friends. The curriculum is rich with a variety of local and world studies along with traditional Montessori lessons. I would highly recommend this school to anyone looking for a enriching, caring and strong academic program for their child.