West River Montessori School

09/01/2026

Enrollment is still open for part and full time preschool! Reach out with questions to [email protected] or fill out an enrollment application through Playground.

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07/31/2026

The new school year is almost here, and enrollment is still open! Visit https://www.westrivermontessori.org or email [email protected] for info.

Welcome to The West River Montessori School. Learn about us, the Montessori Method, and the many ways it benefits our students.

07/10/2026

“Never help a child with a task at which he feels he can succeed.” — Maria Montessori

Why is independence important?

When children are given opportunities to do things for themselves—pour their own water, put on their boots, solve problems, make choices—they begin to develop something bigger than skills: confidence.

Independence teaches children to trust themselves. It builds resilience, concentration, responsibility, and the belief that “I am capable.”

In Montessori, independence doesn’t mean children do everything alone—it means creating opportunities for children to try, make mistakes, practice, and grow with guidance and support.

Sometimes slowing down enough to let a child do it themselves is where the real learning happens

07/06/2026

Why enroll your child in preschool?

Preschool is about so much more than learning letters and numbers.

It’s where children practice being part of a community, build confidence, learn to solve problems, develop friendships, and discover independence. Through play, exploration, and meaningful experiences, they strengthen communication skills, emotional regulation, concentration, and a love of learning.

A quality preschool helps children build the foundation for school—and for life.

The goal isn’t to rush childhood. It’s to give children the time, space, and support to grow into capable, curious, confident learners

07/01/2026

Curious what our school, a historic barn, looks like on the inside? Perspective families are welcome to reach out to schedule a tour to see! Email [email protected]

06/29/2026

Did you know? Child care subsidy may be available to help make early education more affordable for your family.

Many families are surprised to learn they may qualify for financial assistance with child care costs through Vermont’s Child Care Financial Assistance Program (often called subsidy). Eligibility is based on factors such as household size, income, and work or education circumstances, and recent changes have expanded access for more Vermont families. (Child Trends)
At West River Montessori School, we accept subsidy because we believe high-quality early childhood education should be accessible to more families.
If you’re curious whether you qualify, you can learn more, explore eligibility information, or begin the application process here:
CDDIS – Vermont Child Care Financial Assistance
Questions about using subsidy at our program? Reach out—we’re happy to help point you in the right direction.

06/27/2026

So… what is Montessori?

It’s learning by doing. It’s children choosing meaningful work, building independence, exploring with their hands, and discovering that they are capable. Montessori follows the child’s natural curiosity and creates space for confidence and a love of learning to grow.

06/26/2026

🌿 Why is being outdoors so important for young children? 🌿

For children, the outdoors offers something that can’t be fully recreated inside—space to move, explore, wonder, and learn through real experiences.

Time outdoors supports physical development as children climb, balance, carry, dig, and strengthen their coordination. It supports cognitive development by encouraging problem solving, observation, creativity, and curiosity. It also supports social and emotional growth as children practice cooperation, build confidence, and develop resilience.

Nature invites children to slow down and notice details—changing seasons, textures, weather, living things, and the cause-and-effect relationships happening all around them.

In Montessori education, we see the environment as an important teacher. An outdoor classroom creates opportunities for children to engage all of their senses, connect with their surroundings, and experience learning in meaningful, hands-on ways.

Outdoor time isn’t time away from learning—it’s another way children learn.

06/25/2026

What if preschool looked a little different?

What if children had time to wonder, climb, carry, build, ask questions, and follow their curiosity?

What if learning happened with muddy boots, tiny hands in the garden, meaningful work, and teachers who step back just enough for children to discover what they can do for themselves?

At West River Montessori School, our days are filled with moments that might not look like traditional preschool—but they’re full of purpose, independence, connection, and joy.

Schedule a time to visit by emailing [email protected]

Complete an enrollment application at

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06/24/2026

✨ What is Montessori? ✨

Montessori is an educational approach that follows the belief that children learn best through hands-on experiences, independence, and curiosity.

Rather than every child doing the same activity at the same time, Montessori teachers thoughtfully prepare an environment where children can choose purposeful work, build skills at their own pace, and develop confidence through real experiences.

You’ll see children exploring, creating, caring for their environment, solving problems, and learning through movement and discovery.

At West River Montessori School, this extends beyond our classroom walls into our outdoor classroom—where nature becomes part of the learning experience and children can explore, observe, create, and connect with the world around them.