West Side Montessori

08/31/2026

Happy Birthday, Dr. Maria Montessori.

Today we celebrate the visionary who reminded the world that children thrive when given freedom, dignity, and meaningful work. Her belief in the child’s natural curiosity continues to guide our classrooms, our outdoor environments, and the way we honor each child’s unique path.
We’re grateful for her legacy — and for the joyful, purposeful learning we see every day because of it.

08/25/2026

Education for life. This week, our middle school students took full ownership of their camp meals—planning menus, calculating portions based on the number of people, creating a detailed shopping list, setting a realistic budget, and heading to the store to purchase everything themselves. It’s real work with real purpose, and it’s exactly what sets Montessori apart.

When students engage in meaningful, hands-on experiences like this, they’re not just preparing meals… they’re preparing for life.

08/25/2026

Happy Tuesday morning!

Our students begin their day by moving their bodies on our natural playground, giving them space to stretch, breathe, and settle into themselves before heading into the classroom. It’s a simple ritual that grounds them, builds focus, and honors the Montessori belief that movement is an essential part of learning.

08/24/2026

The Montessori Opening Ceremony is a cherished Upper Elementary tradition that sets the tone for the year ahead. It symbolizes the leadership expected of our sixth graders and celebrates the growth, responsibility, and community that define this stage of Montessori education.

During the ceremony, sixth graders light the candles of the fifth graders, and the fifth graders light the candles of the fourth graders—an intentional act that represents how we guide, support, and inspire one another. It’s a beautiful reminder that every child has something meaningful to contribute, and that our classroom community thrives when we pour into each other with encouragement and care.

08/21/2026

The Great Lesson of the Big Bang holds a special place in Montessori education because it invites children to step into a sense of wonder about the origins of the universe. By beginning the year with this cosmic story, we help students see themselves as part of something vast, interconnected, and purposeful. The lesson sparks curiosity, encourages big questions, and lays the foundation for understanding how science, history, and life itself are woven together. In Montessori, this moment isn’t just a story—it’s an invitation to explore, discover, and feel awe.

08/20/2026

08/20/2026

There’s nothing like the excitement of the first day of school — and our incredible staff brings that same joy year after year. Many have been part of West Side for decades, returning each fall with the same warm smiles, steady commitment, and love for our community. Their dedication is what makes these first‑day moments so special.

08/19/2026

Mixed‑age classrooms are a cornerstone of Montessori because they create a living, breathing community where children learn with and from one another every day.

Younger children gain confidence by watching and imitating the older ones, while the older children deepen their mastery through gentle leadership and real, meaningful responsibility. This natural cycle of modeling, helping, and caring builds independence, empathy, and a sense of belonging that no single‑age classroom can replicate. It’s one of the most beautiful parts of Montessori — little ones grow, big ones shine, and everyone becomes part of something bigger than themselves.

08/18/2026

The Montessori rug is one of the very first lessons because it teaches the foundations of independence, order, and respect for the learning environment.

When a child learns to carry, unroll, and roll their rug, they’re practicing coordination, concentration, and care — all essential skills for the work that comes later.

The rug creates a defined workspace, helping children understand boundaries, responsibility, and the idea that their materials have a home. This simple, beautiful ritual sets the tone for everything in Montessori: purposeful movement, respect for materials, and confidence in doing things “all by myself.”