The Montessori School of Winston-Salem, TMS, has been providing a unique educational experience to this community for 45 years. Their programs have evolved and changed over the years, leading up to a current program that ranges from the age of 18 months through the ninth grade.
The Montessori method of learning, developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, began in 1897 and is based on her scientific observations of children. She developed a responsive approach to education, centered on the specific and changing developmental needs of children as they grow. Each age program is intentionally designed so that students are able to be active participants in their own learning, in an environment that is set up to be supportive and prepared for learning, and with responsive guidance from highly skilled teachers. The aim is to foster each child’s growth physically, socially, emotionally and cognitively.
The best way for a prospective family to see and understand the value of an education at TMS is to hear what current families have to say about their experience. They have the greatest understanding of the culture, nurturing environment and education that is provided. Parents were asked about their experiences with key elements of the education at TMS. Here is what they had to say.
Social-emotional learning is an important part of a child’s development and is also a very important part of the Montessori method of learning. When asked what she appreciates about the social and emotional development her child has experienced at TMS, Jennifer, who has an 11-year-old in the Elementary Program said,
“Being at TMS for eight years has taught my child empathy, kindness, compassion for herself and others and for her community. The environment at TMS is one that has allowed her to be herself, express herself, and promotes healthy self-esteem and confidence. She truly feels comfortable enough to explore any avenue of learning at TMS. She has developed life-long friendships and the ability to work well with others, both in pairs and larger groups and public speaking.”
TMS is dedicated to providing a well-rounded educational experience and preparing each child for a successful life beyond its campus. Patrick, who has a 13-year-old in the Adolescent Program, was asked about how he felt about the academic experience and preparation provided by TMS. He said, “We feel she is being prepared very well for expectations beyond a standard middle school class environment. The foundational academic concepts are being well covered, in addition to practical life skills like public speaking, engaging with the larger community, and understanding business concepts like budgeting and balancing a checkbook. The focus at TMS on meaningful work and experiences in the outdoors is especially beneficial for our teen. The experiences she has had connecting to her school community and to the broader community in Winston-Salem and the world has expanded her thinking and encouraged her empathy.”
The staff at TMS is second to none. They are highly skilled and continuously learning new ways to enhance the growth of their students. Parents get to know teachers and staff as they navigate the needs of their child’s growth together. Allison is a parent of a three-year-old in the Children’s House Program. She values the training and implementation of the Montessori method that the faculty and staff at TMS take very seriously. When speaking about the value of the teachers and staff at TMS, she said, “The thing is, all the skills are valuable and they are learned through work (“Play is the work of the child”—Dr. Montessori). The Montessori teacher is extensively trained to cultivate these activities. This intertwining of skills is what makes the Montessori method of education amazing. What makes TMS amazing is the faculty and staff commitment to providing this learning model.”
There is a strong sense of community when you are a part of the TMS family. Everyone is invested in each child and the families all learn and grow together. Amber, a parent of a two-year-old in the Toddler Program really appreciates this community and what it provides for her child. She spoke to the value of the TMS community when she said, “It is a close-knit community. Everyone is invested in providing the best, most enriching and safest environment for our children. The leadership is accessible, directly addresses concerns and is open to change, all of which promotes an engaging community at TMS.”
The Montessori School of Winston-Salem is located at 6050 Holder Road in Clemmons. If you would like to learn more about what a Montessori education has to offer, contact the admissions office at 336-766-5550, or visit their website at wsmontessori.org to schedule a visit.