FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When can my child start?For the Casa Preschool, Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten program, submit an application for your child for a September start in the school year that he or she turns three. We recommend families submit their application about a year in advance of their desired start. Children must be a minimum of 30 months of age in the calendar year that they turn 3 years old to attend a licensed preschool in Vancouver.
If your child is older than three, you may still apply to our Casa Program through the same application form. A commitment to complete their Kindergarten Year at WMS is required. If your child was born in 2021, apply for the 2024 - 2025 school year. If your child was born in 2022, apply for the 2025 - 2026 school year. If your child was born in 2023, apply for the 2026 - 2027 school year. For the Elementary Program, you may submit an application at any time, though space is not guaranteed. |
|
Does my child need to be toilet trained?Yes, in order for our program to function at its best, all children, other than those in the Infant Toddler program, must be fully toilet trained. This requirement also applies to new enrolling students who participate in WMS Summer Camps.
Students must be able to: - attend class independently - function safely in the classroom - use the washroom independently |
What is a typical day like?During the 10-minute arrival window, children are welcomed into the classroom with a warm and brief greeting from one of their trusted teachers. The majority of the child’s time is spent in uninterrupted work time. This includes classroom exploration and lessons during the work cycle. We end our days with Group Time which includes stories, songs, singing and games. At the end of the day in the Casa Program, we spend time outdoors each day, rain or shine.
|
Will a Montessori Program challenge my child academically?Children graduating from the WMS program often not only exceed the prescribed learning outcomes and core competencies, but also have strong concentration skills, refined work habits, are self-motivated and reflect a true love for learning. These skills will serve them well as lifelong learners.
|
How will my child learn in the Montessori classroom?In our student-centred classrooms, children are free to develop at their own individual pace that fits their specific strengths, challenges and interests. One-on-one lessons with a teacher and daily activities are targeted to each child's interest making the learning perfectly tailored to each student.
|
How would you describe a Montessori child?Children in our classrooms are confident, self-directed learners. They are independent, careful, thoughtful, curious, creative and joyful. Students are constantly learning through inquiry which means that they are asking the big questions and searching out the answers. Montessori classrooms do not focus on reward or punishment as a means of motivation. Rather, they nurture a love of meaningful learning activities and inner focus and discipline.
|
How do teachers motivate the children?Every moment in the Montessori classroom is thought out and structured to engage students actively in the learning process. Teachers guide the children to delve more deeply into the areas of study that they are currently interested in and lead them to new ideas.
|
I'm concerned that my child won't get into our preferred school if he completes Kindergarten at WMS.The majority of our families apply to schools with a Grade One intake. The intake of your desired school is something that families need to consider before applying to WMS. If you are looking for a school with only a Junior Kindergarten or Kindergarten intake, then, unfortunately, WMS is not the school for you.
What schools do children usually move on to after WMS?The schooling choices after WMS vary. Our Kindergarten students in transition into our Montessori Elementary Program, independent (private) schools, religious schools, French immersion and local public schools.
How do most children transfer to "traditional" classrooms after a Montessori Three Year Program?Research shows that Montessori children are very well prepared for later life academically, socially and emotionally.
|
Are you a Ministry of Education authorized school?Yes. As a fully licensed school, with teachers holding their Independent School Teaching Certificate with the Ministry of Education, we are governed by the BC Ministry of Education and Vancouver Coastal Health. While we use Montessori teaching methods, our curriculum aligns with the learning outcomes of the provincial curriculum.
|
What specialist classes are offered?Included in tuition are French, Yoga and Music classes. Students attend each class once a week for half an hour with a Specialist Teacher in our Specialist Room. Jr Kindergarten and & Kindergarten students also partake in weekly soccer classes,
Students in the elementary program participate in French, Yoga and Music Specialist Classes. They also have Physical Education programs throughout the year with specialized instructors. |
Do the children go on Field Trips?Students in our Core Montessori Program go on two to three field trips a year. Students in the Friday Enrichment Program go on several additional field trips to expand on their learning outside the classroom. Elementary students go one a variety of field trips throughout the year related to their current areas of study.
The cost for these trips is included in the tuition. |
How much time do you spend outside?We spend about 30 minutes daily in outdoor play time for Half Day students and one hour daily for Kindergarten students.
Elementary students spend a minimum of one hour outdoors each day. |
Do I have to pack a snack for my child?No, you don't. A healthy, organic snack is provided for all students at any point during their day at WMS.
However, full-day students in Kindergarten and Elementary grades need to bring packed lunch to school. These students also have the option of ordering from the hot lunch program. |
|
What is included in the tuition cost?Everything. All costs for the year are included in the annual tuition fee. This includes all supplies, snacks, specialist classes, field trips, etc. No additional fees will be collected throughout the year.
When should I submit my child's application?WMS accepts applications year round. We recommend families submit their application about a year in advance of their desired start.
|
|
CASA PROGRAM LOCATION
Westside Montessori School 4157 Oak Street Vancouver, BC V6H 2N1 Office Phone: 604.731.6594 |
|
ELEMENTARY PROGRAM LOCATION
Westside Montessori School 3396 Cambie Street Vancouver, BC V5Z 2W5 Office Phone: 604.731.6594 |