The West Side Montessori School (WSMS) is an independent early childhood Montessori school serving approximately 200+ students, ages 2 through 6. We are a school that awakens children's imaginations to the limitless possibilities in life, and a community in which children and adults find friendships and support. As the first formal educational experience for our students, our program is designed to provide a lasting foundation of skills and positive attitudes to support a lifetime of learning. We incorporate the values and methods of Maria Montessori and the best practices of early childhood education into our curriculum. Our classrooms are structured to address each child's individual needs, strengths and passions. We are located in an expansive and historic 50' wide double townhouse on the Upper West Side of Manhattan in New York City and accredited by the New York State Association of Independent Schools, the American Montessori Society, and the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. We also run a Teacher Education Program. The West Side Montessori School Teacher Education Program (WSMS-TEP) begins with a 3 week summer session and continues through the academic year. After the academic coursework is completed, students apply their knowledge in a supervised student teaching placement in a Montessori classroom.