In the multi-age setting of the Montessori preschool classroom, three-, four-, and five-year-olds learn from each other and because of each other. Younger children watch and learn from the older children, and older, more socially advanced and capable students become role models to their younger classmates.
The Montessori Early Childhood classroom is a “prepared environment”. Complete with furniture and materials that are scaled to fit a preschooler’s physical dimensions. Although the space is usually divided into four distinct areas—practical life, sensorial, mathematics, and language—the Montessori Early Childhood curriculum is interdisciplinary and interactive, and no subject is taught in isolation.
Waterford Montessori Academy offers a five day a week half-day (8:30am-11:30am) or full-day (8:30am-3:30pm) Early Childhood program.
In all elementary classrooms, multi-age groupings foster broad social development and a strong sense of belonging, creating an environment where every child thrives. Daily learning includes:
Our Lower Elementary program balances hands-on learning with developing imagination and abstract thinking. Students master foundational skills while building independence, creativity, and essential life skills including collaboration, peaceful conflict resolution, leadership, and community service. Through this approach, students develop the academic foundation and character strengths needed for lifelong success.
Our Upper Elementary program fosters independence and academic excellence through structured routines and student-centered learning. Guided by experienced Montessori teachers, students strengthen executive functioning and self-advocacy skills while preparing for middle school. In our supportive environment, every voice matters—students learn that their ideas and contributions are valued, empowering them to become confident, capable, and curious learners.
More than 75 years ago, Maria Montessori wrote that adolescents have two needs: “Protection during the time of the difficult physical transition, and for an understanding of the society which (s)he is about to enter.” Her insight remains as true today as in 1948.
WMA’s Middle School offers 6th through 8th grade students a dynamic blend of Montessori and traditional education. Our program is designed to support a smooth transition from Montessori methods and the elementary classroom to a conventional high school environment, while nurturing each student’s academic and personal growth.
We insist on a small, safe, supportive learning environment for our students and staff. Program enrollment is limited to not more than 120 students so that students and staff know names and not faces, and deeper relationships can be formed.
Learning goes beyond textbooks and rote memorization. We prioritize understanding and application of knowledge over recalling facts. We introduce new concepts in a hands-on, concrete way, foster small-group instruction to meet individual needs, and encourage collaboration through group work and peer mentoring.
Waterford Montessori Academy provides age-appropriate care for children who arrive before or stay after the regular school day.
At the Preschool level, children participate in enriched activities, social games, and projects. Elementary students socialize in a relaxed setting, play cooperatively, and participate in group projects. Students also have time for reading quietly, writing, or completing homework.
Morning Care: 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. (Midland Campus)
Afternoon Care: 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Midland Campus)
Morning Care: 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. (ELR Campus)
Afternoon Care: 3:20 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (ELR Campus)
Please notify WMA via phone (248) 674-2400 if you plan to send your child for extended care on a “drop in” basis. Families utilizing the “drop in” care will be billed on a monthly basis.
