Our Programs

Montessori West Christian School (MWCS) is a non-denominational Christian School focusing on preschool and kindergarten education. Montessori teachers help children learn and grow within a warm, loving and Christian environment. Areas of learning include practical life, sensorial, art, science, math, language, writing, geography, Bible, culture, history and music. Classroom time begins at 8:30 am, however, we do open at 7:30 am as a convenience for parents requiring care before school. We offer a variety of pick up times: Half Day (12:00), Full Day (3:00), Late Stay (4:30) Extended Stay (5:30). Late stay and extended stay times slots are limited and are not guaranteed. Our tuition rates are based on program and pick up time.

Toddler

Please call the school to be placed on the waiting list

Age: 15 months (and walking steady) to 24 months
As your child develops into a toddler, we will nurture curiosity, creativity, and imagination in a Christian environment. Dr. Maria Montessori’s research led her to conclude that intelligence manifests itself in the natural, spontaneous curiosity of the young child. Dr. Montessori found that very young children are capable of absorbing information, concepts, and skills from their surroundings and peers almost through osmosis. Children at this age are striving for independence through their development of speech and muscular coordination. Each day they seek more independence as they learn to dress and eat, developing toilet skills and interacting with their classmates. The practical life, sensorial, and art areas are important to the development of this age child. The child/teacher ratio is 6 to 1.

Preprimary

Age: 2 years-3 years
Montessori West Christian School is much more than a traditional day care or child care facility. Our preprimary children will develop the skills necessary to enter into the Primary and Kindergarten classrooms. The classroom environment is identical to the primary classroom and is divided into the areas of practical life, sensorial, language, math, geography, science, history and spiritual. As children become increasingly more independent and learn to be self-disciplined, he or she naturally develops a love of learning, respect for others, a love of God, and are happy. Each child will receive lessons from a trained Montessori teacher. The child/teacher ratio is 8 to 1.

Primary

Age: 3 years (and toilet trained) to 4 years
Montessori West Christian School has three primary classes. The Primary Class is divided into the areas of practical life, sensorial, language, math, geography, science, history and spiritual. The Montessori classroom is a prepared learning environment, patterned after the teachings of educator Maria Montessori. The classroom provides a “hands-on” and peaceful learning atmosphere. The student teacher ratio is 12 to 1.

It is in the primary classroom that development of the “whole personality” of the child is most apparent through her spiritual, intellectual, physical, social and emotional growth. The classroom displays an exciting array of materials many of which are designed by Dr. Montessori. The child functions within all the areas of learning receiving lessons as they are ready and choosing the “work” that they desire to do. Each child, guided by a specially trained Montessori Teacher, embarks on a journey of discovery that will last a lifetime.

The children in the Montessori classroom are allowed to experience the excitement and satisfaction of learning by their own choice, rather than being forced as seen in the traditional classroom. The “hands-on” Montessori materials are arranged on low, open shelves to accommodate even the smallest child.

Many of our students have been recognized for achieving academic excellence in the higher grades. They received awards for Honor Roll (all year long), top accelerated reader (for the entire grade), perfect attendance, good school citizen.

Kindergarten

4 years to 6 years (depending on readiness)
Hours: 12:00 to 3:00PM

The kindergarten afternoon program is an extension of the morning primary class giving the child the opportunity to burst forward in reading, writing and math. The child is ready for advanced lessons requiring longer periods of concentration. By this age, the kindergarten student has developed as a leader in the classroom and the older children serve as role models for the younger children. As a leader, the kindergarten child continues to develop self-esteem, Christian character and emotional intelligence. Foreign language, Advanced Art and Music Instruction, Science lessons as well as advanced Montessori lessons combine to form a stimulating environment for the Kindergarten student.

Children will be admitted into the kindergarten program when their Primary Directress, or teacher, feels that they are ready for the additional work time. In accordance with South Carolina law, only those students who are 5 years old on September 1st of their kindergarten year are eligible for graduation. Some students will be able to participate in a four year old kindergarten class if they are academically ready, but the official kindergarten year begins at age 5.

Extended Stay

Our extended stay continues until 5:30 pm and includes time outdoors, manipulatives and preparation for the next day. All classrooms have the option for extended stay, however, these spots are limited and are not guaranteed.

Summer Day Camp

MWCS offers a summer program with themed weeks which may include studio classes such as gardening, arts and crafts projects, foreign language, literature workshops, aerobics and much more. More information on the summer day camp will be given in the spring of each year along with applications for enrollment.