Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Premier Montessori Education in Westminster, MD
The Montessori School of Westminster has been a leader in child-centered education since 1974. Founded by parents seeking an alternative to traditional schooling, our institution is built on Dr. Maria Montessori's philosophy of fostering independence through hands-on learning. Our 27-acre campus in Westminster, Maryland provides a nurturing environment where children aged 2-15 engage with nature and tailored educational materials. With a staff-to-student ratio of 1:10 and Montessori-certified educators, we emphasize self-directed learning while maintaining structured guidance. Our graduates consistently demonstrate exceptional self-discipline and adaptability in subsequent educational settings.The school's commitment to environmental stewardship is evident through its Green School Certification and student-led composting program. Over five decades of experience informs our multi-age classroom approach, which cultivates leadership and peer mentorship. We maintain strong community ties through events like our annual Touch-A-Truck experience. Our comprehensive programs from toddler through middle school ensure continuous developmental support. Accredited by the Association of Independent Maryland Schools, we combine tradition with ongoing curriculum innovation.
Services
Parent-Toddler Program
Beginnings Preschool
Primary Education
Lower Elementary
Upper Elementary
Middle School
Summer Camps
Before School Care
After School Care
Extracurricular Programs
Details
- Year established: 1974
Highlights and features
- We implement authentic Montessori methods with certified educators since 1974
- Our 27-acre campus integrates nature into daily learning experiences
- Multi-age classrooms foster leadership and peer mentorship opportunities
- Student-led environmental initiatives develop ecological consciousness
- 1:10 staff-to-student ratio ensures personalized educational guidance
Associations and certifications
- Association of Independent Maryland Schools
- American Montessori Society
- Maryland Green School Certification
What people say
Exploring areas of interest
Taking initiative
Relaxed yet focused
Structured learning environment
Unbelievable student engagement
Services
Parent-Toddler Program
This five-week program for 18-36 month olds introduces Montessori principles through structured exploration. Parents learn to create supportive home environments while children develop independence using age-appropriate materials. Sessions include guided activities and peer interaction opportunities that establish foundational learning habits.
Beginnings Program
Designed for 2-3 year olds, this program focuses on sensory-motor development and practical life skills. Children engage with tactile materials while developing language and social abilities in a prepared environment. Daily outdoor exploration supports holistic development through nature-based learning experiences.
Primary Education
For ages 3-6, our Primary program combines Montessori materials with individualized instruction. Children progress at their own pace through sequential learning activities in math, language, and cultural studies. Weekly Spanish and environmental education enhance core curriculum components.
Lower Elementary
This program supports 6-9 year olds through multi-age classroom experiences emphasizing collaborative learning. Students explore cause-and-effect relationships through hands-on science experiments and historical studies. Daily physical education and specialized arts instruction complement academic pursuits.
Upper Elementary
For 9-12 year olds, our Upper Elementary program fosters critical thinking through project-based learning. Students engage in complex problem-solving activities while developing leadership skills through peer mentoring. The curriculum includes advanced mathematics, geometry, and environmental stewardship programs.
People
Lauren Welsh-Baer
Head of School
Lauren Welsh-Baer holds a Masters in Education and Montessori certification. A former MSW student herself, she brings decades of experience in Montessori education to her leadership role. Her approach emphasizes continuous curriculum development while maintaining core Montessori principles.
Bill Mojica
Director of Advancement
With over 30 years in nonprofit leadership, Bill Mojica directs school advancement initiatives. His background includes educational development and community partnership building. He combines strategic vision with practical implementation experience to support MSW's mission.
Suzanne Radcliffe
Director of Admissions
Suzanne Radcliffe, a Montessori alum parent since 1993, oversees admissions. Her deep institutional knowledge and commitment to educational excellence guide family integration. She combines administrative expertise with personal experience as a Montessori parent.
Jennifer Carroll
Director of Education
Jennifer Carroll leads educational programming with her Montessori-certified expertise. A graduate of St. Joseph's University, she combines traditional education credentials with practical Montessori experience. Her leadership ensures curriculum quality across all grade levels.
Stefanie Misner
Environmental Educator
Stefanie Misner holds advanced degrees in Marine Biology and Environmental Education. She develops outdoor learning programs that integrate with classroom instruction. Her expertise creates unique opportunities for hands-on ecological learning experiences.
Questions
What makes Montessori education unique?
Montessori emphasizes self-directed learning with tactile materials in multi-age classrooms, fostering independence through structured exploration rather than traditional instruction.
What age groups do you serve?
We offer programs for children aged 2 through grade 9, with specialized curricula for toddler, primary, elementary, and middle school levels.
Are your teachers Montessori-certified?
All lead guides hold Montessori certifications from accredited institutions, with many possessing advanced degrees in their specialty areas.
What extracurricular opportunities exist?
We offer weekly specialized instruction in Spanish, environmental education, music, art, and physical education, plus summer camps and after-school programs.
How do students transition to traditional schools?
Montessori graduates typically adapt well due to strong self-regulation skills, with many excelling in advanced placement courses at subsequent institutions.
What campus facilities do you offer?
Our 27-acre campus features modern classrooms, playgrounds, woodlands, nature trails, and outdoor learning spaces supporting holistic education.
