Summer School

SMS operates Monday-Friday from 7:30am-4:30pm. 

7:30am-8:00am: Before School Care

8:00am-3:00pm: School Day

3:15pm-4:30pm: After School Care

Our staff/student ratio is 1:10.

SMS provides snack in the morning, usually consisting of a variation of the combination of fruit, vegetables, whole grain, or cheese. Milk is provided by SMS and served to students who would like some. Parents/Guardians provide lunches for students. SMS staff are unable to heat up student lunches. 

 Kids are not required to sleep during Rest Time, though all students are required to attempt to rest their bodies and minds during this time. 

Students must be able to understand and respond to their body cues when they need to use the restroom. Students should be able to mostly undress and dress independently in the bathroom and have knowledge of the steps of toileting (undress, use the restroom, dress, flush, wash etc.). SMS staff may provide reminders and light assistance as needed.

In the event that there is a child/children whose behavior is unsafe to themselves or others, staff will have to remove the child/children immediately from any potential danger to allow them to express themselves in a safer environment (another room, another area of the same room, etc). Other instances of inappropriate or undesired behavior will be addressed by teachers with a firm, respectful and understanding conversation to remind students of expectations and allow students to express themselves accurately and appropriately. If a child is continuously struggling behaviorally, a conversation between the student's family and SMS staff would be appropriate in order to discuss the needed measures to take to best support the child.   SMS staff is committed to building connections and fostering social/emotional development by providing tools for emotional regulation, problem solving skills and opportunity for age-appropriate conflict resolution. 

What is the structure of Salem Montessori School?

SMS is structured to be an intentional space equipped with beautiful and meaningful materials and lessons that provide students the opportunity to explore and grow in all aspects of development. We are a small group that strives to provide a family-like environment that feels inclusive and gives a sense of belonging to all staff, students and parents. Our methods are freely inspired by the Montessori philosophy and are meant to support independence and curiosity in children. 

Kids that attend SMS at age 5+ are encouraged and provided opportunities to work on subjects that would be similar to a public kindergarten including more advanced sound recognition, reading, more advanced math, etc. Of course, with the basis that students work and learn at their own pace, SMS students are not assessed in the same way as a public kindergarten. We firmly believe that "kindergarten readiness" looks different for each individual student and we work to foster success however that may look for them. 

Yes. The total monthly amount for combined sibling tuition will reflect a discount of 10%.

Yes! Families can expect some type of extra fun events or activities throughout the year. We have fieldtrip(s) scheduled, host a food drive, have a gift exchange for the holidays, have dance classes, play with animals, storytime with Windsong Memory Care residents, lots of parties, birthday celebrations and a end-of-the-year picnic in the park. Each year provides new opportunities for more fun!