Montessori Preschool
With a deeply individualized approach, each child becomes the heart of the curriculum, as every lesson is thoughtfully guided by their unique interests, strengths, and stage of development.
Welcome to our preschool program, where a love of learning is nurtured through thoughtful practice, deep respect for childhood, and a strong sense of community. We are so glad you are here.
Step into any Montessori classroom and you will find children engaged with purpose—working independently and collaboratively, guided by curiosity and supported by a carefully prepared environment. At Friends School of Wilmington, our Stepping Stones and Stargazer classrooms are grounded in Maria Montessori’s enduring pedagogy and deeply aligned with Quaker values such as simplicity, stewardship, community, and the recognition of the Inner Light within each child.
Montessori education and Quaker philosophy share a profound belief: that children are capable, worthy, and naturally inclined toward growth when given the right conditions. In our classrooms, this translates into an experiential, student-centered approach where learning happens through doing. Children engage with hands-on materials, explore the natural world, and participate in meaningful work that fosters independence, reflection, and responsibility; hallmarks of both Montessori practice and Quaker education.
Dr. Montessori observed that “play is the work of the child,” recognizing that young learners construct understanding through exploration and discovery. Our classrooms honor this truth. Each child moves at their own pace, choosing purposeful activities, known as “works”, that build concentration, confidence, and joy in learning. Teachers serve as guides, observing closely and offering individualized lessons that meet each child where they are. In this way, the child becomes an active participant in their own education.
This approach reflects our Quaker commitment to experiential learning: children learn not only through instruction, but through lived experience, whether tending a garden, resolving conflicts peacefully, or collaborating with peers across age groups. Multi-age classrooms cultivate empathy, leadership, and a deep sense of belonging, while daily rhythms encourage both independence and connection.
As children grow in this environment, they develop a strong sense of self, a respect for others, and the social-emotional skills needed to navigate an interconnected world. Our goal is to support each child in becoming a thoughtful, capable, and compassionate member of their community, someone who understands both their own gifts and their responsibility to contribute to the greater good.
Montessori education has guided young learners for over a century because it honors how children truly learn. At Friends School, we enrich this tradition with a Quaker lens, grounding academic growth in values that nurture the whole child.
We invite you to explore more about our program and to visit our campus. Come see how we support our youngest learners as they begin a lifelong journey of discovery, purpose, and connection.
Classroom Programs
| CLASS | AGES | MEETING DAYS | TIMES | TEACHING TEAM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stepping Stones | 2-3 Years | 3-, and 5-Day Options | 8:15 AM - 11:45 AM | Marsha & Kendra |
| Stargazer Morning Program | 3-4 Years | M-F | 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Ivy & Katie |
| Stargazer Extended Program | 3-4 Years | M-F | 8:00 AM - 2:45 PM | Alexis, Mariya, Kendra & Jessica |
The Montessori Curriculum
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