Why NSMS?
North Shore Montessori School is one of only a few schools in Wisconsin compliant with Association Montessori International (AMI) standards- upholding authentic, proven Montessori principles developed by Dr. Maria Montessori.
At North Shore Montessori School children are calm and engaged in their beautiful classroom environments, our teacher are confident and warm leaders, and the community is a collection of energetic families who are very intentional with their parenting.
Deep Respect
Children are given deep respect from all adults at NSMS. We truly have a different vision of childcare. Adults are constantly modeling desired behaviors and teaching through action. Courtesy, manners, and civility are skills that serve children well in life and therefore are taught and modeled from the very beginning. All adults in the school model respectful interactions, speak to children with kindness, listen attentively, and acknowledging their thoughts and feelings.
We thrive at creating warm and supportive communities!
Holistic
We view each child through a holistic lens, recognizing that their growth is interconnected across social, emotional, and academic domains. We intentionally create an environment where children feel safe to take risks, build relationships, and develop the skills needed to navigate both classroom and real-world experiences. Lessons are woven together in an interdisciplinary fashion. Art, music, and physical education are not treated as separate or secondary experiences, but as essential components of a child’s daily learning. These areas are seamlessly integrated into the curriculum and remain accessible throughout the day, empowering students to explore creativity, movement, and expression alongside academic pursuits.
Language & Culture Exposure
Cultural exposure is a vital component of the Montessori curriculum, designed to help children understand and appreciate the diversity of the world around them. Delivered through a variety of activities, including: Geography, History, Science, Nature, Arts, Music, and Languages- children build a sense of connection to the wider world and have a deep respect for different customs and viewpoints. Spanish language and culture is specifically woven into lessons through song and literature, exploring recipes and music, and culminates into formalized language lessons in our Elementary level.
Nature Based
Children spend time outdoors each day, unless weather conditions are dangerously inclement. Our natural Playscape, quietly nestled behind the school, invites open-ended exploration, rich imagination, and self-directed play. With natural elements such as logs, stones, and varied terrain, the space fosters creativity, problem-solving, collaboration, and a deep sense of wonder.
Adjacent to the school, the North Garden provides additional opportunities for hands-on, experiential learning. Children participate in caring for raised garden beds, observing seasonal changes in fruit trees, and games, movement, and community-building activities beyond the traditional school day.
Safety
We pride ourselves on cultivating a small, close-knit community where every child and family is known, valued, and supported. This intimate environment allows for strong relationships to develop among students, teachers, and families, fostering a school culture rooted in kindness, respect, inclusivity, and open communication. The safety and well-being of our community is a top priority. Our school is equipped with secure access control measures to ensure that our building remains protected at all times. We maintain comprehensive emergency preparedness plans and conduct regular reviews and drills so that both staff and students are familiar with procedures in a variety of situations. All staff members are trained in first aid and are prepared to respond quickly and effectively to support children’s health and safety needs.
Mindfulness
Within a Montessori environment, there exists a myriad of opportunities that promote and reflect mindful, intentional experiences throughout the day. From the way materials are handled to the tone of classroom interactions, children are gently guided to slow down, focus their attention, and become aware of themselves and others. Montessori children are often recognized for their warmth, kindness, self-confidence, and deep respect for others and for all living things. These qualities are not incidental- they are intentionally nurtured through daily practice and modeled by the adults in the environment. At the heart of this work is a commitment to peace education. We teach peace not as an abstract concept, but as a lived experience, one that children carry with them into their relationships, their communities, and the world beyond the classroom.
Collaboration
Montessori students are guided to view mistakes not as failures, but as natural and valuable steps in the learning process. This mindset fosters resilience, confidence, and a willingness to take thoughtful risks. Rather than focusing on competition, students are encouraged to strive for their personal best, cultivating intrinsic motivation and a genuine love of learning. Collaboration is a cornerstone of the Montessori experience. Students frequently work together on meaningful projects and contribute to the care and success of their classroom community. Mixed-age classrooms further enrich this dynamic by creating opportunities for organic mentorship and leadership. Older students naturally take on supportive roles, guiding and encouraging younger peers, while also deepening their own understanding through teaching.