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Safety, Connection & Confidence at WMS
Dear Families,
The image above is featured in WMS’s virtual open house. It’s a visual representation of parent responses to the question, “What aspects of Wilmington Montessori School do you most value?” As you may already know, the larger the word appears in a word cloud, the more frequently that term was mentioned in a response. Safety meant different things to families. Some families appreciated that their children were physically safe on campus and within the local community, with many known adults available for support. Others felt that their children were emotionally safe—recognized, valued and celebrated for their unique attributes.
Since that word cloud was first created, this theme of safety has come up time and time again in conversation. Many comments continue to center around emotional safety and the comfort families have in knowing their children are learning in a school that remains responsive to their needs as they grow and change.
Families of our oldest students often find their concerns echo those of toddler families. Though Upper Elementary and Middle Schoolers are more aware of the wider world, they’re still transitioning—much like toddlers—from the safety of home into a more complex community filled with new people, choices and challenges.
But today’s world adds layers of complexity. Social media, A.I., mental health pressures and peer influence are just some of the real concerns families face. Parents wonder: Will my child make good choices? Are they emotionally resilient? Will they connect meaningfully with others? Are they ready for what’s ahead? And above all—Are they safe?
What makes the WMS experience so special is that every adult here is tuned in to those needs. We’re committed to helping students become independent thinkers and strong self-advocates—not just in the classroom, but in life. As they reach their later years with us, they begin to develop the kind of independence that truly prepares them for high school and beyond: navigating relationships, staying grounded in who they are, and making choices that reflect both confidence and care.
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