Wesley Chapel Montessori School At Lexington Oaks Now Enrolling

By Kelly Miller

Are you looking for a preschool or kindergarten program for your child (or children) that emphasizes a hands-on academic curriculum based on skill level rather than age? If so, consider enrolling your child in the newest Montessori program in the area — The Wesley Chapel Montessori School (WCMS) at Lexington Oaks.

WCMS provides a specialized curriculum based on the Montessori Method (see below) for Pre-Primary and Kindergarten-age children (ages 3 to 6 years), as well as a Young Children’s Program (for ages 2-1/2 – 3 years). Two-day, three-day, and five-day full- and part-time programs are available at the school, which is located behind Ker’s Wing House off Wesley Chapel Blvd. (S.R. 54) on Post Oak Blvd.

New Tampa resident Pavitra Arni is the president and founder of WCMS and she comes from a family that, she says, has always valued both education and entrepreneurship. Her own Montessori journey began in 2009, as she strove to find the very best education for her own daughter. While her daughter Malishka (now 6 years old) attended a Montessori school in the New Tampa and Wesley Chapel area for a year when she was 18 months old, Arni fell in love with Montessori’s unique method of teaching.

Arni and her co-founder, Preeti Singh, both share a passion for children and education, which inspired them to conceptualize WCMS. Construction on the facility began in November 2013, and the school will open its doors to students on June 9.

Arni says she chose the location, just within the Lexington Oaks community, because of the site’s convenience. “Parents dropping off their children before work will find our location close to the interstate, providing for an easy commute, but still far enough off the main roads that it’s in a secure environment.”

Unique Environment Fosters Self-Confidence

WCMS is unlike any other preschool program in the area. The school’s curriculum is based on Dr. Maria Montessori’s vision of how children learn and develop — by making their own choices, trying things out and doing things for themselves. Dr. Montessori was an Italian physician and educator, known for her pioneering theories in early education. The Montessori Method sees the role of the teacher as a guide rather than an instructor, allowing the child to choose and explore at their own pace, which is all driven by the child’s desire to learn. Arni explains that this kind of environment fosters an increase in a child’s self-confidence, autonomy, competence, sensitivity, originality of thought, and intrinsic motivation.

Self-discipline also is key to the Montessori approach. “We usually find that children are only being disruptive when they’re not being challenged,” Arni explains.

Children at WCMS are allowed to work where they’re most comfortable, be it on the floor or at a table. Although they’re encouraged to choose activities that interest them, teachers are trained to keep track of each child’s progress. If a child is focusing too much time on one specific subject, he/she will be redirected to another activity. This specialized attention ensures each child receives a well-rounded education that helps them progress at his or her own pace. Once they’ve mastered a specific skill set, students at WCMS advance to tackling the next level of difficulty.

The 8,378-sq.-ft. facility is comprised of two rooms for the 3–6-year-olds and one for the 2–3-year-olds, as well as one open common room, and three separate play areas outside. Each class has one experienced lead teacher who’s received his or her Montessori credentials from the American Montessori Society (AMS) or an equivalent organization. Two highly trained assistant teachers also are assigned to each room. That makes the teacher-to-student ratio 1:9, much better than most VPK (1:11) or public kindergarten programs (1:18).

At WCMS, children learn mathematics, reading, language arts, science, geography, horticulture and practical life skills. Unlike many preschools that charge extra for music, art, foreign language and physical education, at WCMS, they’re all included in the curriculum.

Director Meghan Paulsson used to be a VPK teacher and director of a different preschool before joining WCMS. She decided to come to work for the new school because of how much she believes in the Montessori Method.

“My son started kindergarten in a public school, and in only a matter of weeks, we found he was bored and losing his enthusiasm for learning,” Paulsson explains. “As an educator, this came as a great concern to me. I was familiar with Montessori schools, so it was a no-brainer to make the switch.”

Paulsson says that her son has flourished since changing schools last September, and has advanced at an incredible rate, doing higher level math than the public school standard set for kindergartners. Paulsson says that while in kindergarten, her son tested at a second grade level in math after attending a Montessori school in the Spring Hill area. In her new position, Paulsson says she is looking forward to exposing more children to the Montessori Method and helping them get the head start they need in their education.

Developing A Love For Learning

Paulsson says that the classrooms at WCMS, which feature collaborative and joyful learning with high but attainable goals, results in developmentally accelerated children.

“At this stage in life,” Paulsson explains, “children are at a delicate age, one that can make or break their excitement about education. We want to motivate them (from the first day) and build up their enthusiasm so we can create a school of self-starters.”

The five core values of WCMS are:

• Always Put Children First – Develop their values, a lifelong love of learning and ability to reach their potential.

• Support Parents – Ensure that they are confident that their children are safe and happy in a nurturing and joyous learning environment.

• Develop Teachers & Staff – who have a love of learning and a love of young children. The teachers themselves should feel happy, secure, and supported by the school and know how to create the same environment for the families.

• Create a Joyous Environment – for all parties that is intimate, nurturing, warm, fun and comfortable.

• Provide the Highest Quality Education – by being committed to the Montessori model.

WCMS currently is accepting VPK applications for the fall. VPK students will attend Monday – Friday, noon-3 p.m. Parents wishing to extend the student’s time at WCMS may do so by adding the morning program and/or after school care.

The Young Children’s & Pre-Primary Program hours are Monday – Friday, half-days from 7:15 a.m. – noon., full days from 7:15 a.m. – 3 p.m., or extended days from 7:15 a.m. – 6 p.m. Programs for Kindergarten children are Monday – Friday, full days from 7:15 a.m. – 3 p.m. or extended days from 7:15 a.m. – 6 p.m.

To find out more about the Wesley Chapel Montessori School at Lexington Oaks, visit WCMontessori.com or email Info@WCMontessori.com. You also can call Pavitra Arni or Meghan Paulsson at 737-7517. Both would be happy to answer any questions you may have or provide a tour of the new facility. WCMS is located at 5401 Post Oak Blvd.