Every Great School Has a Story
Ours begins with a vision and a commitment to the children and families of Riverside.
For too long, access to high-quality early childhood education has depended on where you live and how much money your family has. Children in underserved communities have faced barriers to the transformative learning experiences that set the foundation for lifelong success. Ernest L. Webster Montessori Academy exists to change that story.
Our History
Our school is housed within the new Kingswood Community Center, a stunning, state-of-the-art facility representing a $40+ million investment in Riverside’s future. This is more than a building it’s a statement of belief in our community’s children and families. With $24+ million already raised toward our goal, the Kingswood Community Center will serve as a hub for learning, wellness, and opportunity.
Ernest L. Webster Montessori Academy is the educational heart of this vision. We are creating beautiful, purposeful spaces where children can explore with curiosity and confidence, where families feel welcomed and supported, and where educators are valued and empowered.
Encouraging creativity and new ideas in teaching and learning education.
Striving for the highest quality in academic and personal achievement.
Building relationships among students, parents, teachers, and staffs.
We envision a future where every child in our community can develop their fullest potential through Montessori-aligned education and comprehensive healthcare support. We see classrooms filled with engaged learners from diverse backgrounds, educators who are valued and supported, and families who are active partners in their children's growth. Through our commitment to excellence, inclusion, and community, Ernest L. Webster Montessori Academy will be a beacon of possibility demonstrating what's achievable when we invest in our children, believe in their limitless potential, and support their health and development at every stage.
Ernest L. Webster Montessori Academy provides high-quality, Montessori-aligned education to children in Riverside and the greater Wilmington community. Rooted in respect for each child's unique developmental journey, we create beautiful, prepared environments where children explore with curiosity and confidence. Through our partnership with Nemours Children's Health, we support the whole child mind, body, and spirit. We are committed to inclusive excellence, celebrating diversity, and ensuring that every child regardless of background has access to the transformative power of exceptional early learning.
PROCESS
View our virtual school tour or contact us to schedule a tour of our facilities.
Start your journey by completing our comprehensive online application.
Visit your child’s future classroom and meet our teaching team.
Prepare for your child’s first day as a Webster Montessori scholar!
At Ernest L. Webster Early Montessori Academy, we embrace Montessori-aligned educational practices that put the child at the center of their learning journey. Developed by Dr. Maria Montessori over a century ago, this approach recognizes that children are naturally curious and capable learners who thrive when given the freedom to explore within a carefully prepared environment.
Rather than following a one-size-fits-all curriculum, Montessori-aligned learning respects each child’s unique developmental timeline and interests. Children choose meaningful work, move freely in the classroom, and engage deeply with hands-on materials that make abstract concepts concrete.
Children follow their interests and learn at their own pace. Teachers serve as guides, observing carefully and offering lessons when children are ready. This approach builds intrinsic motivation and a genuine love of learning.
Children learn through concrete, tactile experiences before moving to abstract concepts. Specially designed materials allow them to see, touch, and manipulate concepts like quantity, dimension, and sound.
Children make choices about their learning while respecting classroom guidelines and community needs. This balance of freedom and structure helps children develop self-regulation and responsibility.
Extended blocks of time, typically three hours in the morning, allow children to work without interruption. Deep concentration builds focus, perseverance, and the satisfaction of completing meaningful work.
