Frequently Asked Questions
What sets Wildflower apart?
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Wildflower Preschool provides a holistic, individualized education for each child. With only 16 students across two classrooms, your family becomes part of a close-knit school community where we care deeply for the whole child. Siblings have opportunities to see one another throughout the day, and as a small school, children are never shuffled from room to room. Their classroom becomes a familiar, home-like environment filled with everything they need to grow, thrive, and feel secure during these formative years.
How do you blend the Montessori method with traditional, play-based learning?
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We follow a Montessori-inspired approach that includes:
Mixed-age classrooms (15–36 months and 3–6 years)
A carefully prepared environment with Montessori materials that are multisensory, sequential, and self-correcting
Uninterrupted work periods that support child-directed learning
We also incorporate traditional, open-ended, play-based learning “centers” such as blocks and dramatic play. During warmer months, children enjoy extended outdoor time and hands-on, daily water play.
Through this blended approach, we thoughtfully meet each child’s individual developmental needs while preparing them for their next educational steps, whether that is a traditional K-12 school or a full Montessori program.
What are the benefits of your mixed-age classrooms?
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Honoring the traditional Montessori method, children at Wildflower Preschool are grouped in mixed-age classes (15–36 months and 3–6 years). We have intentionally designed our school with mixed-age groupings based on decades of research supporting the following benefits:
Fewer Transitions:
Children in our toddler community spend up to two years in the same classroom with the same teachers. In our preschool program, children remain in their classroom community with the same teachers for two to three years, sometimes joining us for their kindergarten year as well. This consistency allows children to form trusting bonds with their caregivers, build meaningful relationships with peers, and feel secure in an environment of familiar faces and expectations. These early years are respected, honored, cherished, and never rushed.
Co-Learning:
Mixed-age classrooms create rich opportunities for peer learning. Younger children learn by observing and interacting with older classmates, while older children gain confidence, empathy, and pride as they step into leadership and mentoring roles. These relationships foster cooperation, patience, and a strong sense of belonging.
Teaching to Development, Not Age:
We know that children develop at different rates. A mixed-age approach allows us to meet each child exactly where they are by offering additional time, support, and individualized instruction when needed, while also providing more advanced work for children who are ready.
How do you foster Kindergarten Readiness?
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We know that kindergarten teachers look for children who demonstrate independence, decision-making skills, and emotional regulation. Our strong emphasis on social-emotional learning helps children build these essential life skills, preparing them to enter the K-12 school system with a solid foundation that supports long-term success.
Alongside this, we offer a thoughtfully designed academic curriculum that integrates holistic literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, geography, physical development, and the creative arts, ensuring children are both emotionally prepared and academically confident as they take their next steps.
What is your policy on outdoor play?
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Children at Wildflower Preschool play outside daily, whether in sun, rain, or snow. Families provide seasonally appropriate gear (such as rain boots, snowsuits, and sun hats) to be kept at school. Unless outdoor play is deemed unsafe by state guidelines, children will be outside exploring, moving, and learning in nature.
What enrollment schedules do you offer?
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Wildflower Preschool offers flexible scheduling for 2–5 days per week. Families may choose between:
Half Day: 8:00–12:15
Extended Day: 8:00–4:30
To support a smooth and meaningful daily rhythm, all children must arrive by 9:00 a.m.
Which towns do you serve?
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We serve families in the shoreline community including, but not limited to, Westbrook, Old Saybrook, Old Lyme, Chester, Deep River, Essex, Killingworth, Clinton, and Madison.
When can my child start?
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Wildflower Preschool offers rolling admissions as space allows. Children most often begin at the start of the school year in September, mid-year in January, or at the beginning of summer in June. However, we encourage families to reach out at any time to inquire about current availability.