Wisteria’s curriculum is the result of over 50 years of experience and observation, continuously evolving to meet the needs of today’s learners. We believe that no single educational approach can fully serve the "new child"—a child who is more curious, seeks diverse experiences, is an innovative thinker, and holds infinite potential. At the heart of our curriculum is a powerful integration of Reggio Emilia pedagogy and the Montessori philosophy. This blend of theory and practice challenges educators to see each child as a capable learner, thriving through both group collaboration and individual exploration. Our program is grounded in respect, responsibility, and community—supporting discovery in an environment shaped by children’s interests, guided by thoughtful educators, and fueled by curiosity.

 

Our mission is to “inspire socially capable, creative learners who can shape the future and be global citizens.” We offer children a thoughtfully designed curriculum that nurtures both academic and creative development. Drawing inspiration from the Reggio Emilia philosophy, Montessori materials, nature-based learning, and a strong language and reading program, our approach supports the whole child. 

 

Our school is purposefully built within a natural setting, surrounded by woods. Every classroom is connected to the outdoors and filled with natural light, fostering a calm and inspiring environment. Carefully structured class schedules create a slower, more intentional rhythm to the day. Children enjoy a variety of enriching spaces including courtyards, a yoga studio, an atelier, a computer lab, and a dedicated children’s library—each offering unique opportunities for exploration and growth.

 

Our approach fosters a lifelong passion for the arts and an inquiry-based mindset that supports all future learning. Through hands-on activities, interdisciplinary study, and artistic expression, we nurture both critical and creative thinking, as well as a lasting joy for learning. Our program equips children with the academic foundation and socio-emotional skills they need to thrive and realize their unique potential.

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At Wisteria, we believe that schools must do more than simply transfer information—they must spark a genuine desire to learn. Unfortunately, many schools struggle to align their vision, values, and educational practices to meet this goal. At Wisteria Preschool, we have a clear and unified philosophy. We intentionally engage multiple intelligences and cultivate each child’s intrinsic motivation. Our skilled and collaborative teachers serve as guides and facilitators, not just instructors.

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We do not see children as empty vessels to be filled with information, but as competent and capable learners. When a child discovers an answer for themselves, they truly own that knowledge. Learning becomes personal, meaningful, and lasting.

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Wisteria also shares a global mission—to change the world through education. Our faculty is diverse, international, and deeply committed. They are talented, creative, and passionate educators who guide not only our students, but the world toward a brighter future.

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Our children ask big questions. They think creatively and challenge norms. They are the center of the learning experience and fill us with joy and wonder each day. As they grow, they will become kind, wise, and thoughtful individuals who are ready to make a positive impact on the world.

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What is Reggio Emilia?

The Reggio Emilia Approach is an educational philosophy focused on preschool and primary education. It was developed after World War II by a teacher, Loris Malaguzzi, and parents in the villages around Reggio Emilia in Italy. The Reggio Emilia approach believes that children are endowed with "a hundred languages" through which they can express their ideas. The aim of this approach is teaching how to use these symbolic languages (e.g., painting, sculpting, drama) in everyday life. The Reggio Emilia philosophy is a way of observing what children know, are curious about and what challenges them. Teachers record these observations to reflect on developmentally appropriate ways to help children expand their academic and social potentials. Long term projects connect core academic areas in and out of the classroom. Projects provide the backbone of the children’s and teachers’ learning experiences. They are based on the strong convictions that learning by doing is of great importance and that to discuss in group and to revisit ideas and experiences is the premier way of learning. Emergent Curriculum is a way of teaching and learning that requires teachers to observe and listen to the children. Teachers ask questions and listen for the children’s ideas, hypotheses and theories. After observing children in action, the teachers compare, discuss, and interpret their observations. Teachers plan activities, studies and long term projects in the classroom based on their observations. Teachers partner with children and the exchange of theories are referred to as the Cycle of Inquiry. Learning is seen not as a linear process but as a spiraling progression.

 

What is Montessori?

Montessori education is an educational approach developed by Italian physician and educator Maria Montessori. It is a method of education that is based on self-directed activity, hands-on learning and collaborative play. A Montessori environment focuses more on a student's learning than on a teacher's teaching. Montessori believed that children educate themselves. Children are born to learn, and they are remarkable learning systems. But what they learn depends greatly on their teachers, experiences, and environments. This is the concept of the absorbent mind. Montessori believed there are sensitive periods when children are more susceptible to certain behaviors and can learn specific skills more easily. One role of the teacher is to use observation to detect times of sensitivity and provide the setting for optimum fulfillment. Montessori believed that children learn best in a prepared environment, a place in which children can do things for themselves. The prepared environment makes learning materials and experiences available to children in an orderly format. Since children within the environment are free to explore materials of their own choosing, they absorb what they find there.

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