FIRST STATE MONTESSORI ACADEMY

First State Montessori Academy is a Title I public charter elementary school that is part of the First State Montessori Academy school district, located in Wilmington, DE with about 434 students offering grade levels from Kindergarten to 5th Grade. A Title I school provides supplemental financial assistance to school districts for children from low-income families. Its purpose is to provide all children significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education. With about 46 teachers, First State Montessori Academy has a student/teacher ratio of about 9:1. The national average for public schools is about 15:1. A lower student/teacher ratio is a key factor that determines how much a teacher can devote his/her time to each individual student thus improving, or reducing (in the event of a higher student/teacher ratio) the attention each student is given for their educational needs.

First State Montessori Academy (FSMA) is a public charter school located in Wilmington, Delaware, that provides a unique educational model based on the principles of Dr. Maria Montessori. Serving students from kindergarten through eighth grade, the school emphasizes student-centered learning, independence, and the development of the whole child. By utilizing mixed-age classrooms and specialized Montessori materials, FSMA fosters an environment where children are encouraged to follow their interests, develop critical thinking skills, and progress at their own individual pace within a structured curriculum.

Beyond its academic focus, the school is deeply committed to building a strong, inclusive community that reflects the diversity of the Wilmington area. FSMA places a heavy emphasis on "Grace and Courtesy," social-emotional development, and collaborative problem-solving, aiming to prepare students not only for high school but to be engaged and empathetic citizens. As a public charter school, it offers this specialized Montessori education tuition-free, making the traditional private-school model accessible to a broad demographic of families.

For more information, contact First State Montessori Academy at (302) 576-1500 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.