Whitney M. Young Academy at ETC

The Whitney M. Young Academy at ETC (WMYA) is a Montessori school in Orlando, FL that helps K-8 students develop a fundamental love of learning and equips each child with the knowledge, confidence, and tools needed to reach their highest potential.

Founded by the Central Florida Urban League, WMYA has curriculum and classes powered by Guidepost Montessori and the Academy of Thought and Industry, offering high-quality education for gifted students ready to excel to the next level.

Whitney M. Young Academy at ETC
2610 Orange Center Blvd. Orlando, FL 32805

School Phone: (321) 710-9043
Email: cful-enrollment@wmyacademy.com
Monday-Friday | 7:45 am – 6:00 pm

Programs For:

Kindergarten (5 years to 6 years)

Lower Elementary (Grades 1 to 3)

Upper Elementary (Grades 4 to 6)

Middle School (Grades 7 and 8)

Our Montessori school in Orlando, Florida is now accepting applications for placement in our programs! The Whitney M. Young Academy is one of the most trusted Montessori schools in Orlando, FL. Indoors, rooms are spacious, bright, and light-filled, creating a warm and calm space for students to work. Outside we have two adjoining playgrounds with ample room for outdoor play. Our school is conveniently located in the Clear Lake community.

Full scholarship opportunities are available for students interested in joining our community. Contact us today to learn more!

Explore Our Programs

Our programs are specially designed by Guidepost Montessori for Kindergarten through Elementary. Our Middle School curriculum is provided by the Academy of Thought and Industry. Both programs are leaders is early childhood and adolescent education.

Scholarships for K-8 students

The Whitney M. Young Academy is pleased to accept scholarships through the Step Up for Students foundation.

Step Up is a state-approved nonprofit scholarship funding organization that helps administer four scholarships for Florida schoolchildren:

  • The Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program (FTC) for lower to middle income families
  • The Family Empowerment Scholarship(FES) for lower to middle income families and students with unique abilities
  • The Hope Scholarship for public school students who are bullied or victims of violence
  • The Reading Scholarship Accounts for public school students in third through fifth grade who struggle with reading

For more information regarding these scholarships, click on the link below and start your application today!

young girl sitting at a table in a Guidepost Montessori kindergarten classroom cutting a banana

Hear from our WMYA Families

Since our Middle School student began attending the Whitney M. Young Academy, we have been very pleased with the spark that has reignited and the willingness to learn. Highly recommend the school!

Three kindergarten-aged school girls enjoy a conversation over glasses of milk, while two other students complete activities behind them in the well-organized Montessori classroom.

"WMYA has been a perfect fit"

The Montessori kindergarten program offered at WMYA has been a perfect fit for our pre-schooler! The staff are truly amazing. The guides are compassionate, understanding, and informative. I love the app they use to provide daily updates about what my little one is learning. Since joining the Whitney M. Young Academy, my daughter's independence has increased, she's learned skills to more effectively express her emotions when she's upset, and she has learned so many things! Each day on our drive home she tells me about her daily artwork, the fun playground, and the new lessons she learned. Aside from the education component, the community is phenomenal. The school hosts events for everyone to get together!

Children in a well-organized mixed-age Montessori classroom ponder over an activity using blocks of different sizes, classic Montessori classroom materials

"The best decision we have made"

Enrolling our son has been THE BEST decision we have made. The curriculum is outstanding and he is eager to learn again!

Meet our Team

Head of School

Beatrice Laguerre

Assistant Head of School

Leah Ponting

Lead Guide

Evan Nicholas

GIF of stills from the Transparent Classroom app which allows you to stay on top of your kids' daily activities in real-time.

Stay connected to your child's learning

Thanks to our app Transparent Classroom, you get a window into your child’s experience of school daily.

Your child’s Lead Guide will share what your child is learning and what their real-time assessments are - this way you can very closely follow your child’s development throughout the day, months, and years you stay within the Guidepost network. If you transfer from one of our locations to the next, your child’s progress and continuity will be tracked in the app and readily accessible. Read more about Transparent Classroom here.

In this app you will see important notes and milestones such as:

  • Curriculum introduction, progress, and completion
  • Summary of school activities
  • Notes such as bringing in supplies or announcements
  • Reminders for upcoming classroom events like birthdays, holidays, or special occasions

Interested in becoming a room parent? Let your school administration team know!

What sets us apart from traditional schools

As the largest network of Montessori schools in the U.S., our curriculum from Guidepost Montessori is recognized for its outstanding academic standards, its steadfast commitment to Montessori education, and its deep respect for the potential in every child. At WMYA, it is our mission to empower and equip students with the knowledge, confidence and agency needed to reach their highest potential.

Two preschool aged children completing different in-class Montessori activities.

Education for life

Our education provides the freedom and guidance needed to construct a sense of self and purpose through joyful, meaningful work. We support your child in all areas of their development – social, emotional, physical, academic, and beyond.

Three kindergarten-aged school girls and one kindergarten school boy enjoy some laughs while completing a school activity.

Deeply individualized learning

Lessons are carefully structured and designed to appeal to each student's level of development and needs. Our proprietary curriculum gives students increasing responsibility over their learning as they grow.

One guide watches as two preschool aged students complete a Montessori classroom activity.

Dedicated teachers supported by industry experts

Our programming has been designed by leading education experts, and is implemented by passionate, qualified teachers. All of our Lead Guides are required to be AMI, AMS, or PMI Montessori certified and receive ongoing training and professional development.

Shelves are stacked with colorful paper and organized with classroom tools like scissors, pens, paintbrushes and glue. Students complete work in the background.

Carefully prepared environment

At the heart of our school is our belief that children thrive when given freedom and responsibility in environments prepared for them. Guidepost Montessori classrooms are light, airy, calming, aesthetically beautiful spaces. Each material is carefully chosen and carefully displayed — to inspire and entice your child to explore.

Students gather around a guide on a reading rug as they intake a laptop PowerPoint presentation on metamorphic rocks.

Year-round programming

We think the education of our students is stronger when we can serve the whole family, which is why we are committed to very few closures throughout the school year, and offer extended day options for families.

A teacher helps students learn how to read in a classroom setting, with sticky notes, open laptops and a student on a barstool in the background.

Continuity and mobility

Our schools offer a continuing Montessori education for children as young as 10 weeks through to 18 years old. With a growing network of 100+ schools across the U.S., China and Europe - combined with our virtual and homeschool options - we can support continuity and consistency in your child's education to meet your family's changing needs.

Giving your child the keys to life

Guidepost Montessori offers a unique and holistic approach to education for children of all ages with over 120 brick & mortar schools, virtual and homeschool, and Spanish and Mandarin language immersion options.

Our curriculum fosters independence, creativity, and a love of learning. Book a school tour today and take the first step in giving your child the gift of a Montessori education.

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