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.
School Phone: (321) 710-9043
Email: cful-enrollment@wmyacademy.com
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.
Kindergarten
Our Kindergarten program offers individual lessons with our teachers that aid students in their own independent investigation. Children gain advanced knowledge of math, science, geography, botany, language, and culture.
Each area of the curriculum comes with enticing, sequenced materials, which are designed to appeal to a young child's interests and stage of cognitive development.
Elementary
Designed for children ages 6 to 12 years old, this program combines classical academic subjects with student-led project-based work, allowing each child to work at their own pace and reach their full potential.
Whenever students show that they are ready to study academic subjects at a higher level, teachers give them plenty of opportunities to do so. This enables children to acquire a sophisticated understanding of each subject that goes beyond memorizing facts for an upcoming test.
Middle School
Our Middle School program is powered by curriculum from the Academy of Thought and Industry, a Montessori-inspired educational program delivering a powerful education for independence, to develop curious, self-motivated youth who thrive in school and in life.
Our curriculum combines the best of a vibrant, liberal arts education with creativity, independence, and personalization.
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!
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!
"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!
"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
Beatrice Laguerre
Leah Ponting
Evan Nicholas
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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