50 Years of WMS

In Montessori classrooms, birthdays are marked with a tradition known as the Walk Around the Sun, a simple yet powerful way to honor the passage of time. As we celebrate our school’s 50th birthday, this Montessori tradition offers us a chance to reflect on our own journey as a school community.

During a Walk Around the Sun, a child physically experiences what it means to grow year by year: one full circle for each year of life, guided by the seasons. To support this tradition, our classrooms use “seasons mats.” The mats visually represent the changing seasons and help children connect abstract ideas of time to something concrete. 

On a child’s birthday, the class gathers in a circle. A candle at the center represents the sun, and the child carries a globe as they walk one full circle for each year of their life. With each round, the class sings, marking growth as something that unfolds gradually and meaningfully. Engaging in this activity is a meaningful and memorable way to demonstrate deep respect for each child. It also fosters a sense of community and belonging with peers, a central part of our school's mission. 

As we celebrate our milestone birthday, the tradition of walking around the sun invites us to reflect on The Washington Market School’s 50 years, shaped by our Founder, Ronnie Moskowitz, and our learners, families, educators, and alumni. Each walk around the sun has led us to where we are today. Our history is rooted in respect, curiosity, and community. We are proud to honor both the individual journeys of our students and the many generations who have been a part of WMS since 1976.