Our History

Wicomico Day School began in March 1990, when Sheila and Joe Zimmer purchased a small child care center in Salisbury, then known as Buttons & Bows. At that time, just 36 children—ages two through four—were enrolled. Guided by Sheila Zimmer’s belief in providing high-quality early childhood education in a caring and secure environment, the school quickly grew.

Sheila brought years of experience as a teacher, consultant, and administrator, along with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from the University of Notre Dame of Maryland and graduate degrees in Early Childhood Education and Reading. Her vision shaped the school’s foundation: to inspire each child to do their best through both strong academics and nurturing care.

By 1992, Wicomico Day School opened its first kindergarten class, which received immediate approval from the Maryland State Department of Education. Responding to family requests, first grade was added in 1994. To meet growing demand, a new classroom wing opened in 1995, while a house on the property was converted into an Infant/Toddler Center.

Growth continued throughout the 1990s. In 1998, the school expanded to include eight new classrooms, a library, administrative offices, a multi-purpose room, and more. With these changes came a new name—Wicomico Day School—to better reflect its growing scope. That same year, the faculty recommended and adopted the Core Knowledge curriculum, which remains central to our program today.

Further expansions followed: in 2001, additional classrooms and teacher spaces were added, and in 2004, new facilities were built for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. That same year, WDS expanded to serve middle school students.

Today, Wicomico Day School stands as an approved Gold Star Core Knowledge School, licensed by the Maryland State Department of Education. From its modest beginnings, WDS has grown into a vibrant community, offering a full continuum of education while remaining true to Sheila Zimmer’s original vision—providing every child with the knowledge, care, and encouragement to thrive.