Admissions
The Montessori mixed age classroom is a crucial component to achieving the depth of knowledge and skills our students master while at CMS. Each of our classrooms includes a three-year cycle designed around the Montessori planes of development (Children’s House 3-6 years old, Lower Elementary 1st-3rd grade, Upper Elementary, 4th-6th grade, and Middle School 7th-9th grade). The first year in a classroom, children are exploring their environment and making sense of their new community. During their second year, children are more established in the classroom and feel comfortable to start experimenting in their learning space and begin to grow more independence in their learning. By their third year, children are the experts and leaders in their community with the ability to reach new growth and knowledge with confidence.
While some of our students join us in the middle or end of a three-year cycle, it is preferable for the student, when possible, to complete the full three years in a classroom. The children who benefit the most from a Montessori classroom have had the three years necessary to establish their roots, extend themselves, and then have the time and space to bloom in exciting new ways. Because of this, CMS has high classroom retention rates. Please know that spots are limited, especially for students joining in the middle or end of the three-year classroom continuum.
Enrollment and Waiting List
Each year we offer priority enrollment for the coming fall starting in February for children currently attending Classen Montessori School and their siblings. Once all CMS families have been accommodated, enrollment is opened to new families, beginning with those already on the waiting list and continuing until the available classes are filled. In order to enroll you must have a current application questionnaire submitted.
Interview and Tour
After submitting an application questionnaire you will be e-mailed our scheduling link for you to schedule an interview and tour. Our interview/tour times are available during the morning work cycle (between 8:30-11:00) so that our prospective families can see the Montessori classroom at work. We encourage both parents and the prospective student to join the interview and tour process. This stage of admissions is an important time for you to get more familiar with CMS and the culture of our classrooms and community.
We encourage parents who are new to Montessori to explore the AMS website prior to the campus visit to familiarize themselves with the Montessori method. This will make your tour more advantageous as you get to see the classrooms in action.
Why Doesn’t Classen Montessori Offer Shadow Days or Play Dates?
At Classen Montessori School, we prioritize maintaining the integrity of our learning environment and ensuring that each student’s work remains uninterrupted. The Montessori method is built on deep concentration and engagement, encouraging and allowing students to fully immerse themselves in meaningful learning experiences over extended periods of time each day.
Our individualized approach means that each student follows a personal learning plan guided by their teacher. Hosting non-CMS students for a day would divert attention away from our enrolled students and disrupt the focused atmosphere that allows them to thrive. Additionally, because Montessori classrooms emphasize independence and self-direction, a one-day visit wouldn’t provide an authentic experience of what it means to be a Montessori learner.
Instead of shadow days, we invite you to observe our classrooms through one-way glass and meet with our admissions team to gain a deeper understanding of our philosophy and approach. This ensures that you can make an informed decision for your family while we continue providing an optimal learning environment for our students.
Tuition and Fees For the Academic Year
Our school day starts with drop-off at 8:15-8:30 am. Half day students are picked up before lunch at 11:45. Our afternoon pick-up is at 3:15-3:30. Our after School program runs from the end of the core school day until 5:30 pm.
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Pre-Application Condensed Form
If you have a child 18 months and under and would like to join our wait list early please fill out the condensed questionnaire below.We will request that you fill out our full application during the admissions season prior to your desired enrollment year.