Admissions

Children as young as 2 1/2 years are eligible for admission provided they are reliably toilet trained and emotionally ready for separation and group experience.  Children are admitted until one month past the 4th birthday, or later with previous Montessori experience or by special arrangement.  The ideal age for enrollment is between 2 ½ and 3 ½ years.  As Montessori is a 3-year cycle, the maximum benefit to your child is derived from 3 full years’ attendance in a program.  We strive to give each child the best and fullest experience at MCHF therefore we ask that each family seriously consider the commitment to three years.  The third and final year which is considered the Kindergarten year is the most important for the child.  They are solidifying all that they have learned and delving into big language and math work.  It is also very critical to the entire community that its older members remain because they are very important in the cycle.

First hand observation of the Montessori environment is the best way to comprehend what Montessori is about and how it works.  It is an opportunity to have a glimpse into a day in the classrooms.  For most parents this is the first step towards enrollment.  Each observation session is for one family only and is usually on Monday from 9:00 am to 9:30 am.  To schedule an appointment in either the Primary or Elementary classroom please contact the school.

Each family is asked to submit an application before or after observing the classroom.  Please call or email the office for an application or download one from the link below.

Upon the receipt of your application the Administrator will schedule a time to meet with you and your child.

For some the enrollment process may start when your child is very young.  If you are interested but your child is still too young, please come to our Open House in the spring and get more information.  The earlier you observe and place your application the better.  Spaces fill up therefore it is better to get the process going during the early enrollment period in the spring (before May 1st).  If you enroll prior to May 1st there is a tuition discount.  At MCHF placement is mostly first come first serve but we do give siblings first priority and children transferring from other Montessori schools.  Applications will be accepted throughout the year, whenever a vacancy exists.  We also start children throughout the year, regardless of application or enrollment date.  Children are not always ready on day one in September but they may be ready in October or January.  Tuition is prorated for those beginning later in the year.