Frequently Asked Questions

We serve children ages 3-6 years old in our Preschool and Kindergarten program. As our admissions are rolling, we do accept children throughout the year as they turn 3. We maintain a mixed-age classroom following the Montessori approach, which allows younger children to learn from older peers and older children to develop leadership skills.

We welcome children at various stages of toilet learning. While we encourage independence, we understand that each child develops at their own pace. Our teachers work with families to support toilet learning in a respectful, pressure-free way. Please discuss your child's specific needs during your tour.

We accept applications year-round for our waitlist. Open enrollment for the following school year typically begins in February, with tours throughout the school year. We encourage families to use our free application first and then schedule a tour to ensure our program is a good fit. Priority is given to siblings of current students and families who demonstrate alignment with our values.

Our enrollment process has three simple steps:

1. Submit Application: Complete our freeonline application via our website
2. Schedule a Tour: Visit our school to see our environment and to decide if you’d like to move forward
3. Enrollment Decision: We'll contact you within a week regarding acceptance

Once accepted, a deposit equal to half of one month's tuition secures your child's spot. This would be based on your family’s income and household size as listed in our tuition calculator.

We use a sliding scale tuition model based on family income, ranging from $185 to $1,850 per month for our full-day program. Use our Tuition Calculator to estimate your family's tuition based on your income and family size. We believe every family should have access to quality Montessori education.

Tuition Calculator

Our sliding scale tuition is our primary form of financial aid, making our program accessible to families across income levels. In cases of exceptional financial hardship, we may have limited additional aid available, such as a transportation stipend for families out of state. We also accept childcare subsidies under the state of Pennsylvania.

Tuition includes:

• All educational materials and supplies
• Morning and afternoon snacks (organic when possible)
• Enrichment activities (art, music, gardening)
• Individualized work plans
• Rolling updates on progress

Families provide lunch (nut-free). Extended care (7:30am-8:30 am M-F, 3:00pm-5:30 PM M-R) is available for an additional fee.

Our regular school day runs from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday. We offer extended care from 7:30 am-8:30am M-F, and 3:00pm-5:30 PM M-R for families who need it. Drop-off begins at 8:30 AM, and we ask that all children arrive by 8:45 AM to fully participate in the morning work cycle and outside time.

A typical day includes:

• 7:30-8:30 AM: Extended Care (we ask families to arrive before 8:20 if they are taking part in this service)
• 8:30-8:45 AM: Arrival and morning greeting outside (if weather permitting)
• 8:30-9:45 AM: Outside gross motor time (if weather permitting)
• 10:00-11:45 AM: Morning work cycle (uninterrupted Montessori work time)
• 11:45-12:00 PM: Dismissal for Half Day Students
• 12:00-12:30 PM: Lunch time
• 12:30-2:00 PM: Afternoon work cycle or rest for younger children
• 2:45-3:00 PM: Dismissal for School Day Students
• 3:00-5:30 PM: Extended Care

We provide a rest time for children who need it, typically our younger students. State regulations require us to provide children with at least 30 minutes of quiet rest. Children who don't nap engage in quiet activities like looking at books, drawing, or working with quiet materials. We work with each family to honor their child's individual rest needs while maintaining a peaceful environment for all.

We provide healthy morning and afternoon snacks, often including fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Many snacks are prepared by the children as part of our food preparation curriculum. Families pack lunch for their children. We're a nut-free school and accommodate various dietary restrictions. Water is available throughout the day, as well.

Montessori education is child-centered and based on scientific observations of how children learn. Key differences include:

• Multi-age classrooms (3-6 years together)
• Self-directed learning with teacher guidance
• Hands-on materials that make abstract concepts concrete
• Uninterrupted work cycles (2-3 hours)
• Emphasis on independence and practical life skills
• Sensory education for all learners

Montessori education naturally accommodates different learning styles through its multi-sensory approach. Children can see, touch, and manipulate materials, supporting visual, kinesthetic, and auditory learners. Our teachers observe each child to understand their unique needs and interests, adapting presentations and offering materials that match their learning style. We celebrate neurodiversity and work with families to support children with various learning differences.

Yes! Montessori children often learn to read and work with mathematical concepts earlier than in traditional settings because the materials make these concepts tangible and engaging. However, we follow each child's readiness and interest. Some children may be reading at 4, while others begin at 6 - both timelines are perfectly normal. Our materials cover language, mathematics, sensorial exploration, practical life, and cultural studies (science, geography, art, music).

We use careful observation and detailed record-keeping to track each child's progress. Teachers maintain online portfolios via our app, Transparent Classroom, showing growth across all areas of development. We share progress each day through the photos in the app, and in regular parent conferences, narrative reports, and examples of your child's work sent home. This approach provides a much richer picture of your child's development than traditional grades, focusing on growth and mastery rather than comparison to others.

We welcome all children and believe deeply in inclusive education. Montessori's individualized approach naturally supports children with various learning differences, including ADHD, autism, sensory processing differences, and other needs. We work closely with families and support specialists (through your local intermediary units) to ensure each child thrives. Please discuss your child's specific needs during your tour so we can plan together.

Yes, we welcome support specialists including speech therapists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, personal care assistants (PCA), and behavioral specialists to work with children at school. We can provide space for services in and out of the classroom and collaborate with your child's support team. This allows children to receive needed services without missing school time and helps us implement strategies consistently throughout the day.

We view challenging behaviors as communication about unmet needs. Our approach focuses on understanding the child, adjusting the environment, teaching skills, and building connection. We use positive discipline techniques, never punishment or shame. Our prepared environment and individualized approach often prevent behavioral challenges. When they arise, we work collaboratively with families to support the child's growth, always affirming that the child is loved and cared for.

We encourage family involvement in many ways:

• Classroom observations (after your child is settled)
• Parent education evenings on Montessori principles
• Volunteering for special events and community days
• Sharing your culture, skills, or profession with the class
• Participating in workdays to maintain our environment
• Joining committees (fundraising, events, diversity & inclusion)

We maintain open communication through:

• Daily brief check-ins and classroom updates with photos and progress notes on Transparent Classroom
• Parent-teacher conferences twice yearly
• Digital portfolio updates showing your child's work
• Parent education evenings and community events
• Open-door policy for questions or concerns