Commonly Asked Questions

Do you accept students mid-year?

We offer rolling enrollment when space allows, but openings during the school year are rare. If a spot becomes available, we prioritize families from our wait pool and consider factors such as class balance and school-family compatibility.

How do you make enrollment decisions?

As a small school, we have limited openings each year. Enrollment decisions are based on:

Sibling priority – Siblings of current students are given preference.
Class availability – We ensure a balanced and developmentally appropriate classroom environment.
School-family alignment – We look for families who share our values on early childhood education and will contribute positively to our school community.

Do you have a waitlist?

Rather than a traditional waitlist, we use a wait pool. This means families are not offered spots on a first-come, first-served basis. Instead, when a space becomes available, we carefully consider class balance, age distribution, and family-school alignment before making an offer.

Are snacks provided?

Yes, we provide two daily snacks at 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM. While we offer a variety of snacks, we cannot guarantee accommodations for all specific dietary restrictions. If your child has food allergies or dietary needs, we ask that families provide their own safe alternative snacks.

Is lunch included?

No, families provide lunch for their child.

How is tuition paid?

Tuition is processed through Brightwheel on the 1st of each month.

How many tuition installments are there?

We operate 11 months per year (closed in July), so tuition is divided into 11 equal installments.

Do you prorate tuition?

No, tuition is based on an annual cost divided into 11 monthly installments. This structure ensures consistency in our program and helps us maintain high-quality education and staffing. We are unable to offer prorated tuition for absences, vacations, or partial months, as our costs remain the same regardless of attendance.

Can payments be split between multiple payers?

Yes, Brightwheel allows families to split invoices, enabling multiple people to contribute to tuition payments.

Can I pay with a credit card?

Yes, Brightwheel accepts bank transfers, credit cards, and debit cards for tuition payments.

Are you AMS certified?

While we are a Montessori school, we take an integrated approach that blends Montessori principles with play-based learning and Reggio Emilia-inspired project work. Because of this, an AMS certification does not align with our mission. However, we are working toward NAEYC accreditation, which reflects our commitment to high-quality, developmentally appropriate practices.

What is your approach to discipline?

We use a respectful, relationship-based approach to discipline that helps children understand their emotions, communicate effectively, and build problem-solving skills. Inspired by No Drama Discipline (Daniel Siegel) and Gentle Discipline (Sarah Ockwell-Smith), our teachers guide children through conflicts using connection, modeling, and age-appropriate strategies.

We do not use punitive discipline or time-outs. Instead, we support children with:

‘Time-ins’ to help process emotions and resolve conflicts.
Breathing breaks and calming techniques.
Encouraging problem-solving and repairing relationships rather than simply saying "sorry."

Since young children are still developing language skills, our role as teachers is to guide them calmly and help them navigate big emotions in a developmentally appropriate way.

How many students are in each class?

We maintain a 1:6 teacher-to-student ratio, with 12 students per class.

Will my child be engaged and challenged?

Absolutely! Our small class sizes allow teachers to tailor activities to each child’s interests and developmental needs. Lessons are dynamic, hands-on, and evolve as children grow. Students also learn from one another through peer interactions, fostering both academic and social-emotional development.

What are your teachers’ educational backgrounds?

Most of our teachers hold a Bachelor’s degree, primarily in child development or early childhood education. Some have formal Montessori training, and all receive in-house Montessori training from experienced staff members. We prioritize ongoing professional development, and our teachers participate in regular workshops and training to stay current with best practices in early childhood education.

When do students nap?

Rest time takes place from approximately 1:00–2:30/3:00 PM. After lunch, students prepare for rest by using the restroom, washing up, and getting comfortable with their lovies. Upon waking, they transition into the afternoon routine.

What if my child no longer naps?

We believe a period of quiet rest is beneficial after an active morning. All students rest for at least 30 minutes. After this time, children who remain awake may engage in a quiet activity. If a child falls asleep, we allow them to rest, as we believe their body needs the sleep.

Does my child need to be potty trained to start school?

The short answer: Yes, children need to be potty trained.

The longer answer: We recognize that toileting is a developmental milestone, and every child progresses at their own pace. Like any aspect of your child’s development, we’re here to support you and help as much as we can. While full independence is ideal, we simply ask that your child is showing some interest in potty training by the start of the school year in August.

How can families be involved in the school community?

We love when families participate in our school community! Parent involvement is a valued part of Highland Montessori, and families can engage in various ways:

Attending school events and parent gatherings

Sharing cultural traditions or special talents with the class

Volunteering for school activities and celebrations

We believe that strong family-school relationships enrich every child’s experience and help foster a close-knit school community.