APPLICATION FOR NEW STUDENTS

General Policy

The Discovery School has a non-discriminatory admissions policy. Children are usually accepted for automatic acceptance between the ages of 18 months through 2 years of age. Children from 3 – 12 years of age must go through an interview process (see details below). Children entering third through sixth grade must have at least one year of Montessori experience in that level, unless transferring from another Montessori school.

Enrollment Process

Primary (3 – 6 years old) and Elementary (6 – 12 years old)

1. Apply Online – Submit an application through our website.

2. Schedule a Tour – The school will contact you within three business days to schedule a tour, typically held Tuesday through Thursday from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Tours are for adults only and may include multiple families, but you may request a private tour if preferred.

3. Child Interview – After the tour, we will schedule an interview for your child. Students in grades 1st – 6th must provide current school records (e.g., a report card) before the interview. Please note that your child may not be placed in the classroom of the teacher conducting the interview.

4. Teacher Evaluation – A teacher will interview your child and provide a recommendation for acceptance to the School Director.

5. Acceptance Notification – The School Director will inform you of the admission decision within two business days.

6. Registration Payment – If accepted, registration fees must be paid within five business days to complete enrollment. These fees are non-refundable.

7. Waitlist Policy – If registration fees are not paid within five business days, your child will be placed on a waitlist.

Toddler (18 months – 3 years old)

1. Apply Online – Submit an application through our website.

2. Schedule an Interview – After receiving your application, the school will contact you within two business days to arrange an interview with a toddler teacher. Only two parents or guardians, along with the child, may attend the interview in the classroom. Please note that the interviewing teacher may not be your child’s assigned teacher.

3. Interview – You and your child will meet with a teacher for the interview. During this time, the teacher will ask questions to learn more about your child, and you will have the opportunity to ask about the program. Following the interview, the teacher will provide a recommendation to the School Director in regard to your child’s acceptance.

4. Acceptance Notification – The School Director will inform you of the admission decision within two business days.

5. Registration Payment – If accepted, registration fees must be paid within five business days to complete enrollment. These fees are non-refundable.

6. Waitlist Policy – If registration fees are not paid within five business days, your child will be placed on a waitlist.

The following criteria are considered for your child's enrollment eligibility:

Toddlers (18 months – 3 years old)

o Able to accept separation from home and parents
o Able to walk
o Succinctly developed to interact appropriately with peers

Primary (3 – 6 years old)

o Potty trained – child is wearing underwear and rarely has accidents
*No diapers or pull-ups are allowed. If repeated accidents occur, a recommendation will be made to keep your child at home until completely potty-trained.
o Ability to go to the bathroom on their own without reminders
o Child’s care of self is age appropriate and reflects independence
o Able to accept separation from home
o Ability to follow basic instructions
o Motor development (gross and fine) is age appropriate
o Ability to focus is age appropriate. For example, if they’re four they can sit for four minutes, if they’re five, they can sit for five minutes.
o Emotionally ready for an environment with many children at different age levels
o Ability to make eye contact with teachers and peers

Lower and Upper Elementary (6 – 12 years old)

o Able to show respect for themselves, members of the classroom community, and the environment
o Able to cooperate with all teachers
o Able to work independently
o Able to work in large and small group settings
o Able to follow through with classroom community expectations
o Able to work through minor distractions
o Able to participate cooperatively in peer group work
o Demonstrate self-control and avoid violence with others, things, or animals
o Able to follow peace education strategies to work out problems or misunderstandings

Additional Admission Policies

Children are admitted to the Discovery School subject to appropriate classroom openings, information provided on the completed application form, and the interview with the teacher. Official report cards will be requested from the last school the child attended. Following the traditional multi-age Montessori classroom model, the Discovery School is committed to creating a balanced learning environment for your child regarding the needs of all students. It is essential that you inform the school of any special needs your child may have so that these can be considered in determining classroom placement. Other documentation regarding students with special learning needs will be requested from doctors, therapists, etc.

Begin Application