Admission Information

In-class, thirty-minute observation

Montessori Children’s House and School is open to children ages 3 to 6 years, and it is designed to include the kindergarten year. Younger children (ages 3 to approximately 4 ½ years) attend from 8:15 a.m. -11:45 a.m. Older children (ages approximately 4½ to 6 years) attend from 8:15 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., with the classroom guide making the determination of whether the child shows readiness to enter the extended day program.

We also provide a Before and After Care (BAC) program that is available from 7:30 – 8:15 a.m. and from 11:45 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

MCHS does not discriminate in the administration of its educational programs, including admission and financial aid, on the basis of religion, race, color, national or ethnic origin, or sexual orientation.

Admissions Requirements

In order for the student to attain optimal participation in the Montessori classroom, a child entering MCHS must:

  1. Be ready to separate from his or her parent successfully;
  2. Be able to use the toilet independently;
  3. Be able to follow directions from adults;
  4. Demonstrate appropriate social skills, such as cooperation, and the ability to communicate with others.

I’ve had two children attend MCHS through kindergarten. It really does all come together in the third year. That was the year they started writing in cursive and when they learned to read. They cemented lasting friendships with other students and teachers. They also got to embrace their roles as leaders by guiding younger kids in the classroom.

J. Greene

MCHS was an incredible experience for our son. Truly nurturing guides with boundless patience, which was exactly what our child needed. One thing our child took away with his Montessori experience was the love of math! Will never forget the day he came home to tell us about the basket game, he was doing long division at four years old, only he didn’t know it!

T. Ingrum, MCHS Parent Jan 2010-May 2011

Values such as responsibility, kindness, and cultural diversity instilled through Montessori teachings drew us to MCHS. Their guides treated children with respect and appreciation for their individuality. Our son’s experience at MCHS laid a foundation that gave him confidence in his abilities and developed his curiosity of learning.

M. Schoenkopf, MCHS Parent 2004-2007

As an MCHS alumna, I knew the school was right for my own children. I have warm memories of MCHS, of feeling happy, fulfilled and confident as a child. When I became a parent, I read about the Montessori method, and I understood why my experience at MCHS was so strong. I knew it was right for my children.

E. Souder-Philyaw, MCHS Alumna 1982, MCHS Parent 2011-2020

The school follows the science of Montessori closely and adds the crucial element of a warm, loving community of parents and guides. My children learned the usual academic things that preschoolers learn, math, reading and colors, but their learning was much deeper. They learned how to concentrate for long periods of time. They learned to complete multi-step projects. And they learned how to pursue their curiosity.

E. Souder-Philyaw, MCHS Alumna 1982, MCHS Parent 2011-2020

When it was time to select an elementary school, the guides knew my children as well as I did, and they offered important advice for what each child would need next. As my children grow, we continue to rely on Montessori principles to guide our parenting.

E. Souder-Philyaw, MCHS Alumna 1982, MCHS Parent 2011-2020

Once Accepted

Upon acceptance, a non-refundable registration fee is due to hold a space for a child.

Before the child begins school, a meeting between parents and the classroom guide is scheduled. The child also has the opportunity to meet with the guide before the orientation schedule commences.

All new students are required to attend an orientation that takes place the week before school starts in August. (Children who start MCHS at other times of the year also take part in orientation, and an individual schedule is custom-made for each child.)