Admission Policy

The admission policy of Miami Shores Montessori School is based on the educational philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori. We strive to serve a broad range of socioeconomic, religious, cultural, racial and ability groups. As often as is possible, children are evenly distributed in each classroom according to their age and sex.

I. CRITERIA FOR ELIGIBILITY
A. Toddler Program - Ages 18 months - 3.5 years

1. Children must be 18 months old on the first day of attendance.

2. Children do not have to be toilet trained.

3. Children should be able to separate from their parents within a reasonable amount of time as determined by the teacher depending on the needs of each individual child.

B. Preschool/Kindergarten Program - Ages 3 - 6

1. Children must be 3 years old on the first day of attendance.

2. Children must be toilet trained.

3. If a child has had previous school experience, copies of transcripts and/or a complete student recommendation form will be required.

4. Candidates who are age 4 or older will be asked to spend a morning in the classroom.

5. Children who turn 5 by September 1st will be considered for the Kindergarten program.

6. Children who are not yet 4 and are enroll in the full day program, will be required to take a rest in the afternoon.

C. Lower Elementary Program - Ages 6 – 9

1. Children who turn 6 by September 1st will be considered for the 1st grade program, 7 by September 1st for the 2nd grade and 8 by September 1st for the 3rd grade.

2. If a child has had previous school experience, copies of transcripts and/or a complete student recommendation form will be required.

3. Candidates will be asked to spend a morning in the classroom.

II. ADDITIONAL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS (for all levels)
A. All new parents meet with the Head of School or Administrator.

B. Copies of any educational/psychological testing must be submitted before admission to the school.

C. Education for all children, including those with special needs, will be done within the parameters of the Montessori philosophy and its implementation in the classroom. This implementation implies a multi-sensory approach to education.

D. In keeping with our philosophy of serving the best interest of children, all admissions are based on a 30 day trial period. More specific trial periods and evaluation procedures may be established as needed. Admission of children with special needs will be for a specific trial period not to exceed 90 days from the first day of entry into the classroom.

III. SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN

Children with mild physical, mental or educational difficulties are considered for admission when special care or attention is not required. Reasonable accommodations will be made provided that no changes to the program are required and that the child does no pose a risk to himself or others. A recent diagnostic assessment by qualified professionals, which identifies the child’s needs within a “mainstream” environment, is required. Periodic assessment may also be required during the school year and prior to re-registration. An educational assessment made during this time will determine:
1. The child’s progress
2. Whether continuation through the current academic year is in the best interest of the child and his/her environment.

IV. APPLICATION PROCEDURES

A. Requests for enrollment information are taken both by phone and in person.

B. An information packet consisting of our brochure stating the philosophy and objectives of a Montessori education and Miami Shores Montessori School and a current tuition schedule.

C. A tour by prospective parents is required. Tours are scheduled Monday through Friday Mornings. Every effort is made to schedule tours for the first convenient date. Prior to the tour, a meeting with the Head of School or Administrator is scheduled to answer any questions and explain the programs.

D. At the end of the tour, the registration process can begin, and at that time parents or guardians may submit a prospective student’s application and registration forms. If the child requires a classroom visit, it may be scheduled at that time.

E. A non-refundable application fee is due upon submission of application.

V. ENROLLMENT

Enrollment of students is made on a first come, first served basis given the following priorities:

A. Returning students are given first priority until February 1st of the school year preceding fall admission.

B. Siblings, former Miami Shores Montessori School families, and children from other Montessori schools are given priority over new students.

C. The number of children who can be accommodated depends on Montessori guidelines and state regulations. When space is unavailable at the time of application, children may be placed on the waiting list at the parents’ request. As soon as a space becomes available the Registrar will contact the parent with regard to a starting date.

D. The annual registration fee, tuition deposit and book & supply fee (if applicable) are due along with the appropriate forms at the time of registration. The registration fee ensures a child’s enrolment in the appropriate program.

E. The registration and deposit fees are non-refundable.

F. Specific policies contained within the financial agreement are binding.

VI. CLASS PLACEMENT

A. Generally, children will remain in the same classroom and with their classroom teacher until they are ready for placement in the next level appropriate to their educational, emotional and social needs, unless Miami Shores Montessori School feels a change is in the best interest of the child.

B. Miami Shores Montessori School reserves the right to place children in order to maintain balanced classes with respect to class size, age, sex and individual needs of students. We welcome all students regardless of race, religion, national origin, disability or gender.