Our primary goal in the admissions process is to help each family find the perfect match for their needs. We recognize that we may not be the perfect match as a co-op for every family. The admissions process is a chance for us to get to know each other. Honesty in any relationship is key to its success. We are not here to convince prospective families that our co-op is right for them. We actively encourage families to observe and explore the many homeschool options available. Our goal is to help families to grasp the nature of our co-op and what we have to offer, and allow them to weigh all the factors out as they consider whether our co-op is indeed the right match for them. When we admit a new child, we are not simply bringing him or her into the co-op community. We are bringing the child, his parents, siblings, and extended family into the mix. In making admissions decisions we normally give strong preference to families who share common values and goals with the co-op, and who, after careful consideration and exploration, have concluded that our co-op is something that they want very much for their children. We consider applications for admissions on a case-by-case open admission basis.

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WHAT IS THE ADMISSIONS PROCESS?

When we have a space become available, we will narrow an age range to fit that space. We will consult the waiting list, starting at the top, flagging all that fit within that age range. From there we get in touch with families, one at a time to let them know that a space is available. At this time, we will offer to set up a time to tour the school. This is most often a one-on-one tour with the director. These tours typically take about an hour.

If it is decided, by you, that our co-op would be a good fit for your family, a non-refundable security deposit is taken within 7 business days to secure the space that is being offered. The full amount of the deposit is applied to the registration fee and/or the first month’s tuition. A start date will also be decided at this time.

Time will also be arranged for the child and the parents to meet the teachers. 

 

WAITING LIST

When no openings are available children will be placed in the applicant group waiting list. In the event of an opening, children in this group will be considered based on the date an application was received and age and needs of the child (in accordance with the Montessori principle of a multi-age classroom). Siblings of currently enrolled students and children of staff members may be granted priority in the admissions process.

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WHERE ARE WE ON THE WAITING LIST? HOW LONG IS THE WAITING LIST?

The waiting list is a master list that is composed of all families interested in enrollment. In an effort for efficiency, the list is not organized by age or classroom. Therefore, your place on the waiting list is not representative of your “place in line.”

When we have a space become available, we narrow an age range for the opening in the classroom. For example, the available space could be suited for a child ranging in age from 3 to 3.5 years of age. With this information, we would go to the list, starting at the top, and flag all those that fit within that age range. Using this system, the group of those that fall within that age range could include families from all over the list.

The attention to age range is so important for balancing the mix of ages within each classroom. This also allows us to plot pathways for each child. These pathways ensure that every child will have the clear path to transition to the next classroom, based on their unique developmental pace.

We have found this system to work best to honor the individual needs of all of our children at Faith Montessori. We acknowledge the difficulty in planning it brings to prospective families. We have done our best to balance the needs of our children and the needs of our prospective families. We hope this helps you understand the system.

 

NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

Each applicant, regardless of background, is considered according to individual need, and each is admitted according to the school's ability to help develop individual potential. Each child is admitted into a mixed age grouping, and each period of learning is regarded as a 3 year cycle.  Faith Montessori admits students of any race, color, nationality, religion, and ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the co-op. 

 

PROVISIONAL ACCEPTANCE

A unique advantage to our program is the flexibility offered by not requiring full-time 5 days per week enrollment. As a result students don't receive as much time to normalize in the prepared environment and will need consistency offered within their home environment. If your child struggles with self control, additional practice at home will be needed to prepare them for entrance into the program. Children unable to relate positively with their peers and treat the classroom with care need additional time to grow and mature in those areas and can reapply in a year's time when registration opens again.

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ENROLLMENT AGREEMENT

A child is officially enrolled in the program when the school has received the enrollment agreement and registration fees. Enrollment in all programs is binding. This means that a withdrawal of your child does not relieve the financial responsibility of the entire year's tuition. 

 

The three-year developmental cycle found at each age level is crucial to a child’s success, and therefore our priority is to enroll children whose families understand and are committed to our programs and philosophy, and who are selecting Faith Montessori as a long-term school placement for their child.

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