The Montessori School of Yakima

Admission Requirements

Parental observation of a classroom in session. We strongly feel that parents cannot make a decision on their child's education without first experiencing the classroom environment.

Lower age limit is within one or two months of third birthday and the following:

• Children must be verbal, responsive to adult direction, and able to function cooperatively with other children in a group setting.
• Children must be able to handle going to the toilet independently.
• Students transferring from another Early Childhood program will be asked for a teacher referral.

It is important that older children who enter the program have previous Montessori experience and are well integrated into the Montessori program, and show school readiness.

Children who have not had previous Montessori experience and who turn 4 ½ on or before August 31 will generally not be admitted as new students. Exceptions will be made at the classroom teacher's discretion after considering the following:

• Previous Montessori experience
• The age and gender balance in the class
• Available openings in the class
  
  In addition, the teacher will interview the child to determine his or her school readiness. The discretion whether an exception to the age policy is held solely by the classroom teacher.

Admission Procedure

The goal in the admission process is to work closely with you to help determine whether our program and philosophy is a "good fit" with your goals and family values. Montessori education is concerned with the development of the whole child and our methods are most successful when there is a high degree of congruence between home and school expectations.

Telephone Follow up
After your phone or mail inquiry, the Administrator will telephone you to answer your initial questions and gather basic information about what you are looking for in a school. An observation appointment will be scheduled either at this time or with a follow up call.

Observation
All prospective parents must observe a classroom in session. It is hoped that both parents will observe if possible. We ask that children not accompany parents at this observation to minimize classroom distractions. You will be given guidelines for non-obtrusive observation and an application packet if you have not received one. After the observation you will have an opportunity to discuss your impressions and questions with the Administrator either in person or via a follow up telephone call.

Application
When you have gathered enough information to make an informed decision, you may submit the application form, an authorization for request of student records (Early Childhood transfer students only) and registration fee. The registration fee is non-refundable unless we are unable to offer your child a space.

Interview
If we have not had a chance to have a conversation with you, we will contact you once the application is received to get to know your child and family better. We will also help you decide if your child is ready to start school. References from the child's previous school are also considered when admitting transferring Early Childhood students.

Acceptance/Placement
Admissions decisions for the new school year are made in March. Placement decisions are made by the Admissions Committee. We attempt to balance age, gender and the diverse needs of our student body in admitting children. Parental request is considered, but cannot always be accommodated, given the need to balance the classrooms on multiple parameters. New Early Childhood students are considered for admittance according to the following priority:

• Younger siblings of currently enrolled students, or of students newly enrolled in the elementary program.
• Currently enrolled students who want to move to extended day are given spaces according to their age (oldest first).
• New students according to space available for their age, gender and the order (date) in which they applied.

When a child is enrolled in extended day and wants to move to half day or vice versa, it is likely that he/she will have to go on a waiting list to make the change as all spaces are usually full. Notification of Admissions Status You will be notified by mail of your child's admissions status by mid March. · If admitted, you will be sent an enrollment contract and participation agreement which must be returned within 2 weeks with the first month's tuition to reserve the space. · If wait listed you will be given the opportunity to choose between a refund of your registration fee or remaining on the wait list in case of future openings. Note: It is usually the case that there is some turnover between spring and the beginning of school in September. If you remain on the wait list you will be contacted as soon as such an opening occurs. If you are on the waiting list for a space and notify us in writing that you wish to be taken off, your registration fee will be refunded. If we offer you a space and you elect not to take it, your registration fee will not be refunded. Midyear Admissions Students on the Wait List are admitted during the school year as spaces become available. Child Records When you have accepted our admissions offer by returning tuition and enrollment and participation contracts, an additional packet of forms will be sent to you. These must be filled out in full and returned before the deadline. Children will not be allowed to attend class until this information is in their files.