FAQs

Montessori education focuses on a child-centered approach that fosters independence, curiosity, and a love for learning. Unlike traditional education, where the teacher directs the learning, Montessori classrooms are designed to encourage self-directed, hands-on learning. Children are given the freedom to choose activities that interest them within a structured environment, promoting active engagement and exploration.

Montessori classrooms are multi-age, allowing younger students to learn from older peers, while older students reinforce their knowledge by mentoring. The curriculum is individualized, adapting to each child’s learning pace, and includes specialized materials that support practical life skills, sensory exploration, and abstract concepts. This approach nurtures the whole child—academically, socially, and emotionally—preparing them not just for school, but for life.

Montessori materials are thoughtfully designed, hands-on tools that promote active learning and support various aspects of a child's development. Each material isolates a specific skill or concept, allowing children to focus and master it through exploration and practice. These materials are self-correcting, encouraging children to identify and learn from their mistakes, fostering problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

In a Montessori classroom, materials progress from simple to complex, guiding children from concrete understanding to abstract thinking. For example, math materials like the Golden Beads help children grasp the concept of quantity and place value before moving on to more abstract math concepts. Language materials introduce phonetic sounds and writing in a tactile, engaging way, promoting literacy naturally. By allowing children to work at their own pace with materials that align with their developmental stage, Montessori education nurtures independence, concentration, coordination, and a deep, intrinsic love for learning.

Montessori Children’s School is proud to be fully licensed and chartered by the State of Ohio Department of Education and the State of Ohio Department of Early Education. Additionally, we are affiliated with the American Montessori Society, ensuring that our programs meet the highest standards of Montessori education.

Our primary enrollment period for new students typically begins in the early spring for the upcoming school year. However, we accept applications on a rolling basis throughout the year, depending on classroom availability. If you are considering enrollment outside of the main period, please reach out to our admissions office to discuss current openings and the best time to apply for your child.

Yes, your child can join mid-year if spots are available. We understand that families may need to make educational changes throughout the year, and we strive to accommodate new students whenever possible. Please contact our admissions office to check current availability and discuss the best transition plan for your child.

Yes, there is an $100 application fee required during the enrollment process. Additionally, a deposit is required to secure your child’s spot in the classroom once they are accepted. The deposit is typically applied toward the first tuition payment. Both the application fee and deposit are non-refundable. For specific details on fees and payment schedules, please contact our admissions office.

You have three options for paying tuition:

• a one-time payment (due August 15th)

• 2 payments (due August 15th and January 15th)

• or monthly installments spread over eight payments, due on the 15th of each month. **An additional $100 fee will apply for administrative costs.

Please note that the tuition deposit is non-refundable, and a $50 late fee will apply to any payments received after the due date specified. All payments are made online through the Parent Portal on Brightwheel.

Yes, we provide a 10% discount for each additional child enrolled after the first, but this only applies to families paying full tuition. The discount is applied to the lowest program cost but does not cover application fees or Enrichment Care (E.C.) costs.

At Montessori Children’s School, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to explore, learn, and thrive within our nurturing environment, regardless of their financial background.

While we are not currently accepting EdChoice, we remain committed to making Montessori education accessible to as many families as possible. We are actively exploring new scholarship opportunities to continue supporting our diverse and inclusive community.

We appreciate your patience and will share updates as more options become available. If you have any questions, please reach out to Admissions for more information.

Yes, MCS offers both full-day and half-day programs to accommodate the varying needs of families. Our half-day program is perfect for younger children who may benefit from a shorter school day, while the full-day program provides an extended learning environment for those ready for a longer experience. For more information, check out our Programming page or Tuition page.

We strive to accommodate children with diverse learning needs whenever possible. Montessori education’s individualized approach allows us to support many different learning styles, focusing on each child's strengths and areas for growth. Our teachers are trained to adapt their methods to meet the unique needs of each student.

However, we understand that each child's situation is unique, and we may not always have the resources to support every special need.

To ensure we can provide the best possible fit for your child, we have a 30-day assessment period. During this time, we work closely with families to observe how the child adjusts to the classroom environment and determine if we can meet their specific needs effectively.

Our goal is always to ensure that your child is in an environment where they can thrive.

In our Montessori classrooms, we maintain a balanced teacher-to-student ratio to ensure each child receives personalized attention and support. Toddler classes can have no more than 14 students, while other classrooms typically have around 20-24 students with two teachers (one trained Montessori lead teacher and one assistant). This setup fosters an environment where children can explore independently while also having guidance readily available. The multi-age classroom structure further enhances learning, as older students often mentor younger ones, contributing to a collaborative and supportive learning community.

Our teachers are highly trained and deeply passionate about Montessori education. Each lead teacher holds a Montessori certification from an accredited Montessori training program, which includes comprehensive instruction in child development, Montessori philosophy, and the use of specialized Montessori materials for various age groups. Many of our teachers also hold degrees in education or related fields and regularly participate in ongoing professional development to stay up-to-date with the latest Montessori best practices.

Our assistant teachers receive in-house Montessori training to effectively support the classroom environment.

Additionally, our staff has completed Wild School training, which is now integrated into our classroom curriculum. We are committed to continuous learning and growth through ongoing professional development opportunities.

In a Montessori classroom, progress is assessed through careful observation and individualized record-keeping rather than traditional grades and tests. Teachers closely observe each child’s development, noting their interactions with materials, their ability to work independently, and their social and emotional growth. These observations help teachers understand each child's unique learning journey and identify areas where they might need more support or challenge.

Additionally, Montessori classrooms use detailed progress records to track which materials each child has mastered and their readiness to move on to more advanced concepts. Regular parent-teacher conferences provide an opportunity to discuss these observations, share insights, and set goals for the child's continued growth. This holistic approach allows for a comprehensive understanding of each child's development, focusing on personal progress rather than comparison with peers.

Montessori students typically transition smoothly to traditional schooling or higher grades due to the skills and habits they develop in a Montessori environment. Throughout their Montessori education, students are encouraged to be independent, self-motivated learners, which helps them adapt to new educational settings.

Montessori students are often well-prepared academically, as they have been exposed to a broad range of concepts at their own pace. They are also accustomed to managing their time, thinking critically, and collaborating with peers. The multi-age classroom structure in Montessori schools fosters social skills, enabling students to work well with others.

When transitioning, teachers and parents can support students by discussing the new classroom structure and expectations they might encounter. Montessori’s emphasis on adaptability and problem-solving equips children with the confidence and skills needed to thrive in any learning environment.

We use a variety of tools to keep parents informed and engaged in their child's learning journey:

Brightwheel: This app is our primary communication tool. It allows teachers to send real-time updates, photos, and important announcements directly to your phone. Parents can easily message teachers, view daily reports, and keep track of their child's activities. Brightwheel also provides a secure platform for making payments, signing up for events, and staying connected with the school community.

Friday Folders: Every Friday, students bring home a folder containing information about what they have worked on throughout the week, as well as any important forms, reminders, or items that need to be addressed by parents. It’s a great way to stay updated on your child's progress and ensure a smooth flow of communication between home and school. Parents are encouraged to return any necessary items in the folder the following week.

The Montessori Messenger: Our school newsletter, The Montessori Messenger, provides monthly updates, important dates, event information, and highlights from around the school. It’s an excellent resource for staying connected and aware of what’s happening in our Montessori community.

Through these channels, we ensure consistent and open communication to keep parents informed and involved.

Parent-teacher conferences are held twice a year to discuss your child's progress, development, and goals. However, our teachers are always available to meet with you throughout the year if you have questions, concerns, or simply want to check in. Open communication between parents and teachers is key to your child's success, and we encourage ongoing dialogue whenever needed.

Absolutely! At Montessori Children’s School, we believe learning extends beyond the classroom. We are thrilled to offer extracurricular activities that nurture our students' curiosity and passions.

Depending on the time of year, our Kindergarten and Lower Elementary students can participate in Language Club, Theater Club, and Garden Club. Language Club is offered year-round, while Theater Club and Garden Club are seasonal, providing students with opportunities to explore the arts and connect with nature at different times throughout the year.

These activities encourage exploration, creativity, and community—helping students grow in and out of the classroom!

We follow a yearly school calendar that outlines all scheduled holidays and vacation periods, which is provided to families at the beginning of the school year. For weather-related closures, we prioritize the safety of our students and staff. In case of inclement weather, we will communicate any closures or delays through the Brightwheel app, email, and our website, and local news channels.

Our policy typically aligns with local school district decisions regarding weather-related closures, but we may make independent decisions as needed. Families are encouraged to check for updates to stay informed during uncertain weather conditions.

Parents are an integral part of our school community, and there are many ways to get involved! You can join our Parent Club to help plan events, fundraisers, and activities that support the school. We also welcome parent volunteers to assist with classroom activities, field trips, and special events throughout the year.

In addition, we encourage parents to participate in family nights, such as our Annual Fall Fest, Earth Day Celebration, and International Cultural Festival, as well as workshops and community gatherings that foster connections between families and staff. Sharing your unique skills or cultural traditions with the class is another wonderful way to contribute. We believe that when parents actively engage in the school community, it enriches the learning experience for all.

Yes, we have a wonderful Parent Club! This group plays an active role in building a strong school community by organizing events and activities that enrich the school experience for both students and families. All parents are welcome to join the Parent Club, and there are many opportunities to get involved, whether it’s through volunteering at events, contributing ideas, or assisting with planning and organizing activities. Participation in the Parent Club is a great way to connect with other families, support the school, and make a positive impact on your child's educational environment.

No, the school does not offer transportation services. Families are responsible for arranging their child’s drop-off and pick-up each day. We do, however, provide a designated drop-off and pick-up area to ensure a smooth and safe process for everyone.

No, our school does not provide meals or snacks. We encourage families to pack a nutritious, whole foods-based lunch and snack for their child each day. Since we are a nut-free facility due to the increasing number of allergies, please ensure all packed food is free of nuts. We also ask that you include a water bottle to keep your child hydrated throughout the day. If your child has specific dietary restrictions or cultural needs, please let us know so we can support your family in maintaining a safe and inclusive environment.