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. Our Program is not designed for children that have specific difficulties i. e. learning exceptionalities, medical or emotional needs, psychological issues nor are our teachers trained in these areas. For this reason, we are not always able to meet the needs of every child.

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 and be able to use bathroom independently.

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 of all children will be done within the parameters of the Montessori philosophy and its implementation in the classroom. This implementation implies a well-rounded multi-sensory approach to education and values students that display characteristics needed for success and happiness.

 

III. EVALUATION

A. In keeping with our philosophy of serving the best interest of children, we evaluate prospective students by observation and interviews and before accepting for admission, reserve the right to evaluate children on academic readiness and aptitude, social maturity and behavior according to age. We regret that we can not serve children with behavior issues.
B. Our Montessori philosophy is to serve students whose needs we can meet. In some cases, it can take a newly enrolled student up to four-six weeks to adjust and operate as a successful member of the school community. If the student is not meeting his/her academic level and still can not functioning independently in the class environment after the initial transition period, then the following will be required:
1. Parents/Guardians agree to assessment to determine student’s needs.
2. If staying on task is at issue, the student may require a “shadow.” Parents agree to assume the financial responsibilities of a shadow.
3. A trial period not to exceed 90 days from the first day of entry into the classroom will be implemented.
4. If none of the above procedures work, the school administration, teachers and/or parents may conclude that our Montessori environment is not beneficial to the child.

 

 

IV. CHILDREN WITH EXCEPTIONALITIES

A. Children with mild physical, mental or educational exceptionalities 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 not pose a risk to himself or others. 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. A recent diagnostic assessment by qualified professionals, which identifies the child’s needs within a “mainstream” environment, is required. Assessment prior to admission and consequent periodic assessment may also be required during the school year and prior to re-registration. An educational assessment will determine:

1. The need of a “shadow” at school. Parents agree to assume financial responsibility for the shadow.

2. Whether continuation through the current academic year is in the best interest of the child and his/her environment.

IV. APPLICATION PROCEDURES

A. Request information either by phone or via electronic message.

B. An information packet containing our mission, brochure, program information, tuition schedule and an application form will be forwarded electronically.

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 form. 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 the application. Submission of health forms and a birth certificate will be required upon acceptance.

V. ENROLLMENT

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

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

B. Siblings and former Miami Shores Montessori School families are given priority.

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 and after submission of the application form. As soon as a space becomes available, the Registrar will contact the parent with regard to a start 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 and tuition deposit ensure a child’s enrolment in the appropriate program.

E. The registration and deposit fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. Upon registration, a commitment for the entire school year is required.

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.