THE ENROLLMENT PROCESS
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Finding the Right Educational Environment for You and Your Child
“One test of the correctness of educational procedure is the happiness of the child.” – Maria Montessori
Alden Enrollment Process
Below is our enrollment process to ensure that, in partnership with the school, you have had many opportunities to decide if Alden Montessori School is the best fit for you and your child. We look forward to getting to know you! Every step of the enrollment process is by appointment only.
Prospective Parent School Preview. 9:00am and 9:45am – Tuesday through Friday mornings, Alden Montessori offers a school preview for prospective parents. This is a personal tour for parents to receive an overview of the philosophy of the school, meet the Heads of School, and tour the campus. We understand that childcare is not always available and therefore you may need to bring your child(ren) with you during the tour. We are happy to have them, just please note we will end the tour when your child(ren) tires. The tour typically lasts forty-five minutes, but we certainly do not expect young children to be able to sustain that length of a tour. We will tailor your tour to your needs and can always answer additional questions over the phone if necessary.
Parent and Child Meet the Teacher. Your child gets the opportunity to see the school and meet their teacher. This is a wonderful opportunity for the parents and the child to have one-on-one time together with the teacher before their classroom visit. This allows the child to become more comfortable, helping to alleviate any anxiety the child may have.
Child Visits the Classroom. The child will visit the classroom and enjoy a presentation from the teacher as well as working alongside and socializing with peers.
Elementary Students will visit two consecutive school days (8:00-2:40)
Preschool/Kindergarten students will visit two consecutive mornings (8:45-11:45)
Toddlers will visit two consecutive mornings for two hours (8:45-11:15)
Parents will be given guidelines to help support a smooth transition. If you anticipate that your child will have some separation anxiety, we will develop a schedule to help your child’s transition be as smooth as possible.
Parent Meeting with Heads of School. This meeting is arranged to begin communication on the parents’ goals for their child and how the school can best meet his/her needs. Discussions about the most beneficial environment for the child, as well as ensuring that the family is in harmony with the Montessori philosophy of education, are also reviewed at this time.
Financials will be discussed with the parents. Tuition Agreement and Family Enrollment Fee is due. ($295 non-refundable)
Enrollment Paperwork. All forms must be submitted, previous school records, and immunizations/physician’s statement of health must be returned before the child may start.
Parent & Classroom Orientation. Both parents are respectfully required to attend a parent/classroom orientation at the beginning of the school year. This event will give valuable information on our philosophy and routines with insight into how to carry them over into the child’s home routines to ensure harmony between all the adults in the child’s daily life. Other adults deeply involved in daily routines are encouraged to join us (stepparent, nanny, grandparent, etc.) Families who enroll after the beginning of the semester will be scheduled for a personal orientation at the convenience of the parent and teacher.
Child’s First Day. This is a memorable and exciting day! We will take lots of pictures!