Admissions Procedure:
Pre-Primary Program (ages 18 months to 3 years old)

We would like to thank you for your interest in the Montessori Children’s School of Key West (MCS). The following is an explanation of the enrollment admissions procedure done at MCS. It is our goal to enroll each child on an individual basis, regardless of race, religion, color, gender or nationality. All children are admitted to the school on a six week provisional basis, after which it is determined if the school and its philosophies is the right fit for your child and family. The following steps are necessary for enrollment.

  1. School Visit/Observation - Families interested in our school must schedule a time to visit and observe a classroom. This observation is for adults only. Our administrative staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

  2. Application – If you are interested in enrollment you must first fill out an application form and submit it to the school with a non-refundable application fee of $50.00. This will ensure your child on our waitlist for enrollment. When your child is of age for enrollment, you will be contacted to set a time for a meeting with the Head of School (HOS) if space is available. We contact families based on when we receive the application and fee. The annual enrollment process begins in April prior to the school year, which begins in August.

  3. HOS Meeting - All applicants are considered in terms of space availability and classroom dynamics. If your child is receiving special services, it is expected that you share this information with us. Your meeting with the Head of School takes approximately 30 minutes. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss how the school operates and your role as a parent. It is important that families agree with and support the philosophy of the school. If your child is accepted into the program, you will receive an enrollment packet, which must be completed and returned to Montessori Children’s School within ten (10) working days from the date of acceptance.

  4. Classroom Placement – Once we receive your enrollment forms and financial commitment your child will be placed in one of the Pre- Primary classrooms. Placement is based on the program choice of the parent. Currently we have a classroom for half day part-time children and a classroom for children that attend five days per week.

    Admission to the school adheres to the following priority basis:

    1. Re-enrollment of current students
    2. Siblings of current students
    3. Children of staff
    4. Transfers from other Montessori schools
    5. New students

    Criteria for acceptance of new Early Childhood students:

    1. The parent's understanding and acceptance of our philosophy and expectations.
    2. Space availability.

    The Head of School will meet with all MCS Directresses to determine classroom assignments. This process takes place during the last week of school for enrolled students attending Montessori Children's School in the fall.. All new students have staggering start dates, to ensure one on one time with the Directress. Start dates and classroom placement will be forward to you in June.

  5. Parent Child Classroom Visit - You will be invited to accompany your child to his/her classroom (usually the day before school starts) for a one hour casual look at the materials, chat with the Directress, use the playground, and give your child a chance to feel more comfortable in his/her new surroundings.

Once again, we thank you for your interest in The Montessori Children’s School. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call us at (305) 294-5302. We look forward to seeing you soon.