Admissions Procedure:
Primary Program (ages 3 – Kindergarten)

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 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 are 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 $100.00. This will ensure your child is on our waitlist for enrollment. When your child is of age for enrollment, you will be contacted to set a time for an interview if space is available. The annual enrollment process begins in April for the up-coming school year which begins in August.

  3. Informal Student Interview - We will call you to set-up a time for your child’s interview. Your child will visit the classroom, meet the Directress (Directress), and work with learning materials. This will give the Directress the opportunity to evaluate your child’s level of readiness. Age is only one factor for admission into our Primary program. Developmental readiness is also considered, and 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. While your child is with the Directress you will meet with the Head of School to discuss how the school operates and your role as a parent. Final enrollment notification will be sent within a few days following this interview with a tuition contract to be signed and returned to Montessori Children’s School within ten (10) working days.

  4. Classroom Placement – Once we receive your enrollment forms and financial commitment your child will be placed in one of three Primary classrooms. In an effort to create a balanced educational environment true to the philosophy of Dr. Montessori, a relatively even distribution of boys, girls, and ages are the main priorities in each three-year classroom. Please note, parent preferences for a specific classroom are taken into consideration but are not guaranteed.

  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.

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 the best fit for your child. This process takes place during the last week of the current school year.

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.