Admissions Process

Admissions Standards

The following admission policies and criteria weigh not only a student’s compatibility with a particular classroom, but also the student’s and family term commitment to a Montessori education and commitment to an active school partnership.

 We practice a policy of nondiscrimination on the basis of race, gender, disability, religion, and national and ethnic origin regarding the receipt and review of applications for admission. Furthermore, Our Journey Montessori School makes every effort to promote diversity as a value in its curriculum and within its student body and staff. OJMS seeks diversity, believing that a child benefits from learning with children of various backgrounds, learning styles, and inherent abilities.

 We respect the right to privacy of all prospective students and families, and honor the confidentiality of all reports, records, interview information, and any other information or materials obtained as part of the admission application process.

 There is a two-week probationary period for new students only, during which students are evaluated regarding the appropriateness of their placement in the school.  If it is felt that the student's needs would be better met in another setting, a conference with the parents, teacher, and Directress will be called.

 We welcome applications from a wide variety of students. Recognizing that each child develops in a unique way, we also recognize our limitations in meeting some highly complex or specialized learning needs. Our admissions procedure therefore factors our ability to accommodate particular students' special needs without disruption to our program in the evaluation of applications for admission.  Students who have special needs that fall within our ability to address may be accepted on a provisional basis.

 A Montessori education is most effective as a three-year cycle (ages 3-6, 6-9, 9-12, 12-14) and in a classroom community with a balanced ratio of ages and gender. Our admission process therefore takes into consideration the long-term educational goals of the parents as well as the balance required in the classroom.

 Final placement decisions will be made by the Directress with input from parents, teachers, and records. Interviews and classroom visits by student and parents may be required before a final enrollment decision is made. The Directress’s decisions will be based on the needs of the child individually and as part of the classroom community.

Infant/Toddler Admission
Children must be at least 6 months of age as of September 1 to be considered for Infant/Toddler admission. Children need not be trained in bathroom habits. This is part of the curriculum.

Emerging Admission
Children will be assessed individually as to their ability to attend class. Children must be at least 2.5 years of age as of September 1 to be considered for Emerging admission. Children need not be trained in bathroom habits. This is part of the curriculum.

Early Childhood Admission
Children must be at least 3 years of age as of September 1 to be considered for Early Childhood admission. Children must be able to toilet independently. Wearing diapers or training pants (including pull-up style) is not accepted in this environment.

Elementary 1, Elementary 2 and Middle School Admission
Children must be 6 years old by September 1 to be considered for Elementary 1 admission. Children must be 9 years of age to be considered for Elementary 2. Children must be 12 years of age to be considered for Middle School. Placement and enrollment decisions will be based on an individual assessment of a child’s ability to work in a Montessori environment, transcripts and records, and requested interviews and classroom visits.