WMS welcomes students of all races, religions, and ethnicities. Our enrollment process aims to ensure that WMS remains a lively and diverse community guided by Montessori philosophy, committed to the shared work of “following the child.” Our admissions season begins in October and concludes in April, when offers of admission are made.
In keeping with Montessori philosophy, we compose our classes carefully. We seek a relatively even distribution of boys, girls, and ages, which is critical to the success of each three-year developmental cycle. In addition to these factors, we give preference to Montessori transfer students and siblings of current students.
The process required for all prospective families starts with a visit to the school. Starting in October we schedule a tour and information session for parents which includes an observation of the classroom and an introduction to the school’s philosophy and expectations.
After parents submit an application and nonrefundable $50 fee, and we have an opening, new families will be contacted to arrange an appointment for their child to meet with the classroom directress or guide. For Toddler and Children’s House children, this meeting will last approximately 20-45 minutes. Elementary children will be invited to spend a half to a full day in the classroom during school hours. After the visit, the Admissions Committee will review all materials received and, in consultation with the classroom directress, make a decision about the appropriateness of the WMS program for the applicant. If accepted, each family will have seven days to enroll by signing and returning an Enrollment Agreement and paying the Advance Tuition Deposit. After seven days the School will offer the opening to another candidate. A student is considered enrolled ONLY when the Advance Tuition Deposit is paid and an agreement is signed and returned to the School. All subsequent paperwork required for matriculation must then be completed by the indicated deadlines.
Students who are not offered admission during the current academic year may elect to keep their applications active for up to one year. In the event that unexpected openings arise, we will draw from our pool of active applications.
Enrollment Timeline
1. Active interview and application process for new students October-March.
2. Current students are re-enrolled by February 1st.
3. Siblings of current students are enrolled by February 15th.
4. New student enrollment begins on mid-February and is completed by March 15th.
No person shall, on the basis of race, color, religious belief, national origin, or sex, be excluded from participation, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any WMS program.
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