Admissions FAQs

What is tuition?

The 2010-2011 tuition for full-day early childhood students (ages 3-5) is $8,050. For half-day students (age 3 only) it is $6,200. For elementary students (grades 1-6) it is $8,200. Tuition is generally paid over 10 months, but is also accepted in full at the start of the year.

What does a school day look like?

The school day starts promptly at 9 a.m. with class work and activities until 12 p.m. Lunch is from 12-12:30 p.m. and 12:30-1 p.m. is recess for the whole school. Students play outside every day, rain or shine. From 1 p.m.-3:30 p.m. is more class time. The arrival and departure times (with no extended care charges) are 8:45 - 9 a.m. and 3:30 - 3:45 p.m.

Please see the "Programs" tab above for more detailed information about a particular class level.

Can my child come half time?

We offer 3 year-olds a half-day option, either in the mornings or afternoons. The morning session is from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. and the afternoon session is from 12:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Do you have extended care available?

Yes! We offer extended care to enrolled students only, from 7 to 8:45 a.m. and 3:45 to 5:30 p.m. Click here for more information.

What is the ratio in the classrooms?

The student to adult ratio is 10 (or fewer) to 1.

What are you looking for in the admissions interview?

For early childhood students we are looking for readiness to be in the classroom. This is determined by behaviors such as the child's ability to understand and follow multi-part directions, to connect and communicate with adults, and to engage with the materials. For elementary students we look at the child's attitutde toward school and their interest in different subject areas. We also do a cursory reading and math assessment, though admission is not based on having mastered any particular matierial or level.

Parent's interest in and understanding of the Montessori method, and/or a williness to learn about and trust the process, is also important to us. We are seeking families who are interested in keeping children in the school though all grade levels, or at minimum through each 3-year classroom cycle.

Can my two year-old attend?

We occasionally take older 2 year-olds as space allows. Admission at this age is dependent on their readiness to enter the classroom.

What do you expect from parents?

Parent invovlement in a child's education is considered a strong indicator of student success. We ask that parents become familar with the Montessori philosophy and, if they want to work at home with their child, work with teachers on what is apropriate in terms of help and activities. We are also a community that relies on the support and participation of our parents. We aks that every family contribute 10 volunteer hours each year, attend our annual auction, and make a contribution to our annual fund.

What do you promise in terms of my child's learning?

We work hard to ensure that a child's innate love of learning is supported and developed throughout their time as a CRMS student. We help them learn to have control over their academic, social and emotional growth, and to be motivated to learn for learning's sake. We do not make promises regarding students excelling acadmically or otherwise, but work very hard to ensure that their transition to their next educational experience is smooth. We have found that students who complete each three-year cycle are well-prepared for what lies ahead.

Where can I find out more about Montessori?

A brief surmmary can be found here. The links to the right also provide a wealth of information about Montessori.

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