Welcome Prospective Parents

Montessori Academy of Chambersburg’s admission policy is based on the educational philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori that children learn best when the environment supports their natural desire to acquire skills and knowledge independently. We strive to serve a broad range of students with varying socioeconomic, religious, cultural and racial backgrounds and abilities who we feel will contribute to and benefit from a Montessori learning environment. Education for all children, including those with special needs, will be done within the parameters of the Montessori philosophy and its implementation in the classroom.

The Montessori Academy of Chambersburg is committed to building long-term partnerships with families. This partnership works best when the parent beliefs and expectations are aligned with the Montessori philosophy.

Montessori Academy of Chambersburg is accredited by the Middle States and associated with the American Montessori Society.

Please contact us regarding availability for your child, and to schedule your personal tour of our school. We will be happy to answer your questions and provide additional information about our educational programs.

Admissions Process

We know it’s not easy to select the right for your child. Our admission process makes it easier!

1. Parent Meeting and School Tour
The first step in our admission process is to make an appointment for a parent meeting and school tour with the Director of Education. We request that children are not present for this initial meeting so that families are able to devote their attention to the facility and information provided during the tour. During the meeting and tour, you will converse about your child, Montessori methods, principles our school follows and enrollment possibilities and procedures. This will help provide an opportunity to determine whether Montessori Academy of Chambersburg is a school in which your child will thrive.

2. Classroom Observation
We request that at least one parent observe a class in session as they consider our school. Observations are held between 9:00 and 10:00 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. This 30-minute observation can be done in conjunction with the tour if scheduled during these time parameters. If the observation is not done the day of the tour, families may contact the office to schedule a different day.

3. Submit Application
Once the parent tour and observation are completed an application, and a signed authorization for the release of records (for school-age students only) may be submitted with a $50 non-refundable fee.

Step 4: Child Visit
Upon receipt of the application, a child interview will be scheduled. The process for the visit at each level is as follows:

• Toddler – The teacher will schedule a time for the family to visit the school and to observe the child in the Montessori environment. They will also discuss the child with the parents during this time. The visit will last approximately 30 – 60 minutes and will take place after school hours.
• Ages 3 – 5 (Primary Program) – The teacher will invite the child to independently visit a classroom. During the visit, the teacher will interact with the child, teach a lesson, and carefully observe the child for indications that the child is ready to learn including the ability to follow simple verbal directions, express feelings effectively, and demonstrate self-control. Parents and caregivers will meet with the Director of Education and Head of School while the child is visiting the classroom. The visit will last approximately 30 minutes and will take place after school hours.
• Elementary and Adolescent Students – The teacher will invite the child to visit a classroom for a day or two. The teachers will observe the child’s social interactions and their suitability for learning in a Montessori environment. Parents and caregivers will meet with the Director of Education and Head of School while the child is visiting the classroom.

Step 5: Admission Decision
The Head of School, Director of Education and teachers will confer to determine the appropriateness of admission based on the child’s readiness, his or her potential for a positive interaction with the class and the family’s commitment to the program. The Head of School or Director of Education will communicate the admission decision to families in a timely manner following the visit/interview.

Step 6: Enrollment Contract
Following a positive admission decision by the Head of School, an acceptance letter, enrollment contract, and request for a non-refundable deposit of $500.00 will be sent by postal mail. Please return the completed contract and deposit within two weeks of receiving them.

Step 7: Classroom Placement
Upon receipt of the signed contract, the Head of School will consider the information gathered during this process along with the personalities and individual needs of the children currently enrolled at the child’s level to determine into which class he or she will be enrolled. Class assignments are delivered via postal mail prior to July 30.

Information for students inquiring and applying in summer months:
Montessori Academy of Chambersburg accepts applications on an on-going basis contingent on current enrollments. For those students applying during summer months the process will be slightly modified from that stated above. The Director of Education will guide families through the steps of this process. Families and students are still required to visit the school and meet with a teacher at the child’s instructional level prior to an admission decision.

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