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Admissions FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Many common questions are answered in our Frequently Asked Questions brochure.
Discover our Programs
At The Montessori Schools, each program is thoughtfully designed to meet children where they are — supporting their growth, independence, and joy of learning at every stage.
Toddler Half Day
• Flatiron Campus: Children must be 2 years old by December 31, 2026
• SoHo Campus: Children must be 18 months old by September 2026 or January 2027
Our Toddler Half Day Program offers a gentle start to school life, running five days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Children arrive and change into their indoor shoes before beginning their Montessori lessons, including art expression, introduction to musical instruments and ample opportunities for movement. They enjoy a healthy mid-morning snack, followed by music and indoor or outdoor playtime. Dismissal is before lunch, making this a wonderful introduction to the routines and rhythms of school. Please note: enrollment for the Half Day program is limited.
Toddler Full Day:
• Flatiron Campus: Children must be 2 years old by December 31, 2026
• SoHo Campus: Children must be 18 months old by September 2026 or January 2027
Our Toddler Full Day Program provides a full, enriching day from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., five days a week. Mornings are filled with Montessori lessons including art expression, introduction to musical instruments and ample opportunities for movement. A nutritious snack is provided as well as indoor or outdoor play. After lunch, children nap and then continue to build friendships, social skills, and independence during the afternoon session. This longer day offers a beautiful balance of learning, play, rest, and connection.
Primary Full Day (Ages 3-6):
Our Primary Full Day Program welcomes children five days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., nurturing them through their foundational years. Children begin their day with a focused Montessori work period, refuel with a healthy snack, and participate in music and outdoor or indoor playtime before lunch. Younger children enjoy a restful nap after lunch, while older children extend their learning with Montessori lessons and Spanish language enrichment. After napping, younger children also join in afternoon Spanish activities. Families also have the opportunity to express interest in our Primary Spanish Bilingual Class at both our SoHo and Flatiron campuses. This unique program offers children the gift of learning in both English and Spanish, with a special focus on oral language development. Placement in the bilingual class is determined through a lottery.
Phase-In Period for New Students
To help ensure a smooth and comfortable transition to school, we offer a thoughtful phase-in process for all new students.
Before the start of the school year, our Teachers and Associate Teachers schedule a home visit to meet your child in a familiar setting. Following the home visit, children and parents are invited to visit the classroom together, helping children begin to acclimate to their new environment.
After the classroom visit, new students attend school for abbreviated periods of time, gradually working up to their full-day schedule. In the early days, parents drop off at the classroom door and remain nearby in case a child needs a shorter day. Most children adapt quickly, and their schedule is extended at a pace that best supports their individual comfort and readiness.
Classroom Sizes
Our Toddler classrooms have a maximum of 12 students with two teachers, ensuring a warm and nurturing environment with individualized attention.
Our Primary classrooms accommodate between 15 and 22 students, also led by two teachers, fostering a vibrant community where children learn from both adults and peers.
Napping at School
We understand how important rest is for young children, and we thoughtfully support each child’s individual needs.
All full-day Toddler students enjoy a nap each afternoon, typically from 12:15 p.m. to 2:15 p.m., giving them time to recharge and reset for the rest of their day.
In our Primary program, we offer a flexible approach. Children who still benefit from a nap have a peaceful rest period from about 12:45 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. Children who are ready to stay awake during this time engage in quiet, purposeful activities to continue their afternoon learning in a calm environment.
Toilet Training Requirements
We meet children where they are and support their growing independence with care and encouragement.
For our Toddler program, children do not need to be toilet trained to attend. Our teachers gently promote toileting independence and self-care throughout the year, following each child’s individual readiness and comfort level.
In our Primary program, we encourage children to be toilet trained or very close to it by the start of the school year. We understand every child’s journey is different, and our teachers partner with families to help ease this transition as needed.
Lunch at School
Parents have the option to enroll in our lunch program through our catering partner, Little Green Gourmets, which delivers warm and healthy meals to the school each day.
Alternatively, families may choose to send a nut-free lunch from home for their child.
Admissions FAQs
What is Early Decision?
Our Early Decision program is designed for families who know that The Montessori Schools (Flatiron or SoHo) are their clear first choice.
There will be three rounds of Early Decision acceptance notifications:
• First Round: October 22, 2025
• Second Round: November 13, 2025
• Third Round: December 11, 2025
Families who choose Early Decision must submit their enrollment deposits at the time of acceptance to secure their child’s spot.
If you prefer not to participate in Early Decision, you may apply through our regular admissions process, with acceptance notifications released the week of February 23, 2026.
Please note: Applicants applying for financial aid are not eligible to participate in the Early Decision program.
Early Decision and Regular Decision Application Deadlines
Families applying for Early Decision are encouraged to submit their applications by the following dates:
• October Early Decision: Submit by September 12, 2025
• November Early Decision: Submit by October 3, 2025
• December Early Decision: Submit by November 24, 2025
Applications for Regular Decision are due by January 15, 2026.
Are Recommendations Required?
Yes. If your child is currently attending a full-time preschool program, we ask that you provide a signed copy of our Teacher/Mentor Evaluation form to your child’s current teacher or mentor to complete and return.
Please keep in mind that enrichment classes and social groups (like music or art classes) are not considered full-time preschool programs for this requirement.
Philosophy on Move Ups
At The Montessori Schools, we believe that every child’s growth unfolds at their own natural pace.
As children approach their third birthday and prepare to transition out of the Toddler Program, we thoughtfully assess their individual readiness for the Primary Program. This process is a true collaboration between your child’s current Toddler Teachers, future Primary Teachers, and the Assistant Head of School-Education.
By focusing on each child’s developmental needs rather than a set schedule, we ensure that their transition happens at the right time — setting them up for continued success, confidence, and joy in their learning journey.
Age Cut-Off Policy
At The Montessori Schools, we do not have a strict age cut-off for admission applications.
Thanks to the flexibility of the Montessori curriculum and our developmentally driven approach, we are able to accommodate children throughout the year.
• At The Montessori at Flatiron, children who turn 2 years old by December 31, 2026 are eligible for admission.
• At The Montessori in SoHo, children who are 18 months old by September 2026 (or January 2027) are eligible for admission.
If your child turns 2 years old (Flatiron) or 18 months old (SoHo) after these dates, you are still welcome to apply. Your child may be admitted as a late-start student and can begin once they reach the appropriate age — even later in the academic year, such as in January.
We intentionally create classrooms with a full range of ages to best support the Montessori curriculum and the development of every child. Thanks to the fluid and individualized Montessori approach, late-start students transition smoothly into the classroom community without disruption.
What Happens When My Child Is Accepted?
When a family receives an acceptance notification, an enrollment agreement and a $10,000 tuition deposit are due within several days from the notice of acceptance.
Please note: we are unable to hold a seat for your child if the signed agreement and deposits are not received by the stated deadline.
Application Process for International Students
The admissions process for international applicants follows the same steps as for all other students, with one adjustment:
Instead of an in-person initial interview, international applicants will participate in a Zoom interview.
Acceptances are conditional until the family completes their move to the United States and participates in a required in-person follow-up interview.
At What Age Are Other Languages Introduced?
Children begin exploring Spanish in our Primary Program (ages 3–6), where it is seamlessly woven into the Montessori classroom environment.
Each day, children enjoy 30 minutes of Spanish language and cultural experiences led by our full time employed Spanish teachers, with an emphasis on conversation and cultural understanding.
Families also have the opportunity to express interest in our Spanish Bilingual Primary Class at both our SoHo and Flatiron campuses, where learning takes place in both English and Spanish to build strong oral language skills. Placement in the bilingual class is determined through a lottery.
Growing Forward: Your Child's Path After Montessori
We are committed to guiding families thoughtfully and personally through the next step in their educational journey.
Our Head of School partners closely with each exmitting family, offering multiple one- on-one meetings to explore the best school options and walk through every step of the ongoing school placement process.
Throughout the year, the Head of School also stays in close contact with Admissions Directors at ongoing schools to support and advocate for our students.
To help families navigate a range of options, we also host evening informational seminars on the admissions processes for New York City’s public schools, public charter schools, and Gifted and Talented programs.
We are proud to share the list of schools where our students have continued their educational journeys — please see our Matriculation List for more details.
Montessori FAQs
What is the history of Montessori education?
The Montessori method was founded in 1907 by Dr. Maria Montessori, the first female physician in Italy. Through observing children, she discovered they learn best through hands-on experiences in a thoughtfully prepared environment. Over 100 years later, Montessori education continues to support children’s academic, social, and emotional development, with research confirming its positive impact.
How is Montessori different from traditional education?
Montessori emphasizes learning through all five senses. Children work at their own pace and follow lessons tailored to their developmental stage. Classrooms are multi-age, encouraging peer learning and leadership. Rather than direct instruction, teachers guide children toward independent exploration and discovery.
What does the Montessori curriculum incude?
Toddler Program (Half & Full Day):
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Practical Life: Activities like sweeping, folding, and table setting
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Self-Care: Dressing skills, toileting, and independence
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Language: Songs, conversations, and vocabulary-building materials
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Sensory & Motor Skills: Activities to develop coordination and movement
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Self-Expression: Art, music, and imaginative play
Primary Program (Full Day):
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Practical Life: Tasks that build focus, independence, and coordination
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Grace & Courtesy: Practicing social skills with kindness and respect
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Sensorial: Exploring shape, texture, color, weight, and more
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Language: Phonics, writing, and storytelling
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Math: Hands-on materials that teach operations and number sense
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Cultural Studies: Geography, science, animals, plants, and the arts
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Art & Music: Daily opportunities for creative expression
What does a Montessori classroom look like?
Classrooms are arranged by subject areas and filled with hands-on materials. Children move freely and choose their work, often using rugs or tables. Rather than sitting at desks all day, they engage in focused work, independently or in small groups. The atmosphere is calm, purposeful, and collaborative.
Do children have time for movement and play?
Absolutely. Movement is built into the workday—children change activities, work in various positions, and engage with hands-on materials. At The Montessori Schools, children also enjoy daily indoor or outdoor play, including both structured and free playtime.
How is my child assessed?
Teachers closely observe each child’s progress and keep detailed records. Lessons are introduced based on readiness, with just the right amount of challenge. Families receive narrative reports on their child’s development, and behavior is addressed through collaborative, respectful problem-solving.
How do Montessori children do in traditional schools and beyond?
Montessori students tend to transition well. Research shows they develop strong academic skills, emotional intelligence, independence, and executive functioning—traits that support success in school and life. They’re often noted for their focus, curiosity, responsibility, and ability to adapt to new settings.
What training do Montessori teachers have?
All lead teachers at our Flatiron and SoHo campuses are Montessori-certified. Their training includes child development, the use of Montessori materials, classroom practice, and observation techniques that support individualized learning.
How can I use Montessori ideas at home?
Encourage your child’s independence by involving them in daily life—meal prep, tidying, dressing, and more. Create a child-friendly space where they can access tools and toys on their own. Support their focus and curiosity by observing rather than interrupting. At school, trained teachers offer a full Montessori environment, but small changes at home can support your child’s growth and independence.