Admissions FAQ

• Flatiron Campus: Children must be 2 years old by December 31, 2027
• SoHo Campus: Children must be 18 months old by September 2027 or January 2028

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.

• Flatiron Campus: Children must be 2 years old by December 31, 2027
• SoHo Campus: Children must be 18 months old by September 2027 or January 2028

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.

Our Primary Program welcomes children ages 3-6 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.

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.

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):

• Practical Life: Activities like sweeping, folding, and table setting

• Self-Care: Dressing skills, toileting, and independence

• Language: Songs, conversations, and vocabulary-building materials

• Sensory & Motor Skills: Activities to develop coordination and movement

• Self-Expression: Art, music, and imaginative play

Primary Program (Full Day):

• Practical Life: Tasks that build focus, independence, and coordination

• Grace & Courtesy: Practicing social skills with kindness and respect

• Sensorial: Exploring shape, texture, color, weight, and more

• Language: Phonics, writing, and storytelling

• Math: Hands-on materials that teach operations and number sense

• Cultural Studies: Geography, science, animals, plants, and the arts

• Art & Music: Daily opportunities for creative expression

What is Early Decision?

Our Early Decision Program is designed for families who are confident that the Montessori Schools (Flatiron or SoHo) are their first choice.

Early Decision Notification Dates:

• October 21, 2026
• November 11, 2026
• December 9, 2026

Early Decision Deadlines:

• For notification in October, please submit your application by September 30th, 2026, and complete all required appointments by October 7th, 2026.
• For notification in November, please submit your application by October 14th, 2026, and complete all required appointments by October 28th, 2026.
• For notification in December, please submit your application and complete all required appointments by November 18th, 2026.

Families who choose Early Decision must submit their enrollment deposits at the time of acceptance to secure their child’s spot.

Please note: Applicants applying for financial aid are not eligible to participate in the Early Decision program.

Families choosing Regular Decision will receive notification on February 24, 2027.

Applications for Regular Decision are due by January 20, 2027.

Please complete all appointments by February 10, 2027.

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, 2027 are eligible for admission.

•  At The Montessori in SoHo, children who are 18 months old by September 2027 (or January 2028) 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.

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. 

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.

Financial aid awards are determined annually and are based on each family’s unique financial circumstances. We partner with Clarity to ensure a fair and comprehensive assessment.

We encourage families to apply for financial aid at the same time they apply for admission. All financial information is held in the strictest confidence, and applying for financial aid does not impact admissions decisions. Financial aid applications are due December 1st, 2026.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.