HVM Enrollment Process
Our school year runs from early September through late June. We offer an optional 5 week Summer Program (placement is maintained for the Fall if you opt-out of the summer session.) Applications are accepted throughout the school year though we prefer to start in the Fall. If openings become available after the school year has started, admission will be on a case-by-case basis. Applications must include completed doctor’s assessment, immunization records, and emergency contact forms as well as the non-refundable application fee of $200. Subsequent years for the child materials fee is $150. In addition to reserving a space, the annual application fee covers school supplies and enrichment activities for the year. The program is dedicated to education according to the Montessori philosophy. Our curriculum is designed for the child’s primary level of schooling, from ages 2 1/2 through age six (this includes the kindergarten year.)
The following steps outline Happy Valley Montessori’s enrollment process:
The first step in enrolling your child at Happy Valley Montessori is to contact us to schedule a tour.
During your tour, you will meet with our Director/Lead Guide, Jamie Edwards. Our tours typically last 30-45 minutes during which time we will discuss your child’s individual needs and how the Montessori philosophy supports each child by creating an individualized learning environment. You will be able to see our garden and outdoor areas and will be provided with an Admissions Application. You may request to return for an observation during school hours to observe children and teacher interactions* (Parent/Guardian only). We will have ample time to answer any questions you may have. (*Limited/subject to change during COVID)
Should you wish to then apply for admission, your child must be 2 ½ years of age and independent in toileting. Your child should also exhibit signs of readiness in order to have a successful primary school experience. If all of these criteria are met, you will fill out the application form, including a $200 application/materials deposit (this will be cashed only if we have a spot for your child, waitlist pending, DHS, or Preschool Promise pending). Once we receive your application and deposit, our director will contact you to confirm that we have space available and to begin the enrollment process. If no opening is available for immediate consideration or your enrollment is for a future enrollment cycle, we will place your application on a waiting list. As a spot becomes available, we will enroll children from our wait list. Enrollment acceptance priorities are given in the following order: currently enrolled children, children of staff members, siblings of currently enrolled children, Preschool Promise, followed by alumni families, wait list families with Montessori experience and other wait list families based on age and application date.
If your child is accepted, you will be contacted to schedule your child’s Visiting Day, New Student Orientation, Parent Orientation and Start Date. You will also fill out two ASQs 2&3 (Ages and Stages Questionnaires for Development & Social/Emotional) to help us have a better starting point from home life into the children’s schoolhouse. In order to ensure a successful transition for your child and your family, we ask that each new family partake in the following:
Visiting Day: This provides a one on one opportunity for you to come as a family and meet your child’s teacher. Your child’s teacher will greet you as a family so your child will know you are bringing her into a safe community and that you are comfortable at our school. You will stay with your child for the 30-minute visit. The teacher will tour your child through the classroom, show them materials, where the restrooms are and introduce her to our outdoor space. We typically schedule classroom visits in 30 minute increments for our Fall enrollments on two specific dates and after school hours for mid-year enrollments.
New Student Orientation Days: At the beginning of September prior to the start of the new school year, each new child is encouraged to attend our Orientation Day. These new children will come for a shortened schedule starting at 8:30 am with departure at 12:00pm (no lunch/group snack only). The shortened day allows each child to have a daily one on one experience with their teacher in the classroom and a time for social interaction with the other new students, thus building a sense of classroom community. In some cases, your child may need extra time to transition into his/her particular half or full day program. If this is the case, your child will gradually spend more and more time such as (9-12), (8:30-12), (8:30-12:30) and so on in the classroom working in small groups and individually as the weeks progress. If your schedule does not accommodate a modified orientation schedule, we will do our best to help your child adjust to feel safe and supported here with his set program. If your child attended our summer program, we still encourage him to come to orientation day. Should your child start mid-year, we will arrange a modified orientation schedule to enable a positive transition for your child.
Parent Orientation: We require each of our new parents to carefully read and sign a Parent Handbook, Orientation Letter, and a Tuition Enrollment Agreement as well as attend the Parent Orientation Night (if starting in September). Important information in regards to procedures such as drop off/pick up, communication, safety, lunch and more are included in this information.
Non-Discrimination Policy
Happy Valley Montessori School does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, physical and mental abilities, language and/or socio-economic background, in either the administration of its educational policies or in any other school aspects or programs. We admit students of any race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, physical and mental abilities, language and/or socio-economic background and provide security to all the rights, privileges, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at our school. Happy Valley Montessori School secures a safe and thriving space for all children and is committed to providing developmentally appropriate early learning and developmental experiences that support the full access and participation of each and every child. We believe that each child is unique and work in partnership with families and other professionals involved with the child to provide the support every child needs to reach their fullest potential.