The admissions policy of the Montessori School is based on the educational concepts of Dr. Maria Montessori. We strive to serve a broad range of socioeconomic, religious, cultural, racial and ability groups. As often as is possible, the ages and sexes of children are evenly distributed in each classroom.

Admissions policies, procedures, curriculum and faculty at the Montessori Society of Central Maryland, Inc. (MSCM) have been approved by the Maryland State Department of Education. MSCM is accredited by the American Montessori Society and the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and it is a member of the Association of Independent Maryland Schools.

1. CRITERIA FOR ELIGIBILITY
   1. Toddler Preschool Program (Ages 2-3)
      1. Children must be 2 years old on the first day of attendance. Children do not have to be toilet trained.
      2. Children should be able to separate from their parents within a reasonable amount of time as determined by the teacher depending on the needs of each individual child.
   2. Primary Program (Ages 3-6)
      1. Generally, children must be between the ages of 3 and 5 by their start date.
      2. Children must be toilet trained. Diapers or pull-up diapers are not permitted. Cotton training pants are permissible.
      3. Children older than 4-1/2 who have begun their Montessori education at another Montessori School may be accepted as transfers. If a child has had previous school experience, copies of school records will be required.
      4. Children oder than 4-1/2 who have no prior Montessori experience may be considered for admission after an extensive review by the Admissions Committee.
   3. Elementary Program and Middle School (Ages 6-14)
      1. Previous Montessori experience for a minimum of one year in an AMS or AMI intermediate program (or equivalent) is required.
      2. Children who have no prior Montessori experience may be considered for admission after an extensive review by the Admissions Committee.
      3. All transfer candidates, as part of the interviewing process, are required to spend at least a half-day in an elementary or middle school classroom.
      4. Children entering the elementary program must be over the age of 6 by September 1 and meet all requirements for placement.
      5. Official records from the present school are required prior to acceptance to the program.
2. ADDITIONAL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS (for all levels)
   1. All children (except Toddlers) are interviewed by a Montessori teacher before admission to the school.
   2. All new parents meet with the Head of School and/or the Director of Admissions.
   3. Copies of any educational or psychological testing must be submitted before admission to the school.
   4. 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. This implementation implies a multi-sensory approach to education.
   5. Specific trial periods and evaluation procedures may be established as needed.
3. SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN
   Children with mild physical, mental or educational difficulties are considered for admission when special care or attention is not required. Reasonable accommodations will be made provided that no changes to the program are required and that the child does not pose a risk to himself or others. A recent diagnostic assessment by qualified professionals which identifies the child's needs within a mainstream environment is required. Periodic assessment may also be required during the school year and prior to re-enrollment. An educational assessment made during this time will determine:
   1. The child's progress.
   2. Whether continuation through the current academic year is in the best interest of the child and his/her environment.
4. APPLICATION PROCEDURES
   1. Requests for enrollment applications are taken both by telephone and in person.
   2. An information packet consisting of our brochure; stating the philosophy and objectives of Montessori education and MSCM and/or Emerson Farm Middle School, a Fee and Payment schedule, as well as additional information regarding a Montessori education will be mailed or given to interested parents.
   3. Observation of a class by prospective parents is required. Observations are scheduled from Monday through Thursday of each week. Every effort is made to schedule them for the first convenient date. Observations are for adults only.
   4. Parents are supplied with an observation sheet before entering the classroom. A meeting with the Head of School and/or the Director of Admissions is scheduled immediately following the observation to answer questions and explain the programs.
   5. After an application is submitted an interview for the child is scheduled.
   6. Although the school follows a rolling admissions policy, no new applicants will be admitted after Spring Break of each school year unless they are transfer students from another Montessori school.
5. ENROLLMENT
   Enrollment of students is made on a first come, first served basis given the following priorities:
   1. Returning students are given first priority until March 15th of the school year preceding fall admission.
   2. Siblings, former Montessori families, staff children, and children from other Montessori schools are given priority over new students until April 15 preceding the fall admission.
   3. The number of children who can be accommodated depends on Montessori guidelines and state regulations. When space is unavailable at the time of application, children may be placed in a waiting pool at the parents request.
   4. Deposits are required within 10 days of notification that space is available. Should the date of application be the same for two prospective students, preference will be given as in I and II above, and the location of the available space, i.e. Toddler, Primary, Extended Day, or Elementary class.
   5. Parents are notified in writing when their child has been accepted.
   6. Specific policies contained within the financial agreement are binding.
6. CLASS PLACEMENT
   1. All class placements are made by the Placement Committee of MSCM. We do not accept parent requests for placement. Placements are made to maintain the balance within the classroom with respect to age and gender of children. Generally, children will remain with their classroom teacher until they are ready for placement in the next level appropriate to their educational, emotional and social needs, unless the MSCM placement committee feels a change is in the best interest of the child.
   2. The MSCM reserves the right to place children in order to maintain balanced classes with respect to numbers of children, their ages, gender and individual needs of students.
   3. Families will be notified of their child's placement during the early part of August.
   4. Teachers will assign a starting date for new students, which may differ from the announced first day of classes. The "phasing-in" of new students allows for a smooth transition for beginning children while maintaining an even rhythm of classroom activities. All phasing-in will be completed by October 1.
   5. All new elementary and middle school students begin on the first scheduled day of school.

We welcome all students regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender or disability.