Elementary

Elementary School Admissions

The Lower Elementary Program is for children in first, second and third grade (ages 6-9). 
The Upper Elementary Program is for children in fourth, fifth and sixth grade (ages 9-12).

The Application Process

Step 1: Plan a visit
As part of the admissions process, we require that each applicant's parent/guardian meets with our Head of School and attends either an Open House or a School Tour. Please submit an inquiry online to request an appointment. The Planning Your Visit page will help you prepare.

Step 2: Submit an application
Complete an application online and submit the non-refundable $50 application fee. When applicable, additional documents must be submitted from the applicant's current or former school, including transcripts and teacher recommendations. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis throughout the year. 
Step 3: Applicant Visits
All students applying for Elementary programs must visit the program to which they are applying. This allows applicants the opportunity to experience our daily routine and allows our teachers to informally assess their academic stage. Visits typically last an hour and are scheduled during the regular school day. We begin scheduling these visits in January. Notification of acceptance status will be posted approximately two to four weeks after your child's visit. Visits will not be scheduled until we have received your child's records from their current school. This process continues until all openings have been filled, at which point remaining applicants will be placed in a waiting pool. Children in the waiting pool will be contacted for visits if/when an opening becomes available. 

Step 4: Await notification of acceptance
We usually begin notifying prospective families of acceptance in February, usually two to four weeks after the student's visit. We typically give preference to siblings of current or past students and children transferring from other Montessori schools. We also try to maintain a balance of ages and genders and may pull from the waiting pool as needed to maintain these balances.

Step 5: Send in enrollment deposit
Upon notification of acceptance, an enrollment deposit and signed contract must be submitted to secure your child’s spot. Families who do not submit these items by the stipulated date will forfeit their child's spot. Enrollment deposits are non-refundable. 

Step 6: Classroom assignments (Lower Elementary)
Parents will be notified of students' classroom assignment over the summer. 

Timeline for Admission (Elementary)

Ongoing: Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis, but prospective families are strongly encouraged to submit their child's application by January in order to be scheduled for an early pre-admission visit
January - March: OSMS requests and reviews applicant records; Pre-admission classroom visits take place in the general order that applications are received
February - April: Notification of acceptance begins, and enrollment contracts and deposits are due; Visits and acceptances continue until all spots have been filled
August: Accepted students receive notification of classroom placement 
September: New families attend orientation to familiarize themselves with our classrooms, faculty and programs 

Elementary Program Requirements

Before you apply, it is important to know these things about the Elementary Programs:
  • Our programs are best suited for students who thrive in an environment that fosters independence and responsibility for their own learning. The multi-age programs feature an individually paced curriculum and provide a safe and supportive mix in which children can socialize and collaborate across grade levels and varying degrees of mastery. 
  • Students remain with their teacher throughout the three-year program. During the students' three years in the classroom they are expected to master all of the materials in preparation for the next level. 
  • Students who leave before the completion of the multi-year program may not reap the full benefits of the program.
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