FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

You have questions. We have answers.

Does my child need previous Montessori experience to be considered for admission, especially for older grades?

Previous experience in a Montessori classroom is helpful, but not required to be considered for admission. Students without previous experience in a Montessori classroom have been accepted into our programs at all ages and have had great success as OSMS students.

How long has the school been in existence?

The Ocean State Montessori School (OSMS) was founded in 1973 by a group of parents interested in providing a Montessori education for their children. What started as a one-room school for preschool-aged children has evolved over the years to include Montessori programs for children ages three to twelve, as well as extended day programs. For more information read About Us.

What type of parent/guardian involvement is there?

Our school is a community-centered school. Each family is expected to volunteer a combined 10 hours per school year. There are many different volunteer opportunities including serving on our Board of Directors, subbing in the classroom, helping with our grounds and garden, chaperoning field trips, and assisting at special school activities. For more information read about our Parent/Guardian Community.

Is the school a non-profit?

Yes, the school is a private, independent, non-profit, 501(c)(3) corporation. 

What qualifications do your teachers have?

Our Montessori teachers possess a Bachelor’s degree or higher in education or a related field. In addition, they have received their American Montessori Society (AMS) certification for the level at which they are teaching. Occasionally we will hire a teacher who will teach while attending a Montessori teacher education program. Successful completion of the program is required for continued employment.

Is the school licensed?

The OSMS is licensed by both the Rhode Island Department of Education and the Department of Children, Youth and Families.

How many students do you have? What is the teacher to student ratio?

Please see the About Us page for information on current enrollment level.
We have:
  • One Wee Threes classroom (age 3) with a Lead Teacher and 8 students.
  • Three Primary classrooms (ages 3 to 6) each with a Lead Teacher and a Guide. Average class size is 16-18 students.
  • Two Lower Elementary classrooms (ages 6 to 9) each with a Lead Teacher and a Guide. Average class size is 18-20 students.
  • One Upper Elementary classroom (ages 9 to 12) with a Lead Teacher and a Guide. Average class size is 18-22 students.

Do you offer year-round care?

OSMS follows a typical school-year calendar.

Does my child need to have been in a Montessori program to transfer to the Elementary program?

Although students coming from a Montessori background have a higher rate of acceptance, we also accept students without Montessori experience. Students from non-traditional school environments and students who readily adapt to independent learning typically have an easier transition, however, most students transferring from traditional school settings have also found great success in our elementary programs.

Do you offer music, art, or any other special classes?

Music: Music is incorporated into the daily curriculum of our Wee Threes and Primary students through songs at circle time and through the study of the composer of the month. Our Music Teacher also provides formal music instruction to all of our students (Wee Threes, Primary and Elementary) during each classroom's weekly music special. 

Art: Art is also incorporated into the daily curriculum of our Wee Threes and Primary students through practical life activities and the study of the artist of the month. Our Art Teacher provides a weekly formal art special for all Primary 3 and Elementary students where they explore a variety of media.

Spanish: Foreign languages are incorporated into the regular curriculum of our Wee Threes and Primary students through circle time and occasional classroom visits from our Spanish Teacher. Spanish is formally introduced in the Primary 3 level as a weekly special that continues through our Elementary programs. 

Physical Education and Health: Physical Education and Health are incorporated into the Wee Threes and Primary students' curriculum through outdoor play as well as movement activities within the classroom. Primary 3 and Elementary students participate in weekly formal physical education and health specials .

Do you have an Open House? When can I visit?

We hold our annual Open House in November. Open Houses provides families with an opportunity to tour the school, meet the staff, and chat with currently enrolled families.

We schedule weekday tours on an individual basis during school hours. Please submit an inquiry online to request an appointment. Parents/guardians wishing to observe in our classrooms during the school day should plan to visit without their children.

What is the application process?

You may submit your application for the next school year at any time. In January we begin hosting applicant pre-admission visits. Pre-admission visits are typically scheduled in the order in which applications are received, but an early application does not guarantee acceptance. Admissions decisions are based on a number of factors, including balancing age and gender within each classroom, a child's pre-admission visit, parent/guardian visits, etc. Preference is given for siblings of current and past students, as well as for students transferring from other Montessori schools. 

Notification of acceptance is posted approximately two to four weeks after the pre-admission visit, with enrollment deposits typically due within two weeks of acceptance. Returning the signed contract and enrollment deposit secures a spot for your child. We continue to accept from the applicant pool until all classrooms are full. For more information see the Admissions page.

Does my child need to visit?

Yes, we schedule pre-admission visits for all applicants beginning in January. Decision notification is posted approximately two to four weeks after your child's visit. Visit times and schedules vary depending on program level.

Do you have an outdoor play area?

Yes, we have an enclosed yard with a play structure and room to run and play behind our school. We also have a second fenced-in area adjacent to the parking lot with a basketball hoop. After dismissals OSMS families are often found playing in our fenced-in front yard and Edible Landscape area, which our students regularly visit in the fall and spring. Weather providing, we seek to give all of our students time outside on the playground every day. 

Do you accept students from any state/town?

Yes, our students come from many communities throughout Rhode Island as well as nearby Massachusetts and Connecticut.

Can my child ride the bus to school?

Busing availability depends on where you live. Rhode Island has a regionalized busing system that requires different cities and towns to provide busing for residents attending private schools in other cities and towns. For more information about busing please visit RIDE Student Transportation or call your local school district.

How much does it cost for tuition?

Please see read our Tuition and Costs page.

Where are you?

Ocean State Montessori School is located at 100 Grove Avenue in East Providence between Route 195, Route 44, and Broadway. We are just minutes from Providence's East Side via 195 or the Henderson Bridge and are conveniently located for parents commuting from the East Bay to Providence. For details see the Map & Directions page.
Since becoming a student at OSMS, our daughter has blossomed both academically, and socially. It is a wonderful feeling as a parent to know your child belongs to a community where she is appreciated by her teachers and peers alike. We are grateful for the educational environment the OSMS staff provides so that she may continue to thrive.
-Teague & Joelle Ferraiuolo, OSMS Parents

Learn More

Visit our families page
Browse our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Read about our school leadership

Thinking your child and Montessori are a good fit?

Submit an inquiry to start the admissions process today.
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