Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do you
have a waiting list?
A. Yes. In general, the school prefers to admit children at age three or younger. Older students will be considered on an individual basis as space allows with preference given to students with previous Montessori experience. The school also takes into consideration indications that the Montessori experience is a preferred method of instruction for the family and the student.
Q: How do I
place my child on the waiting list?
A.
Your
child will be placed in our active waiting pool once we
receive an admissions application with the application fee.
You will be notified by mail or phone if we are able to
place your child.
Q. May I come and visit?
A. Absolutely. We offer
school showings
several times each semester for the Children’s House.
After attending a school showing, you may schedule a
classroom observation. If you are interested in visiting an elementary classroom, you may call the Admissions Coordinator at (512) 892-0253 ext. 20.
Q. Where are
you located?
A.
Austin Montessori School has
three campus locations in Austin Texas.
The
Sunset Trail campus is located at 5006 Sunset Trail
Austin 78745.
The Great Northern campus
is located on at 6817 Great
Nothern Blvd Austin 78757.
The Gaines Creek campus (Adolescent community) is located at
5677 Oak Blvd Austin 78735.
Q. What is the tuition?
A. The tuition at each level is different. Please refer to the
Tuition and Fee
page for the tuition and fee schedule.
Q. How many children can be in a class?
A. AMI recommends a class size between 28 and 35 children. Our communities never exceed the upper limit. A qualified teacher with AMI training guides each class along with the help of an assistant.
Q: What is
AMI?
The
Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) is one of our
accrediting agencies. AMI was established in
1929 by Dr. Maria Montessori to maintain, propagate, and further
her ideas and principles for the full development of the human
being. AMI, with headquarters in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, is
to date entrusted with her legacy. AMI functions as the source
of complete Montessori training and as a center for continuing
research and development.
Q. Is this a year round program?
A. No. We offer a 9 ½ month program, beginning in mid-August and continuing through the end of May.
Q. Can my child come three days a week?
A. In our community, children do best with a regular schedule that they can predict. Therefore, all of our programs are full, 5-day programs.
Q. Do you have a kindergarten program?
A. Classes at Austin Montessori School are in a three to four- year cycle in order to best follow the child’s development. The traditional ‘kindergarten’ would be the vitally important third and final year of the Children’s House community. The following year would be the first year of the Early Elementary cycle.
Q. What's the best age to start a child in Montessori?
A. In the
Children’s House, 3 to 3 ½ years of age. In the youngest
children's program at 18 months.
Q. How hard is it to transition a child from Montessori to a traditional school program?
A. Our children do best remaining in the Montessori program through middle school. However, the characteristics and skills that your children develop in a Montessori community will stay with them for life and will carry them into a new environment with strength of character and confidence.
For Frequently Asked Questions regarding Montessori Education in General, please see the
NAMTA (North American Teachers' Association) web site for a comprehensive list of FAQ's.