FAQ

List of 12 frequently asked questions.

• Do you have a waiting list?

  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.

• How do I place my child on the waiting list?

  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 email or phone if we are able to place your child.

• May I come and visit?

  Absolutely. We offer School Showings several times each semester for the Children's House. After attending a School Showing, you may schedule a Youngest Children's Community or Children's House classroom observation by calling or emailing the Admissions Coordinator at (512) 892-0253 ext. 20 or admissions@ausitnmontessori.org. If you are interested in visiting an Elementary classroom, you may call the Admissions Director at (512) 892-0253 ext. 21.

• Where are you located?

  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.

• What is the tuition?

  Please refer to the Tuition and Fees page for the tuition and fee schedule.

• How many children are in a class?

  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.

• 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.

• Is this a year-round program?

  We offer a 9 ½ month program, beginning in mid-August and continuing through the end of May. One of our Children's House comunities is an all-day-all-year program (ages 3-6).
  
  Our Elementary students (aged 6-12) can avail of our Slow Austin Summer Program which is offered for 8 weeks during June and July.

• Can my child come three days a week?

  In our community, children do best with a regular schedule that they can predict. Therefore, all of our programs are full, 5-day programs.

• Do you have a kindergarten program?

  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.

• What is the best age to start a child in Montessori?

  The best age to start a child in Montessori in the Youngest Children's Community is 18 months; at the Children's House level the best age is 3 to 3 1/2 years.

• How hard is it to transition a child from Montessori to a traditional school program?

  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.