Enrollment Process
Open Enrollment
Open Enrollment for the next academic year begins each year on February 1st. Prospective students who have Admissions Applications on file will be contacted in order by date of application to fill spaces available for specific ages and genders in each classroom. To the extent possible, the school strives to achieve a balance of gender and age in each classroom.
Year-Round Enrollment
In addition to August enrollment, Freehold Montessori enrolls students at all levels throughout the school year as space permits until April 1st. Start dates and transition periods for students may vary depending on calendar events and the individual needs of each student.
Waiting Pool
If our classrooms are fully enrolled, we will place your child’s name in our waiting pool. We occasionally experience withdrawals during the summer and urge parents to remain in this waiting pool. Applications are valid for one year. Parents who wish to remain in the waiting pool, must update their child’s application and reapply for the following year. During this time, tuition prices may have changed. Applicants who do not pursue enrollment at the time space is available will have the option of dropping down a space and waiting for the next available space.
Criteria for Eligibility for Enrollment
Toddler Program
Children must be 18 months of age by date of admission.
Toilet training is not required.
Prospective students must meet individually with a lead Toddler teacher to assess general readiness before being considered for admission. Students may also be asked to visit the classroom during the morning work cycle.
Primary Program
Children must be at least 36 months of age by October 1 of the school year.
Children must be toilet trained. Diapers or pull-ups may not be worn to or inside the classroom.
Prospective students must meet individually with a lead Early Childhood teacher to assess general readiness before being considered for admission. Students may also be asked to visit the classroom during the morning work cycle.
Is there a transition process for students as they enter the Montessori classroom?
In September, the Freehold Montessori school year begins with transition days. A transition period pays long term benefits to the classroom, allowing children and staff to settle in and accomplish the first goals of the school year. Toddler and Primary students transition by working in the classroom in smaller mixed age groups for shorter periods of time. In this way, teachers are able to focus on ground rules, procedures and individual children as they begin to acclimate to the classroom and prepare for the longer school day the following week. During this time, older students work with teachers to establish classroom rules and routines and become acquainted with children who are new to the classroom. Students enrolled after the start of the school year may also arrange a transition period of abbreviated school days with classroom teachers.
When does re-enrollment take place?
Freehold Montessori’s re-enrollment period takes place during the month of January. Returning students are given first priority and are offered an Enrollment Contract for the next school year during this time. For current students to secure their status for enrollment, Enrollment Contracts and the annual Materials Fee must be received by February 28th. Your deposit is carried over to the following year.
At this time, applications will also be sent to siblings of currently enrolled students 18 months of age or older. To ensure priority status for enrollment, completed applications and fees must be submitted by February 28th. Siblings who apply after February 28th will be placed in the waiting pool in order by date of application with applicants who are new to Freehold Montessori.