Frequently Asked Questions

Montessori schools take the approach of developing all aspects of a child: social, emotional, physical and academic. Montessori programs take on a child-centered approach where activities and lessons revolve around each child's unique interest & abilities.

Learn more about the Montessori Method  & What sets Montessori apart from a traditional early childhood education

No, some public schools offer Montessori programs within their main educational framework. A private school can pair well with a Montessori method of education due to the small class size, attention to each individual child, and parent involvement.

No, in fact, "Montessori" is not trademarked, which means that any school can claim to be "Montessori." Some "Montessori schools" do not even adhere to the traditional principles and methods of Maria Montessori.

The only guarantee that a school actually implements the totality and authentic standards of the Montessori Method is through accreditation by an official accrediting body such as the Association Montessori International (AMI), American Montessori Society (AMS), International Montessori Society (IMS), etc.

Learn more about Sapientia Montessori's AMI Recognition for meeting authentic Montessori Method of Education requirements.

Learn how to identify an inauthentic Montessori school.

Ideally, within the toddler age range (16-32 months old).

Starting Montessori at an early age helps create a strong foundation for your child. They're surrounded by the same principles from the time they are toddlers all the way through Elementary school. The Montessori program fully supports the child through a period of social, physical & emotional growth.

The Toddler program at Sapientia provides a significant foundation for the Primary program.

---Other Montessori Entry Points---
You may also enroll your child for the Primary program at the age of 3, provided he/she is toilet-trained. The Primary is a three-year program, commonly for ages and includes the Kindergarten year.

We don't typically recommend starting a child in Montessori education beyond the age of 3. At this age point, "the absorbent mind" is closing and the child may have a hard time acclimating to the Montessori method of education. The Elementary program is generally available for children who have completed the Montessori Primary program, although on the individual basis and upon an interview, we may consider students who come from other academic backgrounds.

It's recommended that children at least complete the Montessori Kindergarten year.

This is the time when all of the learnings are cemented and fully manifest themselves – that "aha!" moment - a magical year during which everything that the child has experienced in the initial years becomes internalized and reinforced.

The Primary Montessori program is a 3-year program for a very valid reason. In Montessori, the child grows from the concrete to the abstract learnings through a carefully-designed multi-year process, which aligns with the scientific developmental stages of a child.

Some choose to continue through the Elementary Montessori program which builds on the Primary program’s foundation through significantly higher levels of academic abstraction, while exponentially increasing creativity, independence and leadership.

Yes. Many children are able to take their independence and ability to solve challenges and excel in a traditional school.

Children may have a hard time acclimating to the rules of traditional schooling, but from an educational standpoint, Montessori often teaches the child skills that set them up for success in Elementary school, Middle school and beyond.

Most of our children place one to two levels higher than their age equivalent grades and quickly move into advanced curriculums.

It is important to keep in mind that the individual circumstances of each child, the timing when the child starts in our school and the involvement of the parents in the educational process also play a significant role.

Yes! Applying Montessori principles are crucial to setting a strong foundation for your child.

Learn more about implementing Montessori principles in your home.

To apply for admission, schedule a tour by calling the school or submitting an online form.

During the tour, you will receive a pre-enrollment package and answers to any questions you may have. You should then submit the pre-enrollment forms along with the respective fee, in order to be added to the admissions list and schedule start date.

No, a tour is required for all interested families.

We want to make sure this decision will be right for your child and family, as well as for the school. It is difficult to make a decision about your child’s most crucial educational years, through a simple phone call or online application.

The environment, staff and method to which you will commit your child must be experienced. Further, the authenticity of the Montessori Method must be directly observed.

We are open year-round - including summers - except for major holidays, winter and spring breaks.

The academic year runs from late summer to mid-spring. Assuming availability, we enroll students year-round.

Currently, our highest grade offered is 6th-grade Elementary. Although we consider children of all academic backgrounds on an individual basis, we strongly recommend that children applying for our Elementary program have Montessori background.