FAQ

How does the lottery work?
Applications for each year’s enrollment/waitlist lottery are accepted November-February for the ensuing school year (in session late August – May). Applications are sorted according to program level, time options, gender, and age, with a separate lottery for each group. Applicants’ names are placed in the lottery group that apply according to the options selected. There are 12 lottery groups for each level (Toddler and Primary). There is a lottery for each group. Lottery drawings then create numbered waitlists for each group and families are notified of their child’s waitlist number within their group. New family placements are offered from these lottery generated waitlists after enrollment for current family children is completed.

When are the waitlists in effect?
The lottery generated age/gender specific waitlists are used for enrolling children of new families for the ensuing school year and for filling additional spaces which may come available throughout the months ahead of and into the school year.  Waitlist status holds either until enrollment is offered or the school year ends. Waitlists do not roll over to the following school year. We will call or email to offer a space if one becomes available. You do not need to confirm your waitlist status.

When is the deadline to apply to the lottery?
For inclusion in the lottery, an application must be received no later than February 15th.

Can I apply after the lottery deadline?
Applications received after the February 15^th lottery deadline are added to the lottery generated waitlists as “Round 2” to be considered for admission if the corresponding age/gender group lottery waitlist is empty.

When will I hear about lottery results?
The lottery is conducted in early March and parents are notified, by email, no later than the 15th of March. Notification includes the lottery generated positions on your child’s specific age/gender waitlist for the timeslots (AM and/or PM) indicated on your application.

Do you make offers for all the spaces at the same time? Primary class enrollment often happens before Toddler enrollment in order to leave flexibility of aligning potential sibling placements. Offers are made a few at a time throughout the spring as we know what specific placements are available. Small, mixed age grouped classes make for a few openings in some groups and none in others. The school will contact parents as the enrollment process proceeds. For example, if there are 2 spaces for girls under 2 years old in the PM Toddler program, offers are made to the first 2 on this waitlist and depending on responses and the attendance options (2, 3, 5 day), we may continue with that list or make offers from another waitlist if that list is empty. Some concurrent offers in other age groups may be made as well.

We offer spaces one or two at a time throughout March, April and onward until enrollment is complete. Lottery applicant enrollment offers have 24 hour courtesy hold for a decision before the space is offered to the next applicant on the list. Parents confirm enrollment with a fee due within 2 days of offer. See tuition and fees for current rates.

How is priority for enrollment determined?
Re-enrollment for children currently attending the school and their siblings is conducted in February and March. These children have priority. When re-enrollment is completed in March we have a better sense of how many spaces in each age and gender grouping will be available for the following school year. We strive to create age and gender balance in each class, as does developing a well-rounded and inclusive community. Along with these priorities, siblings and children of alumni have some priority consideration within age and gender categories.

How many openings do you normally have each year?
Although every year is different, we typically enroll approximately 15 to 20 new children throughout the course of a school year. We usually have more openings in our afternoon classes and our Primary program for children of new families.

If my child does not get in as a Toddler, is it too late to apply in the pre-school?
Absolutely not! Space in the Toddler program is limited, and there may be more openings in the Primary (pre-school) program, especially in the afternoon classes.

Do you offer full day programs or Kindergarten?
Only our oldest of children at Children’s Garden stay for a full day (8:15 – 2:45). Our Extended Primary/Kindergarten is for children who are 5 or close to 5 at the start of the school year and who have attended the Primary Program for at least a full year here or in another Montessori school. For many this is their Kindergarten year. All other children are eligible for enrollment in a half-day class.

How do I get the application process started?
Call or e-mail the school for a brochure and admission schedule. These are available in November. Attend a Parent Preview information session and submit your application and fee before the February 15th deadline. Parents may also want to schedule a classroom observation after attending a Parent Preview. Parents should Preview the school before the March lottery as placement decisions have a short turnaround time.

Do you offer tuition adjustments?
We strive to make our programs affordable for families. Anyone may apply for a tuition adjustment. Ability to pay does not affect an offer to enroll. After an enrollment offer, parents may apply to have tuition adjusted based on income. Decisions are based on individual circumstances. See tuition support or contact our Admissions Director for more information. All assistance inquiries and applications are confidential.

Get in touch For additional information sign up for a Parent Preview, call 303-322-0972 or e-mail the admissions director at .