Children's Garden Montessori School

How does the lottery system work?
After the application deadline in January, applications are sorted according to program, time slot, age, and gender, with separate lotteries for each category. Applicants’ names are placed in the lotteries that apply according to the options selected.
The lotteries are conducted after current students and siblings are placed. Siblings and children of alumni also have priority consideration.

What if my child doesn’t get into the program? Will my child’s name put on a waitlist?
Yes, your child’s name will be added to a waitlist just for the school year for which you apply. The waitlists are not rolled over to the following school year. We will call to offer a space if one becomes available. You do not need to confirm your waitlist status.

When is the lottery deadline?
For inclusion in the lottery, an application must be received no later than the last day in January.

Can I still apply if I miss the lottery deadline?
Applications received after the January deadline will be placed on a Round 2 waitlist to be considered for admission after the lottery waitlists have been exhausted.

When are parents notified about enrollment availability?
The lottery is conducted the first week of March and parents are notified, by letter, the third week of March. Notification includes either an offer of enrollment into a specified program and time slot, or waitlist placement status. Any availability after the initial lottery results will be filled directly from the waitlists. We will offer spaces as they become available.

How do you determine the number of spaces available each year?
Re-enrollment for children currently attending the school and their siblings is conducted in February. These children have priority. We also strive to create age and gender balance in each class. Once re-enrollment is completed we will know how many spaces in each age and gender grouping will be available for the following school year.

How many openings do you normally have each year?
Although every year is different, we typically enroll 8 – 15 children from new families throughout the course of a school year. We tend to have more openings in our afternoon programs.

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 are often more openings in the Primary (pre-school) program, especially in the afternoon class.

Do you offer full day programs or Kindergarten?
Only our oldest of children at Children’s Garden stay for a full day (8:15 – 2:15). 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 a year or more 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 to be put on our mailing list, and we will send you an application packet which includes tuition information. These are available beginning in October. Return your application and fee before the January deadline. We invite you to take a tour or attend the Open House for parents (see schedule above) to get more information, or you may wait to visit the school once a space is offered. Please call to make an appointment.

Do you offer financial assistance?
Financial assistance and scholarships are available and may be applied for after placement is offered. Anyone may apply. Decisions are made in-house and are based on individual circumstances. Please contact our Admissions Director for more information. All assistance inquiries and applications are confidential.

For any additional questions, an application packet, or to sign up for a tour or the Open House, please call the school at 303-322-0972 or e-mail us at