What is Montessori?

Montessori refers to a philosophy of education developed by physician Dr. Maria Montessori. The Montessori method is based on several principles that make it a unique learning environment for children.

In a fully accredited Montessori school, you will always see:

• Montessori-certified teachers guiding the classroom as well as each student in their individualized education journey. 
• Lessons that are designed to enhance the impact of movement on learning and cognition 
• Mixed age classrooms with children learning with, and from, peers
• Freedom (within clear limits) to move throughout the classroom to make their own learning choices.
• Lessons that follow a child’s interests
• An orderly classroom environment that is designed for the age of children in that classroom

Please click the links below to learn more about the history, philosophy, and parent perspectives of a Montessori education.

History 

Philosophy

Parent perspective

Is Montessori a good fit for Neurodiverse learners or students with an IEP?

The Montessori method tailors the curriculum to each individual child so that they can learn what is right for them, at the right time, and at their own pace.  This can benefit students who have an IEP and/or learning differences. In fact, during IEP meetings, frequently the suggestions and accommodations that are recommended are already a part of how our classrooms work. This post from Inly Insights, a Montessori blog does a nice job of explaining how the Montessori method can work for all learning styles.

Is Montessori a good fit for gifted students? 

Since the Montessori curriculum moves at the pace of each learner, a gifted student will always be challenged and engaged.  The wide range of lessons and materials expand and change as a child moves through the curriculum.  A child will never outgrow the curriculum because there is always a “next step” to explore a higher level or deeper understanding of the lesson.

Tell me more about Financial Aid.

Pioneer Valley Montessori School awards financial aid grants based upon the financial need of a family. These grants do not need to be paid back and are used to off¬set tuition costs. The money for these grants comes from the school’s operating budget and demonstrates our commitment to having a socioeconomically diverse student population.

Awards range from $500 - $3,500 a year, with most awards around $2,500. It is important to note that financial aid will never cover a full tuition amount.

APPLICATION PERIOD:

Our Financial Aid opens to current families in January, for the following school year. New families are welcome to apply for financial aid during their application process.

To apply for financial aid your child needs to be enrolled or on the enrollment wait-list.  You will be asked to submit information from your tax forms to a third-party financial aid processor.  This allows Pioneer Valley Montessori School and the financial aid committee to remain impartial while making financial aid decisions. 

Financial Aid is based on the amount of your tuition compared to your income. Our Financial Aid Committee makes decisions based on tuition-to-household income. They will factor in other elements, if your tax information doesn’t accurately outline your current circumstances. There is also an appeal process.

What is the admissions process?

Inquiry:

This is typically completed through a link on the website. If you are getting this email you have already completed this step.

Tour/Open House:

This is your opportunity to ask questions and learn about us. There is no better way to understand the Montessori difference than to experience it for yourself!  

Apply:

If you are interested in moving forward, a non-refundable $50 application fee and completed application place you on our enrollment waiting list. 

We will send you a link to our parent portal (School Admin) where you will create an account, and then can complete the application.  Depending on our enrollment availability, and your place on the waitlist, you will be contacted to move forward to the next steps.  During a typical enrollment season this happens between March and July.

Application Checklist:

While waiting for us to contact you, please fill out and/or submit any forms or work samples that can be found in your parent portal checklist. This will ensure a quick and seamless move into the next step.

Teacher Visit:

A teacher must meet with your child before acceptance to the school.

Acceptance: 

We will inform you of your acceptance status within 2 business days after the teacher visit.

Enrollment: 

An additional $500 deposit is required to reserve the space for your child. (This is refundable if PVMS is unable to secure a spot for your child) This deposit and all enrollment paperwork MUST be finished before any child can begin school. Medical and/or allergy paperwork may take some extra time so please be aware and prepare to submit them in a timely manner. 

Tell me about tuition payments and payment plans.

When families sign a contract at PVMS they will have 3 payment plan options:

• Pay in full – If you pay the full tuition amount on the contract by July for a September start, you will receive a discount of 2% off the tuition.  If the student is starting mid-year, the full payment will be due before the child’s first day of school. 
• 2 payments – This option divides the tuition into two payments. One is due in July and the second one in November for a normal school year. If the student starts later in the year, the two payments will be equally spaced depending on the time remaining in the year. The last payment must be paid by May.
• 10 payments – this option allows you to divide the tuition into 10 monthly payments.  For September school-year start, the first payment will be made in July and the last in April. If the student starts later in the year, the payments will be equally divided into as many payments (10 or less) as possibly, depending on the time remaining in the year. The last payment must be paid by May.  (For example, if a child begins in January, there are only 4 months of billing time remaining in the year, so the “10 payment plan” in this particular case would actually be 4 payments.)

Does PVMS run through the summer?

The PVMS school year follows a traditional school schedule, from September – June with a December, February, and April break. This applies to all students, ages 18 months through 6th grade.  

Frequently, we run a summer program for our toddlers (18mo. - 2y) and Children’s House Preschool (3-5 years old) students. This program runs for 6 weeks in July and August for current PVMS families.

The above information will also be emailed to you once this form has been submitted.