Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What are the requirements for enrollment?
    We offer a toddler program for children between the ages of 18 months and 2½ (or until they are potty-trained). We also offer Preschool and Kindergarten programs for children between 2½ and 6 years old who are fully potty-trained (no pull-ups allowed).
  2. Are there any other requirements for admission?
    Parents must agree to adhere to policies and procedures set forth in the Kinderhouse Montessori’s Parent Handbook.
  3. What is the age range of children you accept?
    We accept children between the ages of 18 months and 6 years including Kindergarden-aged children.
  4. Does the child need to be potty trained?
    To enroll in the primary program , the child does need to be potty trained. We do offer the toddler program for children who are not yet potty trained. We understand that occasional accidents may happen, but these should not be a regular occurence.
  5. Do you offer a 2 or 3 day program?
    No. Given that we an AMI recognized school, we are not permitted to offer anything other than a half-day or full-day class five days a week. Learn more about AMI standards.
  6. What are the hours of operation?
    The school is open regularly from 7:30 AM to 5:55 PM. On holidays when child care is provided, the school is open from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM. It is important to note that we are not a day care center. The primary goal of the program is to educate children in partnership with the parents using the proven AMI approved montessori methods. We do provide extended care for the parents who have this need.
  7. What is the application process?
    Please review the process here.
  8. What are the teacher qualifications?
    All of our teachers have Bachelor's degrees and have earned an AMI diploma in Primary Montessori Education. Many of the teachers have also earned a Master's degree in education.
  9. Can I request a specific teacher?
    While we understand that some parents form a close relationship with a particular teacher and may recommend that teacher to another person, we are NOT able to honor requests for specific teachers. This would be unmanagable and would be unfair to the students and the teachers. Once you are enrolled, we strive to keep your child with the same teacher for the entire time that he is enrolled at Kinderhouse, unless there are mitigating circumstances.
  10. What is the 10 month program vs. the 12 month program?
    The 12-month program includes two summer sessions. These summer sessions are designed around the montessori curriculum, but also offer other activities. Space for the summer sessions is limited.
  11. Why is there a set window of time in which to drop off my child in the mornings?
    As we are an educational facility, our classrooms begin at a set time with the teachers planning certain activities according to a set schedule. The morning routine is particularly important as it is when the teacher greets each child individually setting the tone for the morning. This is an opportunity to speak with the children about any special events of the day, to read a story, to sing songs, or to have a birthday celebration. We also find that children arriving late have a harder time adjusting to the classroom since the other children are already busy with other activities. The vast majority of parents arrive on time, and it is to avoid any disruptions in the classroom that we have our policy of charging the few parents who are a late more than five (5) times in year a late fee. If we work together, you child's classroom will be a peaceful learning environment.
  12. May I schedule a visit?
    Please call us at 858-550-0097 to schedule a tour.