Santa Cruz Montessori

Admissions Process

Santa Cruz Montessori balances classes as much as possible by age and gender. Except for the Young Children's Community serving children from 18 months through 3 years, all classes are structured in three year age spans. Our Primary preschool program is for 3-6 year olds; Lower Elementary serves 6-9 year olds (grades 1-3); Upper Elementary is for 9-12 year olds (grades 4-6); and our Junior High/Middle School program is for 12-15 year olds (grades 7-9).

Applications

Applications for admission are available in the office or as PDF files, and are accepted at any time during the year. We accept applications for children who are still too young to enroll, and we accept applications at all age levels. Applications are kept on file and your child is added to our waiting list--it is not necessary to resubmit an application every year. Parents who have an application on file are notified as potential openings occur. If space allows we admit qualified students at any time during the school year. There is a $50 non-refundable application fee, due when an application is submitted.

Application Forms (PDF Format)

SCM Application - Young Children's Community & Primary (Ages 18 months-6 years)

SCM Application - Elementary (Ages 6-12)

SCM Application - Junior High/Middle School (Ages 12-15)

Note: To view these applications you may need to download the free Adobe Reader.

Openings

Parents on the waiting list are notified when an opening arises. At this time, a meeting is scheduled with the program coordinator to discuss the school's mission and policies, and to answer any additional questions you may have. The classroom teacher will then contact you to set up a time to bring your child after school to get acquainted. There is an added opportunity for elementary and Junior High/Middle School students to spend a day at school as well. Families with children enrolled in the Young Children's Community (ages 18 months to 3 years) will be contacted by the teacher to arrange a brief home visit. For elementary and Junior High/Middle School applicants, we request school records, teacher recommendations, and a parent and student interview.

Admissions Policies

At each step in the admissions process, we strive to give prospective families as comprehensive a view of our mission as possible, and of the ways in which we fulfill it in partnership with each family. That way parents can feel informed and confident in their choice of schools, and Santa Cruz Montessori will be strengthened with families who are committed to realizing a successful educational experience for their children.

Students are accepted on the basis of their ability to thrive in a Montessori environment, on the needs of the class, and on the student's ability to offer a positive contribution. Priority consideration is given first to students in this order: siblings of currently enrolled families, families receiving governmental financial assistance, students transferring from other Montessori schools, then to all other qualified applicants.