Admissions

Choosing A School For Your Child

When you look at our school, or any school, ask yourself these questions:

• Is the Montessori curriculum appropriate for my child's talents and goals?
  
• Will my family be comfortable in the school?
  
• Are there opportunities for my child to pursue special interests?
  
• Will my child learn the values that are important to our family?
  
• Will the school challenge my child without overwhelming her?
  
• Are the programs, teachers, services, and leadership able to create an outstanding experience for my child?

Accountability and Responsiveness

ASM is directly accountable to the families we serve. Parents select ASM and keep their children in our school because of the solid academic preparation and personal growth they see occurring in their children.  Emphasis on the whole child is what builds and maintains our reputation in the community.

ASM programs are designed with appropriate hours, taking into consideration and responding to the diverse and changing needs of our families. Simple administrative structures allow us to respond to these needs. Services we offer include before and after school care, vacation coverage, and summer sessions. These services vary according to the current needs of the school.

Our faculty is chosen for their knowledge, experience and their ability to guide children in the Montessori classroom. All of our teachers are Montessori-trained professionals or are pursuing Montessori training.  Faculty turnover is light. ASM teachers thrive in an environment where they can make a difference-where the time they spend with each child is valued. Our staff members are highly committed to the Montessori Method of education.

We welcome--and expect--parent involvement. Families participate in the social life of the school and help plan and carry out community service and fund-raising activities. Parent education on the fundamentals of a Montessori education is provided throughout the year, and participation in the informational program at the start of the school year is mandatory for new families. You will find that when you enroll your child in ASM, you also join the school family.

The Family-School Relationship

ASM families are here because they want to be here, and that makes a major difference. It is incumbent upon families considering a Montessori education for their children to truly understand what this means.  Because our families have common goals and aspirations, intellectual curiosity can be "caught" from the rest of the student body, laying the foundation for a future of achievement. Community service is a big part of our program, for both the students and their parents. Students participate in activities that make our school and the greater community better places to be. As a member of ASM, we also have an expectation that families will provide 20 hours of community service to the school. An active community service committee works diligently to find ways in which all families can find a way to participate.

Montessori classroom teachers tailor their curriculum to each child, not to a class average. This allows your child to move ahead at his/her own pace in areas of strength and to receive extra attention when needed to master subjects that are difficult. When your child needs help, it is there, one-on-one. When your child succeeds, there is recognition of the accomplishment, reinforcing the success. It is from these seeds that self-confidence blooms.

Because our class size is small and children generally stay with the teachers for three years, your child won't be lost in a crowd. Teachers get to know each of their students well. An important outgrowth of that close relationship is trust. At ASM, every teacher is also an advisor. As a result, ASM becomes an extension of your family. It provides a safe environment in which your child can explore ideas and feelings. The guidance ensures that your child won't get lost while exploring.

Your child will be encouraged to participate in all kinds of activities - from the comprehensive integrated arts program to being a mentor to younger children. Your child will also be expected to assume some leadership roles when they are ready. Such diverse experiences help your child build self confidence as well as self-knowledge.

In keeping with the Montessori philosophy, each classroom offers a calm environment that fosters respect of self and others, independence, self-discipline, responsibility, freedom of choice, and self-motivation. The students share in fostering and maintaining a nurturing learning environment.

Current Tuition Information

Tuition is set yearly by the Board of Directors in January.  Tuition may be paid in full at the time of enrollment, or 10% may be paid as an enrollment fee (non-refundable) and a monthly payment plan can be set up through Tuition Management Systems. 

Discounts

• A 1.5% tuition remission is given when payment is made in full upon enrollment
• A 10% discount is available for the third and youngest child attending ASM in a family.

Fees include yearly PACE dues and fieldtrip costs.

ASM Bonds

To obtain financing for the original school building, each ASM family was required to post a $5,000 bond.  Today, to keep the tuition amounts reasonable, ASM requires each ASM family to post a $2,000 bond.  Please note that this bond is per family, not per child.

Bond Specifics

• The bond is due by  April 15th of the first year of enrollment at ASM
• The bond does not accrue interest, is unsecured and is subordinate to any secured debt of ASM
• Funds from the bond are used to replace bonds of outgoing families
• ASM refunds the bond  on June 30th of the year in which the last child in the family leaves ASM, providing all amounts due to ASM are paid in full
• ASM makes reasonable efforts to refund all or a portion of the bond once it determines that there is available income
• Any interim partial refund of the bond will be distributed on a pro rata basis among all outstanding bonds April 15th.

The Board of Directors is aware of the impact on the student body if no adjustments are made for those families unable to lend the full amount. The board is committed to maintaining the socioeconomic diversity which currently characterizes the school. When appropriate, ASM will consider a flexible schedule of payments.

Children's House Programs

The Andover School of Montessori offers a variety of programs.

Children's House Half Day is the core Montessori program for children 3 years to 6 years of age. It is held five mornings or five afternoons a week from 8:30 am to 11:30 am or from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm. It also includes Music and Spanish.

Children's House Full Day is held from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm for children age 4 or 5 (by September 15). All full day children have a one hour break, which consists of lunch followed by recess.

Extended Day (Kindergarten) is available as a full day option for ASM students of kindergarten age (5 years old before September 15). Half of the day is spent in the multi-age Montessori program and the other half focuses on the particular developmental needs of this age group. In addition to Spanish and Music, Kindergarteners also receive PE and Art instruction.

Children's House Application and Enrollment Procedures

The ASM community includes students with varying abilities and interests who flourish and contribute to the Montessori environment. We are, in essence, seeking "good citizens" who respect their world, themselves and those around them.

The application process includes:

• Completion of an application form (Application Form)
• Submission of a $60 non-refundable application fee
• Submission of a letter stating why you want your child to attend ASM; what you hope your child will gain; what your family hopes to contribute to the school community and a history of your involvement in your current school or community groups
• A school visit during which teachers will observe your child to assess her/his ability to adapt to Montessori materials, the environment, etc. These visits are scheduled through the Admissions Office.
• When the application is complete, your child will be considered for acceptance.  Mid to late March is the time when most students are accepted. A spot will be saved for two weeks from the time your child is accepted.  To secure a slot, you must return the enrollment forms and a 10% deposit. Once the two weeks have past, the slot will be offered to a candidate on the wait list. Candidates on the active wait list will remain there through December 31st. If a slot opens up during those weeks, it will be offered to candidates on the wait list.

Factors affecting acceptance:

• Suitability of the program for the student
• Age and sex distribution in the classroom
• Family Commitment (as outlined in application letter)
• Prior Montessori experience
• Siblings applicants of currently enrolled students (including the length of time a family has been associated with ASM)

Elementary/Middle School Programs 

The Elementary Program is for children ages 6 to 12 years (Lower Elementary 6-9; Upper Elementary 9-12). ASM recognizes that each child is a uniquely endowed individual.  Therefore, individual academic excellence is fostered and encouraged in a cooperative setting.  Students have a wonderful opportunity to learn in a purposeful, structured environment. The curriculum includes Language Arts, Mathematics, Geography, History, the Sciences, Spanish, Computer Technology, Art, Music, and Physical Education. Classes are held daily from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm.

The Middle School Program is for students aged 12-14 years. Classes are held from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm. The ASM Middle School curriculum consists of thematic units that integrate all subject areas, as well as providing life experiences through internships and community service. Middle School students work together during the math hour in the morning with lessons and learning provided on an individual, small, and whole group basis. The MS program is divided into two cycles, the first one lasting two years (6th & 7th grades). The second cycle (Grade 8) will become more traditional in nature so as to prepare students for the more traditional high schools they will be attending.

Elementary/Middle School Application and Enrollment Procedures

The ASM student community includes students with varying abilities and interests who flourish and contribute to the Montessori environment. We are, in essence, seeking "good citizens" who respect their world, themselves and those around them.

The application process incudes:

• Completion of an application form (Application Form)
• Submission of a $60 non-refundable application fee
• Submission of a letter stating why you want your child to attend ASM; what you hope your child will gain; what your family hopes to contribute to the school community and a history of your involvement in your current school or community groups
• A half day school visit to meet with teachers and experience the classroom.  Teachers will observe your child to assess her/his ability to adapt to Montessori materials, academic levels, the environment, etc.   These visits are scheduled through the Admissions Office.
• Elementary Teacher Recommendation Form (one only)
• Middle School Teacher Recommendation Form (at least 2 for Middle School applicants)
• A discussion between an ASM teacher and the student's current teacher(s)
• Student transcripts (report cards, test results, etc.)

Factors in acceptance:

• Suitability of the program for the student
• Age and sex distribution in the classroom
• Family Commitment (as outlined in application letter)
• Prior  Montessori experience
• Siblings applicants of currently enrolled students (including the length of time a family has been associated with ASM)

When the application is complete, your child will be considered for acceptance.  Mid to late March is the time when most students are accepted. A spot will be saved for two weeks from the time your child is accepted.  To secure a slot, you must return the enrollment forms and a 10% deposit. Once the two weeks have passed, the slot will be offered to a candidate on the wait list. Candidates on the active wait list will remain there through October 15th. If a slot opens up during those weeks, it will be offered to candidates on the wait list.

Child Care Options

Early Morning Care is available for up to 20 students from 7:30 am to 8:30 am. Advance reservations are required and priority is given to those in need of early drop-off on a daily basis. The cost is billed monthly or may be contracted yearly with the tuition.

 In-A-Pinch (Early Morning Care) is available whenever there are spaces. Costs are billed monthly.

After School Clubhouse is a program available with advance reservations from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm for any child. Planned activities such as arts and crafts, cooking, board games and free play are featured throughout the week. This program is run by the Andover/North Andover YMCA on our school site.

Fun Days are offered for In-Service, Conference, and most Vacation Days and are open for children of all ages. The children participate in seasonal arts and crafts, and enjoy indoor and outdoor activities. Information and applications are made available prior to the Fun Day and reservations MUST be made in advance (students enrolled in the YMCA After School program are given first consideration for registration). This program is run by the Andover/North Andover YMCA at their site.  Contact the YMCA for more information (978-685-3541.)

Notes:

• Activity fees cover field trips in Lower Elementary classes.  Upper Elementary and Middle School fees also include overnight class trip experiences. 
• Children's House field trip fees are collected by the classroom teachers.
• PACE is the ASM parent group.  Dues help to cover the cost of activities supported by PACE throughout the year.

Click here for an application form