Policy for Admission

All children who meet the following criteria are eligible for admission:

1. age designations
2. physical, mental, and emotional ability to succeed in WMS’s program.

Enrollment Criteria

Assignment to classes is made according to availability of spaces for children of each sex and age.  Consideration is given to the balance of boys and girls at each grade or age level.  Each child accepted into a program must meet the developmental standards necessary for success in the program.

WMS’s acceptance of a child is based on several factors.  The most important one is the match of the family’s and school’s educational goals for the child.  New applicants are selected for available spaces in order to maintain gender and age balance within the classrooms.

In addition to the parent and child interview process, several visits to the classroom by the child may be necessary before a decision concerning enrollment can be reached.  All reports and test results from professionals (former schools, doctors, psychologists, learning disability specialists, etc.) should be shared with the prospective teaching team at the time the child is being considered for admission.  A decision concerning acceptance of a child will be made by the Head of School based on recommendations from the Assistant Head of School and the prospective teaching team.

Generally, applicants will be givin priority in the following order: 

1. Children who are currently enrolled at WMS whose performance in school has been satisfactory in the   judgement of the teacher and Head of School.  recommendations concerning re-enrollment will be made by teachers prior to the time when enrollment contracts for the following year are offered to parents. 
2. Qualified siblings of children aready enrolled at WMS.                                                                                                       
3. Children who are transferring from another Montessori school (elementary applicants only).                                  
4. Children of WMS employees.       

Children on the waitling list with no prior Montessori experience will then be invited to enroll in the order of date on which they completed the Application for Admission.  Children may remain on the waiting list for one calendar year after a place has been offered by WMS and declined by the parent.  Should the spot be declined a second time, the child will be removed from the waiting list and the family will be required to reapply by submitting an Application for Admission and fee.                                                                                                                                       

All students at WMS are accepted on a six week trial basis.  Successful adjustment to the program as determined by the teaching team and administration is necessary for continued enrollment.  If this adjustment has not been achieved, children may be asked to withdraw from the program.  Prior to this request, the classroom teacher will record behavior of the child, contacts with parents, and efforts to guide the child.

Non-Discrimination Policy

Waco Montessori School does not discriminate against any person in admission, employment, or otherwise because of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, or age.