Admissions Policy

Toddler

Children ages 14 months up to age 3 who have established independent walking may begin their Montessori experience in our Toddler Community.

Primary

The Primary Program is a three to four year program and the optimal time to enter is at 3 years of age or a little before. Children remain in Primary through the age of six. Admitting children at the first year of the Primary cycle ensures that they continue to learn and grow in that environment. Students at St. Catherine's Montessori are then prepared to move to the next level of Montessori. In following this procedure we are able to maintain the integrity of the classroom and offer all students a quality Montessori educational environment.

Children ages four and five years old are considered on an individual basis, with preference given to transferring Montessori students. After application a classroom visit may be scheduled where the teacher will make an informal assessment of the child's readiness and skill levels.

Elementary (Grades 1-6)

Lower Elementary (grades 1-3) and Upper Elementary (grades 4-6) students coming from another Montessori school, with continuous Montessori experience are eligible for admission on a space available basis.

Students coming from non-Montessori backgrounds are eligible for admission on a space available basis, only at the first grade and fourth grade levels; the beginning of each three year cycle.

We require the most recent progress reports, report cards and achievement test scores. These must be submitted to the Admissions Office with the application. A confidential teacher-recommendation form, obtained from the Admission Office and signed by the parent will be sent to the child's present school. A visit will be scheduled for the student and an informal assessment will be made of the child.

Adolescent Community (Grades 7-9)

Students are eligible for the Adolescent Community only if they are coming from another Montessori school with at least three years continuous experience and on a space available basis. Prospective students will be invited to visit the classroom and will be interviewed by the Adolescent Community faculty. All school records will be required as well as confidential teacher recommendation forms.

The admissions procedure begins with a mandatory school tour and classroom observation by prospective parents. Please see Admissions Procedures for further details.

For additional questions, please call Laurie Farris at (713)-665-2195 or e-mail her at lfarris@stcathmont.org.