Admissions Process
Parent Visit and Classroom Observation:
All parents interested in enrollment for their children must observe in one of Discovery Montessori’s classrooms. Observations are scheduled from mid-October through mid- May. Please contact the Director of Admissions at 247-4577 or info@dmsonline.org to schedule your tour and classroom observation.
Application and Fees:
An application for admission, along with a one-time non-refundable fee of $75 and/or $25 for a sibling of another child currently enrolled in the program, must be submitted, but is not a guarantee of admission.
Student Visit and Assessment:
An interview with the teacher may be requested for children being considered for the Pre-Primary and Elementary programs. Toddlers require no admission evaluation for entry. All parents will have an opportunity to meet with the Director.
Recommendations and School Records:
Current school records, including report cards, standardized test scores and performance evaluations are required for students entering Kindergarten through fifth grade.
Expectations for Applicants:
The expectation for children seeking admission into the Toddler and Pre-Primary programs is that they will complete the 3-year Pre-Primary cycle, which includes the kindergarten year, and continue at Discovery Montessori through Elementary.
Admissions Deadline:
We are currently accepting applications which will be reviewed based on availability. Enrollment is understood to be for the full nine-month school year. A student applying for Kindergarten must be 5 years of age by September 1 in the year they wish to attend. Beyond this, admission to DMS is evaluated once the entire process is completed.
Admission Decision:
Siblings of children already enrolled in Discovery Montessori, children of employees, and Montessori transfer students are given preference in enrollments. Final acceptance and level placement will be determined by the Co-Heads of school. This decision is based on applicable interviews, academic and social progress, and the balance of ages and genders within the classrooms. All children are accepted contingent upon satisfactory adjustment to the school in the opinion of the lead teacher and the Co-Heads of School.
Open House:
DMS hosts a Community & School Wide Open House every January.
Financial Aid:
Financial Aid is available to students who have already completed one year at
Discovery. The School & Student Services for Financial Aid (SSS) is the organization Discovery subscribes to for objective financial needs assessment. Information and applications are available in the Office.
Notification:
Once the contract is signed and returned with a 10% tuition deposit, and associated school fees, the student is officially enrolled. Upon acceptance, the following items are required:
- Emergency Contact Sheet, Verification of receipt of the DCFS pamphlet
- "Know Your Child Care Center"
- State of Florida Health Form (Yellow, 3040)
- Current Immunization Record (State of Florida Form 680 Blue)
- Discipline Policy Form
- Birth Certificate
- Release Agreement
If you have any further questions about the Admissions process, please contact the Director of Admissions, Kim Bednarek, at 247-4577 or info@dmsonline.org. Thank you.