Here are a few of the questions that families frequently ask about Hollis Montessori School and the admissions process. If you don't see your question here, please contact us.
How many students are enrolled at Hollis Montessori?
We typically have 125 students from age 3 through 9th grade.
Is there space available?
We have the greatest number of openings in the fall for children aged 3 years old, but spaces fill up quickly! We have limited openings for children who are just shy of their third birthday. We have a very limited number of openings in our elementary programs. The Upper School, our middle school program for grades 7th-9th, is an excellent time to join a Montessori program for the first time, and we generally have openings for that program as well. Please inquire for the most up to date information.
May I visit?
We offer virtual tours of our beautiful school and programs. These tours are designed for small groups of parents who would like to learn more about our programs. Information covered includes:
What our classrooms look like (including class sizes and materials)
Who makes up our wonderful, dedicated staff
Why the “Montessori Method” leads to a lifelong love of learning
How we make it work!
Tours run an average of 45 minutes, with time for questions and answers at the end.
Parents are welcome to register for a classroom observation and see the school in person once the virtual tour is complete.
Is previous Montessori experience required?
Previous Montessori experience is not necessary for admission to our Upper School program or for an entering 3 year old. It is recommended for children who are 4 and older, but it is not always necessary. In all admission decisions we carefully consider each child's unique background before determining admission and placement.
Do you offer a kindergarten program?
Not in the traditional sense. The Children's House program is for children aged 3 to 6. The final year of this three-year program serves students of the same age as a traditional kindergarten class.
Do you offer after school care?
No.
Do you have a summer program?
No.
Do you have a foreign language program?
Yes. Hollis Montessori offers Spanish beginning in our Primary program at age 3 and extending into Elementary. In addition to studying the Spanish language, the curriculum is also supplemented with Spanish culture, history, and food.
Our Upper School students work to develop fluency in Spanish, meeting four times each week. Classes are taught entirely in Spanish. Vocabulary and concepts are integrated with the central themes being explored in the other subject areas. Students working upon non-Spanish tasks with our Spanish instructor work to converse in Spanish. Just as in other courses of study, students take trips away from school to develop and employ concepts introduced in school, in this case to places where Spanish is spoken. A Spanish 1 (or Spanish 2, dependent upon achievement) grade is given on 9th grade transcripts for one credit.
How well do children transition to a traditional school after attending Hollis Montessori?
Moving from a Montessori school to another school setting is a question often raised by parents and family members. Happily, the habits and skills a child develops at Hollis Montessori last a lifetime and students are well prepared no matter where they go. Montessori children tend to be adaptable, working well alone or in a group. They have solid decision-making skills, practical problem solving abilities, and generally manage their time well. Since children in a Montessori classroom are also encouraged to share ideas and discuss their work, fitting into new situations is made easier thanks to good communication skills.