Have you completed a virtual tour? Now you’re ready for a classroom observation!

Here’s what you can expect during your visit to Hollis Montessori School:

We will spend time visiting before and after your observation, so allow 1.5 hours for your visit. These observations are done in a small group setting often including two to three families at a time.

This visit is for adults only. Children need to remain at home. Your child will have an opportunity to visit at a later time. 

If you’re unable to arrange for childcare (for instance, those who might have a young infant, or those visiting from out of state), please email admissions@hollismontessori.org to schedule an observation separate from the times listed below. If children are accompanying you, please bring two adults so one can wait with the children in the conference room while the other observes in the classrooms. We’ll then rotate so the second adult can observe while the children are cared for. Because this format is a little more complex and time consuming, we ask that families who need to bring children schedule their observation separate from the group observations listed below. Please note, if you bring children with you to a group observation, only one adult will be able to observe in the classrooms.

Our Admissions Director will greet you. After a brief introduction, you’ll receive a clipboard to jot down any questions that may arise during your visit, and then you’ll be guided to the classroom to begin your observation. We’ll also give you an opportunity to observe in an older classroom so you can get a glimpse of the next level. Both observations will take approximately 30 minutes each. If you’re applying for multiple ages, please anticipate more time to observe more classrooms.

Our Mixed Age Classrooms

Maria Montessori’s vision was for mixed ages to work together in the same environment with one lead teacher, or “guide”, and one assistant. Children from 3 to 6 years old are part of our Children’s House classrooms. Children from 6 to 9 years old comprise the Lower Elementary, 9 to 12 years in the Upper Elementary, and 12 to 15 years in the Adolescent Program.

Children work independently and in small groups, practicing skills appropriate to their abilities and interests. They also receive individual and small group lessons (we call these “presentations”) in all areas of the classroom. With guidance and experience in the Montessori classroom, children become skilled at independently choosing work for themselves. 

As you spend time in our classrooms, you may observe:

  • The environment is organized and attractive

  • The teacher acts as a guide to connect the children to meaningful challenges in the classroom environment

  • Multi-sensory, hands-on materials are in regular use

  • Each child has the opportunity to choose work that interests them

  • The emphasis is on learning by doing and social development rather than drills, memorizations, or finding information only to answer specific questions

  • A child may work as long as they want on an interesting challenge without being interrupted

  • The child is allowed to choose a favorite spot to work instead of the adult choosing where they may sit

  • Children are encouraged to teach, collaborate, and help each other

  • The children have a regular opportunity to work with peers of different ages

  • The teachers and staff show respect for the children

  • Children are respectful of the teacher and the environment

  • The guides and the environment encourages internal self-discipline rather than the teacher acting as the primary enforcer of rules

  • Learning is its own reward, not motivated by prizes and extrinsic rewards

  • The children are calm, focused, and joyful

All of these activities are a normal part of the life in our classroom. 

It's important to remember that the children are busy and any interruptions can cause a break in concentration. You should stay seated during your visit and not engage the children in conversation. If a child starts a conversation with you during your visit, you can remind them that you are here to observe their work and need to continue observing. Likewise, you should also refrain from talking with other observing adults.

School Tour and Q&A

Following your classroom observations our Admissions Director will give you a short tour of our school. Afterward, she will sit down with you to discuss your observations and answer your questions.

For information about the next steps in our admissions process, see How to Apply.


Please choose a time to observe from the calendar below:

Observation days are highlighted in blue.


Have a question? Please contact:

Carli Ford, Admissions Director
(603) 400-1515
admissions@hollismontessori.org