Preschool Admission Process

Welcome! We're So Glad You're Here!

Choosing a preschool is a big step, and we’re honored that you’re considering us for your family. Our admission process is designed to help you get to know us, and to help us get to know you and your little one. Here’s what to expect along the way:

STEP 1 - Complete the Inquiry Form

Your journey begins with a quick inquiry form and scheduling a one-on-one virtual conversation with our Admission Specialist. Share a little about your family and your child, and let us know any questions you have. It’s a simple way to say hello, and it helps us make sure we reach out with the information that matters most to you.

STEP 2 - One on one with our Admissions Specialist

You’ll meet our friendly admissions specialist for a relaxed virtual chat. This is a wonderful chance to learn about our philosophy, programs, and daily rhythms, and for us to hear about your hopes for your child’s early learning experience. No question is too big or too small!

STEP 3 - Attend an In-Person Tour

There’s nothing quite like seeing our classrooms in action. During your tour, you’ll explore our learning spaces, catch a glimpse of our teachers and children at work and play, and get a real feel for the warm, joyful community.

STEP 4 - Receive and Complete the Application Form*

After your tour, we’ll send you our application form. Once you’ve completed it, simply submit it along with the $175 application fee. This step lets us know you’re ready to move forward, and we’ll take great care in reviewing your application.

STEP 5 - Receive an Offer of Enrollment

This is the exciting part! Families will receive an enrollment offer, letting them know that a spot is waiting for their child in our school community.

STEP 6 - Confirm Your Acceptance

Securing your child’s place is quick and easy! Simply click to confirm your acceptance, and you’ll be taken right to the enrollment contract and deposit. We’ll happily hold your child’s spot for 72 hours while you complete these final steps. Once everything is in, it’s official: the spot is yours, and we can’t wait to welcome your family!

If we don’t hear from you after 72 hours, we’ll offer the spot to the next family and keep you on our waitlist for future openings. 

*A Note About Timing and Waitlist Interest

Our early enrollment offers for fall 2027 depend on how many students are moving up to the next program level. Additional openings will be identified during re-enrollment in February 2027. If there are no spots available, completing an application form automatically places your child on our waitlist, free of charge. When a spot opens for your child’s age group, we’ll reach out and invite you to complete the process by submitting the $175 application fee.

We look forward to meeting you and beginning this wonderful journey together!

Additional Details

It is important for parents to understand that when they choose a Montessori education they are committing to a multi-year educational process. During the first year, the younger child learns the process of making their own choices, increasing their focus as they work on their chosen activity and gaining fine motor control, problem-solving skills, focus, and the ability to follow multi-step instructions and complete a full work cycle through their work in the Practical Life and Sensorial areas.  Younger students also learn how to be a positive member of the classroom community.  As the child shows readiness, they are introduced to lessons in the math and language areas where they gain basic skills. In the child’s final Kindergarten year, all of these skills come together as the older child takes on larger works, expressing their knowledge through creative projects in all areas and reinforcing their knowledge, and gaining leadership skills by teaching their younger peers.

Application Requirements

• Bellevue Montessori School welcomes all children. We do not discriminate with respect to race, religion, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, or physical ability.
• Children must be using the bathroom independently unless the child has a documented physical limitation.
• Children must demonstrate a willingness and ability to cooperate with the staff and other children and meet classroom expectations. 
• Once the application and $175 non-refundable application fee is received, your child will be considered for enrollment.
• Children must be five years old by August 31st to be considered a Kindergarten student.
  

Admission Details

• Early admission offers begin the first week of January.
• Additional offers are made every two weeks in January through March. Those on the waitlist will be notified when space becomes available.
• Priority is given to siblings, three-year-olds, and students coming from other Montessori programs. 
• Limited spaces are available for four-year-olds with no Montessori experience.
• We welcome Kindergarten students from other Montessori programs.  For those students in their Kindergarten year with no Montessori experience, admission will be offered based on the child’s demonstrated independence, self-motivation, and ability to emotionally self-regulate and follow adult instruction.
• Bellevue Montessori’s academic school year begins in Late August, or early September and ends in mid-June. We follow the Bellevue Public School calendar for the Winter Holiday Break at the end of December during which we are closed. Additionally, school is closed, but care is available for those contracted for full day care during parent-teacher conferences, teacher in-service days, the Mid-Winter Break during the President’s Day week, and Spring Break in April.