“The child who concentrates is immensely happy.”

- Maria Montessori

“The child who concentrates is immensely happy.”

- Maria Montessori

Admissions Process

Learn more about MSC and our admissions and enrollment process

Requirements

  • Students must be three years of age by September 1.
  • Students must be independently toilet-trained to join our school.
  • Families must tour, apply, and complete a student visit in order to be considered for enrollment.

Application

 You may submit an MSC Application for Admission at any time, but we recommend submitting an application soon after touring the school, which may be done up to a year prior to enrollment. There is a $75 nonrefundable fee due with the application, and the application and fee must be received prior to a student visit.

This application is subject to the following conditions: 

  • We give preference in admission decisions to children with siblings already enrolled in our school and children with previous Montessori experience. 

  • We may contact the child’s previous schools, teachers or childcare providers to obtain relevant info. The Authorization for Release of Information form attached to the application serves as your permission for us to request student records from previous schools or care providers.

  • The application does not constitute acceptance into the Montessori School of Columbia. If the child is accepted to the school, an enrollment contract will be sent. 

  • At MSC, we strive to cultivate an inclusive environment that is open, welcoming, and supportive of all individuals. We recognize diversity at our school is essential to providing academic excellence and critical to our sustainability. The school does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, creed, disability, national origin, ethnicity, age or any other basis protected by federal or state law. We celebrate the diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences of our community, employees, and families.

  • Our teachers are not specially trained to educate children with specifically diagnosed learning, behavior, or attention disorders. In order to effectively assess whether we can serve your child, we request that you disclose any medical or psychological evaluations, current medications, and any other information relevant to this matter.

Application Deadlines

We are accepting applications for students eligible for 3K through sixth grade to enroll in the 2025-26 school year. The application process is complete once you have:
  1. Attended an individual tour or Information Session;
  2. Submitted your application for admission and paid $75 application fee; and
  3. Attended your student visit.

You must submit an application for admission prior to Monday, December 2, 2024, to be considered in the first round of enrollment offers in February 2025. We anticipate all Primary (3k, 4K, 5K) classrooms will be full after the first round of offers.

Please note, if we receive more applicants than availability for a particular classroom, grade, or level, we will create a wait pool. We’ve included more information on wait pools below.

We understand the application process can be complex. Please rely on our Admissions Coordinator, Sarah McCants, to support you throughout this journey. Never hesitate to pick up the phone or send her an email if you have questions or feedback.

Wait Pool versus Waitlist

When we have more applications than we have availability, we create a wait pool, rather than a waitlist. Should a space become available, we look to the wait pool to find an admitted student to join a class. When choosing a new student to enroll, we consider which student age and personality would best fit the classroom community. We also give priority to siblings of current Montessori School of Columbia students and students moving from another Montessori school. Families with applications in the wait pool may also roll their application over to the next academic year.

Forms

Why Choose Montessori?

Choosing the best school for your child is a big decision for any parent. Parents that believe in the Montessori principles want their children to undergo the full potential of the method and its learning experiences.

apply now for 2025-2026!

In order to be considered for the first wave of enrollment contracts, the deadline to apply for admission for the 2025-2026 school year is Monday, December 2, 2024. Don’t risk waiting– inquire now!