Waikato Montessori Education Centre

Children may be pre-enrolled at any time and will commence sometime in the school term of their 3rd birthday.

• Children will not commence under the age of 2 years, 9 months. Children older than 3 years, 6 months who have not previously attended a Montessori school will not normally be considered for entry.
• A child’s readiness for entry will be determined in consultation with the Guide and Head of School. It is a prerequisite that children be toilet trained prior to entry.
• Children who have been attending a Montessori centre elsewhere, wishing to transfer to our Centre, will be considered at any age if places are available.
• Siblings of children who have attended/are attending the Centre may be given priority. However, if children are withdrawn before completing the full 3-6 year programme, this will not apply.
• Entry of all children is dependent on available places. The Head of School may choose to leave places unfilled and reserves the right to limit the number of children in a class.
• All allocation of places is at the discretion of the Head of School and all places are subject to review at any time.
• Parents commit to the minimum enrolment requirements and to extending their child’s attendance hours as recommended by the Guide. viii. Priority will be given to families who are committed to the full Montessori programme we offer, i.e. 3 years – 12 years old.

The Application Process

All prospective children and their parents will be required to visit Waikato Montessori Education Centre prior to the enrolment application. This gives parents the opportunity to assure themselves they are committed to the Montessori approach and the 3 year programme that is offered. An appointment will be scheduled to arrange this, generally for 30 minutes at 9.30am. During this time, the Head of School and Guides will be available to answer questions. A tour of the Centre and the children’s activities will be given. A pre-enrolment application must then be submitted. On receipt, it will be dated and reviewed by the Head of School. Your child will be placed on the waiting list and an assessment of the availability of a place made. Parents will be advised their child is wait listed and the status of their enrolment. Generally children will need to be enrolled by their 2nd birthday to be confident of a place being available. Parents will be required to attend a scheduled Parent Evening prior to their application being finalised.