Application Process
We are selective when it comes to admitting students because the groups are small and we need to ensure that the appropriate atmosphere of learning and respect is maintained at all times. Only students with impeccable personal records will be considered. Our admissions process attempts to gather a picture of each applicant that will be as complete as possible. It includes one or more classroom visits, interviews, assessment of the applicant, a review of the student’s academic record and the recommendations of teachers who have worked with the student and family.
For any potential pupil to be considered we must receive a completed application form and an application fee of R1500. We cannot proceed with the application until we receive your forms. Parents are strongly advised to submit the application form as early as possible because enrolment date is a factor in establishing priority in the event of a shortage of places. Children may be placed on the waiting list as young as parents wish. It is important that younger siblings are also enrolled as soon as possible.
When a child is invited for an assessment, parents will also be invited for a parent interview. The interview is held with both parents/caregivers and the Village Montessori Enrolment Committee. This is a chance for both sides to explore expectations and suitability. The Enrolment Committee considers a number of factors but the key considerations are the suitability of the child to the Montessori environment, level of family commitment to the Montessori Method, welfare of the school and smooth transition for the child. Parents will be notified of the results of their child’s application in the week following the assessment and are asked to notify the school either verbally or in writing of their intention to accept the place within the week. Upon acceptance of a place, parents will be asked for a deposit (three month’s fees). This will be payable within a month of the place being accepted.
Primary students are expected to spend the morning and High School students at least three mornings at the school to enable them to experience Montessori education for themselves before making a final decision. We also need time to ascertain whether or not the prospective student will prosper in a Montessori setting. Preschool children come for a 30 minute assessment after school. Older Preschool children may be invited to spend the morning in the Preschool environment.
Preschool children need to be fully potty trained, three years of age and have a basic understanding of English.
Family Commitment
All primary caregivers should attend a parent interview as Montessori education is most effective when a child’s caregivers understand and co-operate with the long-term programme.
Parents and caregivers need to show understanding of the Montessori philosophy of teaching and fully support its methods. They need to agree to support the VMS staff. Parents and caregivers need to be willing participants and fully support all initiatives of the school in fundraising ventures, working days, parent education evenings, equipment making and social events. We are very happy for parents to indicate their own particular skills and preference for areas they would like to assist with.
Parents and caregivers are expected to communicate with the school and the teachers in an open and reasonable manner.
Parents and caregivers acknowledge that every place in the school can be reviewed at the beginning of each year. Compliance with the Terms of Enrolment is also reviewed.
Special Needs
The Enrolment Committee reserves the right to limit the number of children with special needs to ensure we can meet the needs of that child as well as the needs of all other children in the class.
Application Form
If you would like to apply, you can download an application form by clicking on the following link.
Please print out this form and fill it in. You can then either fax it to us, drop it off at the school, or rescan and email it to us.
Please contact Ann at enrollments@villagemontessori.co.za for more details on the courses available and the fee structure.