Joining the Westshore community.
Thank you for your interest in our Montessori program. We accept children between 18 months and six years old, and admit students irrespective of race, gender, and national or ethnic origin. Montessori education has no academic entrance requirements — it meets each child at their current stage and guides them toward their next milestone.
Our academic calendar runs August through May, with a summer break in June and July.
Three gentle steps to enrollment.
Visit
Seeing our child-centered environment in person speaks volumes. Begin with a private tour and watch a Montessori classroom in action.
Apply
Applications are accepted year-round. Complete the Enrollment Application and submit your application fee.
Acceptance
Families are notified of acceptance into the program, and we welcome your child to Westshore.
Scholarships & financial aid.
Westshore partners with FACTS to help our Financial Aid Committee allocate need-based aid and scholarships to families enrolling in our Primary and Full-Day programs.
This service is available to families who have submitted an Application for Enrollment and paid the application fee. FACTS provides a confidential analysis of what a family can reasonably contribute toward tuition; all awards are determined by our Financial Aid Committee.
Our Non-Discrimination Policy
Westshore Montessori School is committed to respecting all individuals. WMS admits students of any race, color, sex, and national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally made available to students — and does not discriminate in the administration of its educational, admissions, scholarship, or loan policies.
Frequently asked questions
Everything families ask us most — from daily life in the classroom to tuition and enrollment.
What is the difference between Montessori and traditional education?
The Montessori approach has helped countless families raise children who are confident, caring, and eager to learn. It differs from traditional education in several ways:
| Montessori | Traditional Preschool |
|---|---|
| Emphasis on cognitive, social, and emotional development | Emphasis on social development |
| Environment and method encourage self-discipline | Teacher acts as the primary disciplinarian |
| Individualized instruction, with time to learn each concept to mastery | Specific time allotted for work; pace set by the group |
| Use of self-correcting materials | Errors are pointed out by the teacher |
| Children reinforce their own learning through repetition and internal feelings of success | Learning is reinforced externally through repetition and rewards |
What is the role of the Directress (teacher)?
The Directress facilitates the natural process of learning in every child. Children are naturally eager to learn; the Directress's role is to support each child and prepare the environment for them to flourish, allowing each child to become an active owner of their own education.
What ages do you serve?
We serve children from 18 months to 6 years old.
Do you offer a full-day option?
Yes. We offer Full Day Montessori during the school year for students enrolled in our Primary program.
Must my child be potty trained to attend?
Children in the Parent/Infant and Toddler programs do not need to be potty trained. To enroll in the Primary program, however, children must be potty trained and able to use the bathroom independently before entry.
Can you explain the dress code?
We ask that children wear clothing they can put on and take off independently. Our parent handbook details guidelines such as plain shirts (no logos), pants with elastic waistbands (buttons and zippers are fine if the child can manage them), and tennis shoes without lights or platforms. The dress code minimizes distractions, reduces accidents from clothing a child can't manage alone, and makes getting ready for school easier.
Do you offer a payment plan?
Yes. We offer a tuition payment plan administered by FACTS Tuition Management, which lets you spread payments over 10 months (July through April) for a fee of $100.
Do you offer scholarships or financial aid?
We have a limited pool of scholarship funds available thanks to the generous support of our donors. Need-based aid is administered through FACTS for families enrolling in the Primary and Full Day programs.
Do you offer parent learning opportunities?
Yes. Parent education opportunities are offered throughout the year — focusing on areas of the curriculum (such as Montessori Math and Language), specific age groups, celebrations, and more. These sessions are typically held in the evening and are a wonderful way to get to know other parents, teachers, and administrators.
How can I observe or interact with my child in the classroom?
Many opportunities to observe your child are available to all parents, including Classroom Observation and Parent Nights.
Are there other social opportunities for families?
Yes. We typically host a Fall Family Festival and an end-of-year picnic. Fundraising events and our annual meeting also offer opportunities for families to connect.
Is participation in fundraising required?
Participation in fundraisers is strongly encouraged but not required. Like most independent schools, Westshore Montessori runs on tuition, fees, and fundraising proceeds — yet keeping tuition affordable to a diverse community remains central to our mission.
Apply, explore tuition, or visit.
Everything you need to take the next step — choose what fits your family.
Parent-Infant Enrollment Application
Join The Nest — our gentle first community for children from birth to around 18 months.
Learn more →Toddler/Primary Enrollment Application
Apply to our Toddler or Primary program — applications are accepted year-round.
Learn more →Tuition Rates
View current tuition schedules and our FACTS payment-plan and financial-aid options.
Learn more →Schedule a Tour
See our classrooms in action and meet the guides who will know your child.
Learn more →Ready to begin?
Schedule a personal tour and we’ll answer every question about our programs and admissions.
Schedule a Tour