The Montessori Program

Our Centre is committed to adhering strictly to a truly authentic Montessori program as espoused by Dr. Maria Montessori (1870-1952). Children commence between the ages of 2½ to 3½ and remain in the program until the end of the year in which they turn 6. They attend 5 mornings per week for 3 hours (9.15am – 12.15pm). In their final year, children remain for the afternoon session (Prep) until 3pm for 4 days a week. 

As the 12:15pm pickup time can be challenging for some parents, we have Ringwood East child care centre on the same street that you can enrol your children in. The childcare will come to collect your child at 12:15pm. Our school is currently not applicable for the Child Care re-bate, however you will be able to receive this if you enrol your child at Ringwood East child care.

Transition to Primary School

Some parents have pre-raised concerns that their children may struggle to adjust to Primary school life by doing Prep via our Cycle one program, however we have found that the children leave our school well adjusted to school life, and have no difficulties integrating into Year 1. Many of our children continue on to do Cycle 2 at Micham Primary school.

Fundraising and parent duties

Whilst our school receives some government funding, the school’s main income is from fees and fundraising activities in the greater community. Furthermore, our school is not applicable for the Childcare rebate you would receive if you sent your child to a childcare with an inclusive kinder program. In order to keep our fees at the lowest possible level, our Centre aims to fundraise about $10,000 per annum, therefore we require enrolling families to be dedicated and committed to assist with fundraising in a variety of events each year. Families are also expected to be involved in various tasks including bringing fruit for the children’s snack & washing the dishes (2x per term) and laundry duty (approximately 2-3x per year, to be done over a weekend), and are encouraged to serve a role at least 1 year on the Committee of Management to ensure the ongoing viability and maintenance and smooth functioning of our school.

Come observe a class

Our Directress, Aileen Allen, recommends that interested parents come and do an observation of our morning classroom session to become familiar with the program. We request that children not attend observation sessions. Please refer to our Contact Page to arrange for an Observation. As positions are limited to approximately 10 each year, it is advisable to apply well in advance of your child’s desired commencement date. Please note that if we have free capacity, we may provide your child with the option to start school mid-year as they turn 2.5 years old. 

We are open to students from any suburb including Ringwood, Warranwood, Croydon, Mooroolbark, Heathmont, Kilsyth, Montrose, Bayswater, Wantirna, Vermont, Mitcham, Warrendyte, Wonga Park, Kangaroo Ground, Chirnside Park, and Lilydale and often have students travel from as far away as the Yarra Valley and the Dandenongs.

Forms

To confirm a place on the waiting list for your child, please complete the enrolment form, drop it off during school hours, or post it to us with a copy of your child’s Birth Certificate and a cheque or money order for $100.  EFT bank transfer can be arranged.

Waiting List Application Form is available by contacting the enrolments officers at enrolments@mmps.vic.edu.au