Admissions

We admit students on a "rolling admissions" basis, until the classes are full. It is advisable to reserve a spot for next September's class before the end of February.

Preschool and Steppingstones

Prospective parents should make an appointment to visit the school for a personal tour.

Preschool and Steppingstones parents are encouraged to make appointments after school, beginning at 3:30, so that our teachers, who are all busy with children during the school day, can give them full attention. They will see a video of the classes in session, and then chat with teachers. After this Orientation, they may, if they wish, make an appointment to visit an actual class during the school day.

There are also Open Houses scheduled in the evening a few times during the winter.

Please leave a message on the school's phone at (201) 541-5780 to schedule an appointment.

Interviews are not necessary for Steppingstones or Preschool students.

Steppingstones students should be 2 by the end of September. They do not need to be toilet trained.

Preschool students should be fully toilet trained. They should be 3 years old by the end of September.

A non-refundable deposit of 10% of next year's tuition is required to hold a spot in the class. There is also an application fee of $70.00

Kindergarten, Elementary, and Upper School

Parents should make an appointment for a personal tour, either after school at 3:30, or during the morning at around 9:30 AM. They will see a video of the classes in session, speak to teachers, and spend some time in the classes.

An interview is required with the child, either during the school day or after school.

Parents should submit two letters of recommendation from teachers and a copy of the student's most recent report card and standardized test scores.

After a child has been accepted, a non-refundable deposit of 10% of next year's tuition will hold a spot in the class. There is also an application fee of $70.00.

It is advisable to reserve a class spot for next September before the middle of February.

Please call (201) 541-5780 to schedule an appointment for a tour.

Is there a cut-off date for Kindergarten enrollment?

Most public and private schools say that if a child is not 5 years old by a particular date, usually September 1 or October 1, the child may not attend Kindergarten. We do not have such a cut-off date. Our decision — like everything else here — is based on the individual child, in consultation with the parents.

We should all take into account that in the Lower Elementary classes, Kindergartners will be in class with children as old as 7 years. The demands of the contract work system, homework, and tests may be emotionally distressing to children who are younger than the average and have not attended Montessori preschool.

Four year olds in our Preschool classes are certainly introduced to reading, writing, and mathematics as soon as they are ready, so it is not necessary to attend Kindergarten at the Spring School to do "Kindergarten level" work.