Enrollment FAQ

How many children attend the school?

We have 36 children in our school. Our Toddler classroom has room for 12 children and our Primary classroom has room for 24 children.

Is there space available for the 2026-2027 school year?

Applications for the 2026-2027 school year are now open. The application can be found here. The platform to apply for personalized tuition can be accessed here. Both forms are due on January 30th.

All applications will be reviewed at the same time in February, so it does not matter when in the application window you submit your forms. Enrollment decisions will be communicated at the end of February, after which any additional interested families will be added to the school’s waitlist.

What age children are eligible to apply for the 2026-2027 school year?

Our Toddler program starts at 15 months- once children are secure walkers and take one midday nap. If your child will be 15 months by September 1, 2026, you are welcome to apply to the Toddler program. We also reserve a small amount of spots for mid-year starts. Please reach out to liz@strawberyblossommontessori.org to inquire about applying for a mid-year start if your child turns 15 months after our school year begins.

Our Primary program starts between 2.5 and 3 years-old. Children must be fully toileted to start in this program. If your child will be between the ages of 2.5 and 5.5 by September 1, 2026, you are welcome to apply to the Primary program. If your child will be 2.5 just after the beginning of the school year, please reach out to liz@strawberyblossommontessori.org to inquire about applying for a delayed start.

Can children transition from the Toddler classroom to the Primary classroom mid-year?

Yes, we plan on a few 2.5 to 3 year-olds transitioning out of Toddler and into Primary during the school year. January and February are typically good months for this transition, but we build in flexibility so the transition happens when each child is developmentally ready.

My baby won’t be age eligible for the 2026-2027 school year…should I still apply now?

No, in this case you would wait until next January to apply for the 2027-2028 school year. In the meantime, please fill out the Interested Families form on the homepage, if you haven’t done so already, so we can keep you up to date on school happenings.

What are the school hours?

The school day is from 8:00am to 3:30pm, with limited aftercare until 5:00pm. Children can be dropped off between 8:00 and 8:30am and picked up between 3:00 and 3:30pm.

What is the school calendar?

The school year runs from September to mid-June. The calendar mirrors the Kearsarge Regional School District calendar with a few exceptions. Our school is closed for two weeks in December, one week in February, and one week in April. Our 2026-2027 calendar can be accessed here. Please note this calendar is not yet finalized and is subject to changes.

Do you offer a summer program?

Not at this time.

We understand that the school offers personalized tuition rates. How do we find out what the tuition will be for our family?

We know that family financial planning is critical. Information about applying for personalized tuition can be found here. Tuition rates will be communicated to admitted families along with their enrollment decision at the end of February.

Does the school accept the NH Child Care Scholarship?

Yes. One-fourth of our families qualify for and access this state subsidy. In 2024, a family of three with an income of $96,000 or less qualified for this subsidy, and a family of four with an income of $114,000 or less qualified.

Is there a discount for siblings?

We are unable to offer a sibling discount, though siblings are prioritized in each year’s enrollment process.

Is there an option for half-day, 2-day a week, or 3-day a week enrollment?

No, all of our children attend for the full 8:00am to 3:30pm school day. This consistency is healthy both for our children and for our classroom communities.

Do children attend for their kindergarten year?

Yes, the kindergarten year is the capstone year in the Primary classroom. It is a wonderful year in the curriculum and classroom, even if a child has not been in a Montessori program as a 3 or 4 year-old. We invite families with a kindergartener to apply.

What is the teacher to child ratio?

The Toddler classroom teacher to child ratio is 1 to 6. The classroom has room for 12 children and is staffed full-time with a Lead Teacher and an Assistant Teacher. Our Split Assistant Teacher spends the morning in the Toddler classroom as well.

The Primary classroom teacher to child ratio is 1 to 12. The classroom has room for 24 children and is staffed full-time with a Lead Teacher and an Assistant Teacher. Our Split Assistant Teacher spends the afternoon in the Primary classroom as well.

Is the school a licensed child care center?

The school will be ready to apply to New Hampshire Child Care Licensing in Summer 2026.