Enrollment FAQ

How many children attend the school?

We are able to serve a total of 36 children. Our Toddler classroom has space for 12 children and our Primary classroom has space for 24 children.

Is there a deadline to apply?

Yes. Applications and personalized tuition forms are due by January 30th, 2026. Decisions will be communicated at the end of February. Because we review all applications together in February, your submission date within the window does not impact your priority.

The application can be found here. The platform to apply for personalized tuition can be accessed here.

What are the age requirements for the 2026-2027 school year?

• Toddler Program: Children must be at least 15 months old by September 1, 2026, secure walkers, and taking one midday nap.

• Primary Program: Children should be between 2.5 and 5.5 years old by September 1, 2026, and must be fully toileted.

  Note: If your child hits these milestones mid-year, please contact us at apply@strawberryblossommontessori.org to inquire about 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. 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. Rates are communicated alongside enrollment decisions in late 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.

Do you offer part-time or half-day options?

No. All children attend five days a week for the full school day. This consistency supports the child’s sense of order and helps our classroom communities thrive.

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?

• Toddler Program: 1:6 (12 children with a Lead Teacher, an Assistant Teacher, and a morning Split Assistant Teacher).

• Primary Program: 1:12 (24 children with a Lead Teacher, an Assistant Teacher, and an afternoon Split Assistant Teacher).

Is the school a licensed child care center?

As our schoolhouse construction nears completion, we will finalize our application with New Hampshire Child Care Licensing in Summer 2026, ensuring we are fully ready for our September opening.