1. Fill out an interest form linked below. Since we are an intentionally small school we are only able to provide tours or host observations during specific times of the year & only when space is available. If a space is available in your child’s age group we will contact you to schedule a tour/observation of our school. Our open enrollment period begins in January & lasts until spaces are filled. If you have any questions please contact us at school@friends-montessori.org.

2. We want you to come see the school and the classroom in action! Observing the classroom in the best way to see how the Montessori classroom works.

3. If you are still interested in our school you will fill out an application and schedule a full day or half day observation day for your child. Observation days are used to see how the child interacts with the classroom environment, children, and adults. As well as the give the child the opportunity to assess their comfort and interest as well as ask any questions they may have. Observation days are scheduled during late Winter or early Spring.

4. If all parties (Child/Family/Guides) are in agreement we will provide enrollment forms and discuss tuition.

Friends-Montessori maintains an open enrollment policy based on space available.

Tuition & Financial Accessibility

At Friends Montessori School, we prioritize a sustainable, accessible, and equitable tuition model. We believe finances should not be the sole factor in determining a family's ability to join our community. To achieve this, we offer:

• A modest base tuition aligned with local private school rates

• Acceptance of Opportunity Scholarships (for 1st-6th grade)

• A Voluntary Equitable Tuition (VET) model for financial flexibility

Base Tuition

• Annual Tuition (1st-6th grade): $10,516

• Designed to keep our school sustainable while remaining affordable compared to other private schools

Financial Assistance Options

1. Opportunity Scholarship

• A state-funded, income-based program that lowers tuition for eligible families

• Available for 1st-6th grade students

• Visit Opportunity Scholarship Program to check eligibility and apply

2. Voluntary Equitable Tuition (VET)

Our VET model fosters a community of mutual support, ensuring families from diverse financial backgrounds can participate in our school. Families can:

1. Contribute extra through a tax-deductible donation to help support other families

2. Request tuition assistance if needed

VET is not charity—it is a model of equity, generosity, and mutual aid, allowing families to give or receive support based on their circumstances. Participation is completely voluntary, and families will receive details during the enrollment process.

For any questions about tuition or financial assistance, please contact us.

At Friends Montessori School, we approach tuition through the lens of Quaker discernment, a reflective practice that calls us to seek clarity, integrity, and community-centered decision-making. We invite you to engage in this process with us, considering not only your family's financial situation but also the collective well-being of our school community.

A Spirit of Reflection

Discernment involves deep listening—to ourselves, our values, and our responsibilities to one another. As you reflect on your tuition commitment, we encourage you to approach this process with honesty, openness, and care. Your tuition contribution directly supports not just your child’s education, but the sustainability and inclusivity of our entire school community.

Queries for Reflection

Before completing the Tuition Commitment Form, we ask you to sit with the following queries, which guide us in seeking right action and mutual support:

• What value do I place on my child’s education, and how does that align with my financial commitment?

• Do I see my tuition not only as a payment but as a contribution to a shared community of learning?

• How does my financial commitment reflect the Quaker values of equity, integrity, and stewardship?

• Have I carefully considered my family's financial standing before determining our tuition rate?

• Am I committing to a tuition rate that is both sustainable for my family and reflective of our socio-economic position?

• Am I prepared to fulfill my tuition commitment with timeliness and consistency?

• If I have the means, am I willing to contribute beyond my base tuition to help create a more inclusive and equitable school community?

• If I need assistance, am I approaching this process with the same honesty and trust in the school’s commitment to equity?

Moving Forward with Integrity

In the spirit of mutual care and shared responsibility, we trust each family to discern what is right for them while upholding our collective commitment to an accessible and sustainable school. Your thoughtful engagement in this process helps us build a strong, diverse, and supportive community for all.

If you have any questions or need guidance, we are here to walk alongside you in this process.