CMSAA Enrollment Process
As parents and classroom guides we have a tremendous opportunity to support our children in their
growth and development. At Christian Montessori School of Ann Arbor, our mission is to offer children a
learning environment designed to foster students’ academic, physical, emotional, and spiritual growth.
We consider parents to be partners in this mission.
This partnership begins with ensuring that Christian Montessori School of Ann Arbor is the right fit for
your child and for your family. To make that decision you will need a comprehensive understanding of
our school, our goals and philosophy. Visiting CMSAA and meeting with our staff will help provide that
understanding.
Step 1
Parent Visit and Tour
Parents are invited to attend our annual open house in February. The open house gives potential families
an opportunity to explore the classroom at their leisure and meet with current parents and faculty.
Prospective families are also encouraged to schedule an individual tour. Tours are given throughout the
year, typically Monday through Thursday, beginning at about 9:00 a.m. This type of visit allows parents
to see the classroom “at work” and get a sense of what a typical day may look like. This visit is for
parents only and offers ample time for observation, questions, and discussions. Such tours typically take
at least one hour and can often go longer depending on the types of questions a family may have.
Step 2
Enrollment Application
Families who are interested in moving forward with the application process after a tour and visit submit a
completed application and application fee. This application serves as a family’s formal request that their
child be considered for admission.
Step 3
Family Visit
Once a family has submitted an application, the child will visit the classroom and meet with teachers after
school hours.
Young Children’s Community (18 months through 3 years old)
Toddlers entering our Young Children’s Community will meet with the lead guide after he or she has
been admitted.
Children’s House (3-6 year olds)
Visits usually begin about 3:30 and last approximately 30 minutes. Children applying for Children’s
House will work with one classroom guide while the parents will have the opportunity to talk with
another guide. This visit gives us an opportunity to get to know a prospective student by working closely
with him or her and by talking with parents more specifically about their child and the type of learning
environment they would like for their child.
Elementary (6-12 years old)
Children applying to join our Elementary Community will meet with the Elementary guides after school,
giving the student a chance to meet individually with the teachers and to explore the classroom itself. The
guides will also speak with parents during this visit or a subsequent visit to learn more about the student’s
experiences in other learning environments and to share our classroom expectations, so together we can
determine if this is the right environment for the child. As the enrollment process continues the child will
be invited to visit the classroom during the school day.
Step 4
Enrollment Pool
If, after the child’s visit, both the faculty and the family feel that CMSAA is a good fit for the child, he or
she will be added to our enrollment pool.
Step 5
Admission Notification
Families will be notified of their admission status in late March. If additional spots open up, we will
contact families on a rolling basis.
Several criteria are considered in making admission decisions, including:
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Creating a classroom with a balanced mix of ages and, when possible, gender
Compatibility of the parents’ educational philosophy with that of CMSAA
Parents’ long term commitment to their child’s completion of the Montessori program
Previous Montessori experience of the child
Date of application
Siblings who have completed the program or are currently enrolled