Frequently Asked Questions

Please refer to our enrollment page for the latest information on our tuition fees.

Please refer to our schedules page for more information on our flexible schedule options and extended care hours.

We accept children from 2 to 6 years old.

Our teacher to student ratio is 1:8 in our Discovery classrooms and 1:10 in our Pre-K & Kindergarten classrooms. We believe in small class sizes to provide individualized attention to each child.

Our daily schedule at Alpha Montessori includes individual greetings, a circle time gathering that introduces new work and the daily agenda. A mix of individual and group lessons, such as practical life skills, math, language, cultural studies, and outdoor play. Snacks and lunch are provided.

Children have freedom to choose work—but within boundaries. Teachers guide them to make appropriate choices and ensure a balanced engagement with all curriculum areas. 

  Straight from the American Montessori Society.

• Montessori education is an approach to learning that was developed by an Italian physician and educator, Dr. Maria Montessori, more than a century ago-and is still changing the face of education worldwide.
• Properly trained Montessori teachers – Teachers hold credentials for the level at which they teach. They have rigorous command of Montessori philosophy, Montessori curriculum, classroom management, and child development.
• Use of specially designed Montessori learning materials – Hands-on, interactive, and engaging all of the senses, they enable students to learn through discovery.
• Student-directed work – Students are intrinsically motivated, and learn about their personal strengths and ability to improve.
• Uninterrupted work periods – Working freely and at their own pace on self-selected activities, students develop concentration, time-management skills, and a love for learning.

 There are many differences, including:

• Montessori classrooms have children of mixed ages. Multi-age classrooms encourage cooperative learning and allow for broad emotional and social development.
• Because children develop and master skills at their own pace, Montessori students work according to their developmental levels rather than their biological ages.
• The primary role of the Montessori teacher is not the transmission of information, but rather to nurture development and to guide activities, resources, and materials that allow the child to take the next step in learning.
• Montessori students are free to move around the classroom instead of staying at desks. 
• The Montessori teaching materials are unique. Most were developed by Dr. Montessori to meet specific developmental needs of children of different ages.

Being accredited by the American Montessori Society means our school is committed to upholding the highest standards—not only in Montessori education, but also in areas like health and safety, financial responsibility, and school leadership.

It’s a recognition that we are providing a top-tier Montessori experience and operating with excellence in every aspect of our program. 

Yes. Montessori schools follow a structured curriculum in subjects like math, language, science, geography, practical life, and sensorial development—delivered in a hands-on, experiential way. 

Most Montessori students adjust very well. They often bring strong skills in independence, critical thinking, and self-motivation that help them succeed in new environments.

How can parents be involved?
Parents can volunteer, attend parent education nights, support classroom activities, and participate in school-wide events. Strong parent-teacher partnerships are a key part of Montessori education.

Is Montessori right for every child?
Montessori supports many different learning styles and temperaments, but it’s most effective when there is alignment between the school's philosophy and the family’s values at home.

Yes. All Alpha Montessori teachers have specialized training through accredited Montessori teacher education programs for the age level they teach. This is one aspect of Alpha Montessori that sets us apart from other schools in the area. In addition, all Alpha Montessori teachers are First Aid/CPR certified.

No, Montessori is not inherently religious. While we are located inside of a church we are separate. The core Montessori philosophy is secular. 

Yes. Our Montessori program includes a Kindergarten year, which is the third and final year of the Discovery, Journey, and Friendship classroom cycle. This year is a critical capstone experience where students take on leadership roles, deepen their understanding of academic concepts, and gain confidence and independence as they prepare for the next stage of their education. 

No, children are not required to sleep. However, we are required to provide a rejuvenation period each day—a quiet time for children to rest, relax, and recharge. While sleeping is not mandatory, children are encouraged to develop a calming ritual during this time (such as lying quietly, listening to soft music, or cuddling with a blanket) to help their bodies and minds settle. 

No, from birth to age five, a high-quality program provides social, language, and cognitive stimulation that have lasting positive influences on academic and social outcomes. Warm and responsive relationships, play-based learning, positive guidance, and appropriately challenging experiences are essential to prepare children for school beyond Alpha. Early language exposure that is rich in both quantity and quality and takes place through talking, interacting, and reading also has a positive long-term impact. Children's language skills from age one to two years predict their preliteracy skills at age five. Their vocabulary level at the age of three predicts reading at third grade and future academic success.