International Montessori School

International Montessori School describes its teaching philosophy as a Montessori education that is carefully designed around each child’s developmental stage, with teachers observing closely and connecting students to the right learning experiences at the right time. The school emphasizes independence, child-led learning within thoughtful limits, and formative assessment, while also prioritizing kindness, peace, cultural understanding, and connection to nature. Its approach aims to develop the whole child academically, socially, emotionally, and practically.

IMS’s process starts with submitting an online inquiry form and scheduling/attending a required 45-minute Virtual Information Session before applying. (imsnc.org) After the information session, families submit an application (including a non-refundable $100 fee) plus any additional required forms; once the application is complete, IMS invites families for an on-site visit, and many applicants (e.g., rising kindergarten, elementary, and middle school) spend time in the classroom as part of the evaluation. (imsnc.org) For the 2026–2027 cycle, IMS notes applications are available in October and lists “priority consideration” document deadlines of Friday, January 2 (applications and financial assistance) and Friday, January 16 (referral/school records), with decision notifications listed as Friday, February 20 (Toddler & Early Childhood) and Friday, February 27 (Elementary); IMS also states priority consideration is closed and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis as space permits. (imsnc.org) Requirements referenced include age cutoffs as of August 31 (e.g., Toddler requires 18 months by Aug 31; Early Childhood requires age 3 by Aug 31 and toilet independence), plus program-specific expectations such as demonstrated immersion-language fluency for many elementary applicants and required language study in middle school; Early Childhood applicants are also asked for items like a teacher/caregiver referral request, a “Getting to Know You” form, and (for kindergarten applicants) school/daycare records sent directly by the care facility. (imsnc.org) IMS says it does not keep a waitlist year-to-year; instead, applicants not initially offered a space may be placed into a wait pool for that application year, and placement decisions consider class balance (age/gender/classroom needs within the language track) with priority for current staff families, siblings of re-enrolling students, heritage-language connections, and families with Montessori connections. (imsnc.org)