Question 1

Is there an application fee?

Accepted Answer

There is no fee to apply or be placed on the waitlist. However, once you are accepted and have toured the school, a non-refundable Admissions for Enrollment Fee of $350 and a non-refundable Academic Service Fee of $500 are due upon acceptance.

Question 2

What is the admissions process?

Accepted Answer

Admissions begin in January each year for the following school year. After submitting a pre-admission application, attendance at a mandatory Zoom information session is required. New students are typically accepted by mid-February for the upcoming school year.

Question 3

Can I schedule a tour?

Accepted Answer

Due to our waitlist and limited openings, Garden Montessori School currently conducts tours only for available openings. Accepted students will have the opportunity to tour the school in person before finalizing enrollment.

Question 4

Do you have a waitlist?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we maintain a waitlist. Enrollment is typically filled by mid-spring each year. Once full, students will be placed on a waiting list for any future openings. Please note that Garden Montessori School does not carry over waiting lists; a new application must be submitted in January for the following school year.

Question 5

Where is my child on the waitlist?

Accepted Answer

Garden Montessori School does not maintain a numbered waitlist. Enrollment decisions are based on priority, meaning a new application with higher priority could take precedence over earlier applications. Student enrollment is determined as follows:
Returning students: First priority is given to re-enrolling students in January for the new school year.
Siblings and alumni families: Second priority is given to siblings of current students and siblings of alumni graduate families.
Children with prior Montessori experience: Third priority is given to children with previous Montessori education. Records or conference reports from the previous Montessori school must be submitted to GMS for consideration.
Waitlist applicants: Applicants on the waitlist receive the first notification of openings. However, waitlists do not carry over, and a new application must be submitted each year.
New applicants: New applications are considered after the priorities above.

Question 6

How do I apply for enrollment?

Accepted Answer

Start your journey by filling out our inquiry form. Once submitted, you will receive a letter containing detailed tuition information and a link to complete a pre-application to begin the enrollment process.

Question 7

Do you have financial aid or scholarships?

Accepted Answer

GMS proudly accepts the following Florida Step-up Scholarships including the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options (FES-EO) or (FTC) (approximately $8,000 per student for students entering Kindergarten that are five-years-old by Sept. 1st) and the Unique Abilities Scholarship (FES-UA) (approximately $10,000 per student for children ages 3 and up who have a diagnosis). Both do not have any income restrictions.  Please visit StepUp for more information.

Question 8

Do you accept children mid-year?

Accepted Answer

Mid-year enrollment is possible, depending on availability and the child's readiness for transition.

Question 9

Is there a probationary period for new students?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we have provisional acceptance and enrollment is conditional for the first thirty (30) days of attendance. In keeping with our philosophy of best serving the interest of children, new students are admitted for a 30-day trial period. If, during this trial period, either GMS or the family may deem the School as not an appropriate environment and not meeting the needs of the child. Tuition will be prorated for the duration the child attended school, and any overage will be refunded (admission and incidental fees are still non-refundable). Please discuss and share all pertinent information before enrolling if your child has a history of any behavior or learning difficulty to better assist us with his or her placement and learning strategies.

Question 10

Are there sibling or other discounts?

Accepted Answer

GMS offers a 10% sibling discount for two or more children enrolled or a 5% Service Discount for Active Military, Active Teachers, and Active First Responders (Law Enforcement, Paramedics, EMTs, and Firefighters). One discount per family and discounts cannot be combined or used with any Scholarship Step-up Program or used in combination with the VPK Certificate.

Question 11

Do you accept children mid-year or can I defer my child's start date?

Accepted Answer

Mid-year enrollment is based on availability, and we typically do not accept children after February for the current school year. Depending on availability, it may also be possible to defer enrollment to a later date. If the school is at full capacity, deferment may still be an option; however, full tuition will be required to hold the spot. In some cases, mid-year enrollment (usually at the Toddler level) may be available starting in January. Please contact the school directly for specific details.

Question 12

What is your refund policy for tuition and fees?

Accepted Answer

Enrollment and Incidental Fees are nonrefundable once paid.

There is NO credit or refund for absences, holidays, travel, vacations, inclement weather, change of residence, extended closures, pandemics, health/sickness, withdrawal, or dismissal from the school.

A 60-day written withdrawal notice is required beginning June 1st of each year; you will be responsible for the full tuition through the 60-day notification period. Notification must state the reason for the withdrawal. At that time, you will be responsible to pay any previous balances and tuition due through the 60-day notification period. Once all fees have been paid, Garden Montessori School will release you from your tuition agreement. We/I also understand and agree that the school will not release your child’s transcript or other records to any person, organization or school (including any other school at which your child may be enrolled at any time) that may be requested until all accounts to Garden Montessori School are current and paid in full. If tuition is paid in full and a student withdraws from school, a discount may be given at the school’s discretion after the 60-day written withdraw notice.

Frequently Asked Questions