Admissions Procedures

Hilltop Montessori School seeks to enroll students between the ages of 18 months and eighth grade. Admission is based on a family’s commitment to the Montessori program and the student’s readiness as demonstrated during the admissions process. Interested parents are encouraged to make an appointment with the admissions office to schedule an individual tour and learn more about our admissions procedures. Tours can be scheduled by contacting the admissions office at (205) 437-9343 or Request A Tour Online. Our 12-month tuition payment schedule is from March to February with payments beginning in March for the coming school year.
A question many parents have is: "Is Montessori the right fit for my child and my family?" Students do best in Montessori when they love learning, are intrinsically motivated and are supported at home in the Montessori philosophy. Parent education is available to help guide parents on their journey.
Additionally, new students are accepted through a 6 week trial period so careful attention can be paid to ensuring the child's ability to adjust to their new learning environment.

1) FILL OUT THE APPLICATION
The first step is to fill out the online Application. An application does not guarantee admission. Students are placed based on the needs of the classroom and our ability to support each student and environment. We require a $100 non-refundable application fee at the time of application.
2) TOUR AND CONSULTATION
Once your application has been submitted, a member of our admissions team will reach out to you to set up a time for a tour. This is an opportunity for us to learn more about your child and your family, as well as for you to learn more about our school and Montessori Education.
3) APPLICATION REVIEW AND SHADOW DAY
Admissions decisions are based on a variety of factors including a family’s understanding and commitment to Montessori education, as well as making sure that classrooms are well balanced. A shadow day or days are required for students pre-school age and older. Students will spend a few hours for preschool up to a full day or two for students aged elementary and older.
Once an admissions decision has been made, you will receive notification of the decision via email or phone.
If a placement is not available for your child, you will receive notification that your application status has been moved to the waiting pool.
4) ENROLLMENT
Once your family has been offered a placement, you will have 5 days to complete all necessary registration documents in order to hold your spot.
If the documents have not been submitted by the end of 5 days, we will no longer guarantee your spot and may offer it to another applicant from the waiting pool.
*Notice of Nondiscriminatory Policy as to Students: Hilltop Montessori School admits students of any race, color, sexual orientation, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate regarding its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic or other school-administered programs.
Is Montessori For All Children?
"The Montessori system has been used successfully with children from all socioeconomic levels, representing those in regular classes as well as the gifted, children with developmental delays, and children with emotional and physical disabilities.
There is no one school that is right for all children, and certainly, there are children who may do better in a smaller classroom setting with a more teacher-directed program that offers fewer choices and more consistent external structure.
Children who are easily overstimulated, or those who tend to be overly aggressive, may be examples of children who might not adapt as easily to a Montessori program.
Each situation is different, and it is best to work with the schools in your area to see if it appears that a particular child and school would be a good match."
The Montessori Foundation
Learn more to find out if Montessori is right for your child here.