Admissions

Virtual Campus Tour | Please enjoy this virtual campus tour:

Overall Process

STEP ONE

ALL NEW STUDENTS: Fill out an online Admissions Inquiry.
Questions? You may call the office at 207-563-2168 ext 2.

STEP TWO

We will reach out to you to schedule a visit to our campus to explore our classrooms and grounds and see the magic of Montessori for yourself. This will give you an opportunity to ask questions and learn about the Montessori philosophy.

STEP THREE

After your tour, you will be sent a follow-up email that includes an opportunity to officially apply. Please note there is a one-time, non-refundable application fee. All applications are automatically placed into our Wait-Pool. All enrollment flows through the Wait-Pool.

 STEP FOUR

After receiving your application, our Head of School may contact you to schedule a "student visit" to the school. For our primary students, this visit is 30 minutes. For our elementary students, this visit would be anywhere from 1 to 3 days, depending on age. For our Middle School, this visit is typically 3-5 days. Parents will meet with the Head of School during or at the end of the student visit.

STEP FIVE

After assessing the number of openings available in our programs, the school makes its decision on enrollment for the current and following school year.  You will be notified if one of our programs has an opening that matches your needs.

Please see our Admissions policy in our handbook for priority enrollments in each of our programs. Damariscotta Montessori School is an equal opportunity provider.

IMPORTANT TIMELINE: The first enrollment decisions for the following academic year are made starting in January with returning students, and then siblings of enrolled students. Open Enrollment from the Wait-Pool begins in March. Enrollment will continue until all spots are filled. Openings occasionally become available during the academic year.

If accepted, there is a one-time New Family Enrollment Fee of $200 and a $300 enrollment deposit due after you sign your enrollment contract. The enrollment deposit is then credited to your first tuition installment. 

Important Details

Two Schools in one….

Although we are technically one whole school, we have two major program levels within the greater school structure: Primary & Elementary/Middle School.

Please read through the following characteristics of each program, including how to move from Primary into Elementary.

Primary Program (2.5 years - Kindergarten)

Early Start: 2.5 years old through 3 years old:

  • We only take a few students under 3 years old each year.

  • Half-day program 8:30 am - 12:30 pm, 3 or 5 days per week

  • Can include morning care, which starts at 7:30

  • Students must be able to independently use the toilet (potty trained).

  • Students must be able to follow basic instructions and stay with the group, especially when playing outside.

  • When children turn 3, they are eligible for possibly extending to full days (8:30-3:30). Readiness is assessed by teachers, parents, and the Head of School.

  • Students who attend full days are eligible for possible inclusion in aftercare (3:30-4:45).

Regular Primary: 3 years old through kindergarten:

  • Half-days or full days

  • 3 or 5 days per week

  • If child is ready, can include morning or late care.

  • Students must be potty trained.

  • Students must be able to follow instructions & stay with the group.

  • Napping is available in the afternoon, but not forced. We will work with you to discover your child’s needs.

  • After a child’s first year with us, we highly encourage them to attend five days per week for consistency and increased learning.

  • Kindergarten is a full-time program (5 full days per week).

IMPORTANT: Moving from Primary to Elementary:‍ ‍

  • Kindergarteners who have had a successful experience are invited to apply to our Elementary Program (through an online application form).

  • Acceptance is not guaranteed. Siblings of existing Elementary students are given priority placement.

  • Successful applicants will be sent an enrollment contract for 1st grade.

  • We will have an Elementary Information Night for prospective Elementary families. Our current Kindergarten families are highly encouraged to attend.

Elementary/Middle School Program (1st - 8th grade)

Lower Elementary (1st - 3rd grade), Upper Elementary ( 4th-6th grade)

  • Grades 1-8 are all full-day, five-day programs.

  • All successful students in 1st through 8th grade will be offered an enrollment contract for the following grade (no new application required).

  • All NEW elementary students from outside DMS should go through the Inquire Now portal.

  • Some special needs can be accommodated, given the individualized nature of the program. However, DMS is a small school and may not have the staff available to support a child with high needs.

  • The elementary classrooms build upon the independence fostered in the primary classrooms, academically & socially.

  • Independent problem-solving and conflict resolution are taught to all children.

  • The Lower El goes on a one-night overnight trip to Kieve each year.

  • The Upper El stays at Kieve for 2 nights.

Middle School (7th & 8th grade)

  • Middle school students spend a week at Kieve and another week on an Odyssey Trip (alternating between a US-based city and Quebec City, Canada).

  • Middle school is a Montessori program, but it is also a bridge to high school (and beyond).

  • Middle school is the first level with true homework. They also have quizzes and tests. They are taught to use their scores to monitor their own learning.

  • Middle school students are supported in their transition to high school.

  • Most - but not all - middle school students attend Lincoln Academy in Newcastle, ME, for high school.