Admissions
Enrollment Policy
Enrollment admission is based on several factors. Priority is given to children currently enrolled at AMS, to siblings of children currently enrolled, and to children with previous AMS or AMI Montessori school experience. We maintain a waiting list and encourage families to apply well in advance of the desired enrollment date. Parents are encouraged to ask about enrollment possibilities, to reaffirm their interest, and to update their application and contact information periodically. In most cases we cannot predict with certainty when an opening will occur, and when an opening becomes available we request a prompt decision. Class placement is determined by the Director of Education and the Executive Director. Anchorage Montessori School prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, physical handicap, marital status, parenthood, pregnancy, or age.
Parent Volunteer Expectations
Anchorage Montessori School relies on the involvement and generosity of its parent body as well as the Board of Directors, staff and general community. Student tuition and available grants for education fund only part of the costs of operating AMS programs. Accordingly, parents, staff and Board Members are invited to participate in community, educational and fund raising events throughout the year. Parents are expected to provide a minimum of 10 hours of volunteer service to the school each school year. This is an hourly commitment per family, and can be fulfilled in many ways, including participation in fund raising activities, building and grounds maintenance, teacher/classroom support, school promotion, committee membership, and parent activities. A list of volunteer preferences and options will be regularly updated by the Administration. Parents keep track of their own volunteer hours using the Volunteer Service Tracking form or similar log. We appreciate every parent’s commitment and contribution, and hope that volunteering will provide every member of the AMS community an opportunity to participate directly in their child’s educational experience.
Tuition Rates And Policies
Anchorage Montessori School is a non-profit educational institution which is supported by tuition and fund raising activities. Tuition is based on enrollment for an entire academic year in the half day preschool, half day toddler and elementary programs (September through May), and a twelve-month year in the full day pre-school program. In some months there may be five weeks and in some months the school may be closed for the holidays. Tuition, therefore, is yearly and divided into 9 or 12 equal payments. No refunds or discounts will be given if a child is sick, or if time is missed because of vacations. Parents are responsible for timely payment of tuition as outlined in the Tuition Agreement Form.
AMS adheres to a 6:1 ratio of children to adults in the toddler classes (under 3 years of age) and a 10:1 ratio in the preschool classes (3-6 years old) as required by municipal licensing code. Each class has a Montessori certified teacher and at least one teacher assistant. At the Elementary level, AMS policy is to assign an assistant to any class with more than 15 students.
*Tuition due the first of each month**The Supply Fee is an annual fee due at enrollment