Frequently asked questions  

Want to learn more about AMS? Visit our FAQs for helpful answers, or reach out to our team for further assistance.

Understanding Montessori at Alexander

Montessori is a child-centered approach to education that fosters independence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning. Within a carefully prepared environment, children engage with hands-on materials, work at their own pace, and develop concentration, problem-solving skills, and self-discipline.

Families choose Montessori because it nurtures the whole child—academically, socially, and,emotionally.

In a Montessori environment, children:

  • Develop independence and confidence
  • Build focus and executive functioning skills
  • Learn to think critically and work with purpose
  • Cultivate intrinsic motivation rather than relying on external rewards

The result is a child who is not only academically prepared, but who knows how to learn, adapt,,and thrive.

At Alexander Montessori School, Montessori is brought to life through:

  • Carefully prepared, child-centered classrooms
  • Highly trained Montessori educators
  • Multi-age environments that foster collaboration and leadership
  • A strong academic foundation paired with independence and responsibility

As students progress into our Elementary and Middle School Prep program, they experience increased structure, subject specialization, and expectations that prepare them for a successful transition to leading middle schools.

Unlike traditional classrooms where instruction is primarily teacher-directed, Montessori classrooms are student-centered. Children take an active role in their learning, engage in purposeful work, and develop independence within a structured environment guided by trained educators.

Multi-age classrooms are a defining feature of Montessori education. Younger students learn by observing older peers, while older students deepen their understanding through mentorship and leadership. This creates a collaborative, respectful learning community.

About our school

For over 60 years, Alexander Montessori School has guided children from Toddler through Grade 5 in developing independence, confidence, and a deep love of learning. Our program combines authentic Montessori principles with a forward-looking approach that prepares students for success in leading independent and preparatory schools.

Yes. Alexander Montessori School is accredited by the American Montessori Society (AMS) through Grade 3 and is affiliated with additional organizations that support excellence and best practices in independent education.

Yes. We offer Spanish Immersion beginning in Preschool, with continued opportunities for bilingual development in Elementary. Additional support through ESOL and Reading Lab further strengthens students’ language development.

Our community is highly diverse, with families representing over 24 nationalities and languages. This global perspective enriches the learning experience and fosters cultural awareness.

Admission process

Our admissions process is designed to ensure a thoughtful and intentional match between each child, their family, and our school community:

  • Submit an inquiry form
  • Schedule and attend a campus tour
  • Complete and submit the application with required documents
  • Participate in a Meet & Greet (Toddler–Kindergarten) or Admissions Assessment/Visit (Grades 1–5)
  • Admissions Committee review
  • Admissions decision communicated via email
  • Enrollment contract and deposit to secure placement

Admissions decisions are typically released in early March.

Yes. We encourage families to apply by our priority deadline of January 15 for the upcoming academic year in order to be considered in the first round of admissions decisions.

Applications received after this date are reviewed on a rolling basis, subject to space availability.

Yes. A $250 application fee is required for all applicants.

In addition, applicants to Grades 1–5 complete an admissions assessment, which includes a $200 assessment fee.

Program & classroom experience

Montessori classrooms are calm, purposeful environments where children work independently and collaboratively using hands-on materials. Teachers guide students to develop concentration, responsibility, and a sense of ownership over their learning.

Our Elementary program cultivates strong academic foundations while fostering independence, critical thinking, and intellectual curiosity. In Grades 4–5 (Middle School Prep), the program becomes more structured and is departmentalized by subject-area teachers, with additional classroom support.

Students follow a schedule that reflects a middle school model, building organization, accountability, and confidence in preparation for the next stage of their academic journey.

Yes. Our Middle School Prep program is thoughtfully designed to develop the executive functioning skills, independence, and academic readiness students need to thrive. Graduates matriculate to leading Miami preparatory and independent schools, well prepared both academically and personally for the expectations of Middle School and beyond.

Toddler, Preschool & Kindergarten

Children entering Preschool must be fully and independently toilet trained (110%). This means the child is able to:

  • Recognize and respond to their body’s needs
  • Pause their activity to use the restroom independently
  • Manage clothing independently
  • Wipe independently

A consistent record of independence, including at least six weeks without accidents, is expected prior to starting.

Yes. We offer both Half Day and Full Day options for our Toddler, Preschool, and Pre-Kindergarten programs, allowing families to choose a schedule that best supports their child’s development and transition into school.

Our Kindergarten program is Full Day only, reflecting the increased academic engagement, independence, and readiness expectations at this level.

A nap option is available in our Toddler program for children enrolled in the Full Day schedule, where rest is an important part of the daily routine. In Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten, children are expected to participate in a full day of classroom activity without a nap. For children who still require a nap, we recommend enrolling in  the Half Day program until they are developmentally ready for a full day schedule.

Many families begin with a Half Day schedule—particularly for younger children or thosetransitioning into a school setting—and transition to Full Day as their child demonstratesreadiness for a longer, more sustained work cycle.

Our team partners closely with families to guide this transition in a way that supports each child’s development, independence, and overall wellbeing.

Logistics & school life

Lunch is available through a third-party provider at select campuses. At our Red Road Campus, families provide lunch from home. Across all campuses, families also have the option to send lunch from home, even where lunch service is offered, allowing for flexibility based on each child’s needs and family preference.

Families are welcome to share relevant insights or preferences that may help us better understand their child.

Class placements, however, are thoughtfully determined by school leadership to ensure the most appropriate and balanced environment for each child and the classroom community as a whole. For this reason, we are not able to guarantee specific teacher or classroom requests.

Class placement is a thoughtful and collaborative process guided by school leadership and informed by each child’s developmental readiness, learning profile, and social dynamics.

We consider a range of factors, including:

  • The child’s age and developmental stage
  • Academic readiness and learning style
  • Social-emotional development
  • Classroom balance and group dynamics

Each placement is made with care to support both the individual child and the classroom community as a whole.

Yes. Priority consideration is given to siblings of currently enrolled students, when space allows. We also prioritize families who are aligned with our educational philosophy and who are seeking a long-term Montessori experience, as continuity over time is a meaningful part of a child’s growth within our program.

Enrollment & policies

To secure enrollment, families complete the enrollment contract and submit a non-refundable deposit. This confirms the child’s placement for the upcoming school year.

The deposit is non-refundable and is applied toward tuition.

At this time, Alexander Montessori School does not participate in the Step Up for Students scholarship program.

As an independent school, we remain committed to delivering an authentic Montessori education through our established program and a consistent, high-quality learning environment.

Community & fit

Families who value independence, curiosity, and a deep, sustained love of learning—and who are seeking an authentic Montessori education—tend to thrive in our community.

Our program is best suited for families who appreciate a child-centered approach and are committed to a long-term educational journey grounded in growth, responsibility, and purpose.

Alexander Montessori School is designed as a continuous educational journey. As such, we prioritize families who are seeking a long-term Montessori experience and a sustained connection to our school community.

Alexander Montessori School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions decisions, or other school-administered programs

Accreditations