About montessori
Answers to common questions about Montessori education, our programs, and life at Discovery.
Frequently asked questioNs
What is Montessori education?
Montessori is an educational approach developed by Dr. Maria Montessori. It is built on the idea that every child is naturally curious, capable, and eager to learn. Children learn best through hands-on experiences, purposeful activity, and meaningful relationships.
At Discovery Montessori, our role is to provide a thoughtfully prepared environment where children feel safe to explore, discover, and grow at their own pace. Our teachers don't direct every moment of the day. Instead, they observe, guide, and encourage each child as they develop independence, confidence, concentration, and a lifelong love of learning.
Why do Montessori classrooms mix age groups?
Mixed-age classrooms build community. Younger children learn by watching and working alongside older peers. Older children reinforce their own learning and build leadership skills by mentoring younger classmates.
How is Montessori different from traditional education?
Montessori is child-led, with an emphasis on individualized learning. Children progress at their own pace and choose from activities prepared by the teacher. Traditional education is typically teacher-led, with the same curriculum and pace for all students.
Isn't Montessori unstructured?
No. Each day follows a familiar rhythm, including arrival, outdoor play, circle time, story time, snack, and lunch. Within that rhythm, children choose hands-on work, explore outdoors, create, and play. No two days are exactly alike, but children always know what comes next.
Do children learn reading and math?
Yes. Children build early literacy and math skills through hands-on Montessori materials, at their own pace. Our Transitional Kindergarten (TK) program adds focused small-group learning for older students.
Programs, Enrollment & Tuition
What ages do you serve?
We welcome children ages 2 to 6.
What are your program options?
We offer full-day and half-day programs, Monday through Friday:
Full day: 7:00 am - 5:45 pm
Half day: 8:15 am - 12:30 pm
What does tuition cost?
Our monthly tuition rates for 2026/2027:
Schedule Full day Half day
5 days/week $1,585 $1,130
3 days/week $1,245 $905
2 days/week $1,025 $755
Do you offer a sibling discount?
Yes. When siblings are enrolled at the same time, each child after the first gets 10% off tuition.
How do you help new children settle in?
Each new child begins with a transition and observation period. During this time, teachers and families work together to give the child a positive, successful start. We may recommend a modified schedule during the transition.
How do you prepare children for kindergarten?
In the year before kindergarten, children join our Transitional Kindergarten (TK) program. It builds on the independence, curiosity, and foundational skills they develop in the Montessori classroom. After a shorter afternoon rest, TK students take part in small-group learning in literacy, math, language, and problem-solving. The program also encourages creativity, collaboration, and confidence, and it's designed to complement the Montessori approach.
Meals & Nutrition
Do you provide meals and snacks?
We provide a healthy morning and afternoon snack each day, along with water and/or milk. Please send your child with a lunch and a labeled water bottle each day. We provide child-sized utensils, so there's no need to pack any from home.
Is Discovery Montessori nut-free?
Yes. We are a peanut- and tree nut-free school. If your child has food allergies, dietary restrictions, or other nutritional needs, please let our staff know. We'll work with your family to provide appropriate accommodations whenever possible.
Toileting & SElf-care
Does my child need to be potty trained?
No. We recognize that every child develops toileting independence at their own pace, so children don't need to be fully toilet trained to enroll. If your child is starting or working through the process, please let us know. Sharing your child's routines, successes, and challenges helps us give consistent support throughout the school day.
Are diapers provided?
No. While children are potty learning, please provide disposable diapers and/or pull-ups. This supports hygiene and a smooth classroom routine.
family involvement
What is the Parent Involvement Program (PIP)?
Our Parent Involvement Program helps sustain the close-knit community that makes Discovery unique. As a nonprofit, we rely on families to share their time, talents, and skills. Along the way, families build meaningful connections with one another.
Each family is asked to complete 20 volunteer hours per school year, regardless of how many children are enrolled. Opportunities fit a range of schedules, interests, and abilities: organizing events, helping with campus projects, working behind the scenes, or sharing a special talent with our students.
What if we don't complete our PIP hours?
Any hours not completed are billed at $25 per hour after the school year ends. PIP hours don't carry over from one school year to the next.
