Enrolment Process | Brisbane Montessori School

Stage One

Tour the School and Observe a Class in Action

To enhance your understanding of a Montessori education, the first thing we encourage is that you (parents and carers) attend a Tours and Observation. Campus tours are run by our parent volunteers and our Student Registrar who take you on a guided exploration of our Fig Tree Pocket campus, culminating in a 15- to 20-minute question and answer session with our Principal, Chris Peach.

After the tour, we encourage you to take a classroom observation, where you will be escorted to a classroom to observe, during a class cycle (externally, to avoid unnatural disruption), the Montessori educational environment. Depending on the size of a tour, they can range from 45 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes in duration.

It is important to note that children are welcome and encouraged to attend our campus tours, but children's house, lower, and upper primary classroom observations are just for parents and carers. Middle school students are welcome to attend a classroom observation with parent/carer supervision.

BOOK A TOUR HERE.

Application for Enrolment

After you have completed a tour and observation, you will be invited to submit an application for enrolment. As a part of this process, and after the application is lodged, there is a $150 application fee per child (non-refundable). Please note, applications are processed once all requested documentation and the application fee have been received.

Prior to final enrolment acceptance, school-aged students may be required to visit the classroom for two-to-three classroom work periods to ensure the environment is the right fit for both parties.

CLICK FOR THE APPLICATION FOR ENROLMENT.

Introduction to Montessori Seminar: Montessori Explained

Attendance at a ‘Montessori Explained’ seminar is another requirement for enrolled families. Hosted by our Director of Pedagogical Support, Scott Cromwell, this presentation delves into Maria Montessori and the origins of the Montessori Method. In this presentation, Scott will share his understanding and experience of Montessori, how our students develop and how we practice this philosophy at Brisbane Montessori School. This sessions gives you a deeper understanding of the Montessori philosophy, and we encourage both parents/carers, where possible, to attend. The Seminars are offered on the following dates*:

Term 1 – 28 February, 9:15am-10:30am
Term 2 – 13 June, 6-7:30pm
Term 3 – 10 August, 6-7:30pm
Term 4 – 4 October, 9:15am-10:30am

*dates are subject to change – please confirm with our Administration team via telephone 07 3327 0600 or email via enquiries@bms.qld.edu.au.

Journey Programs

Attending one of the Journey & Discovery programs is also strongly recommended for parents/carers of students new to/already at the school. These programs provide you hands-on experience with Montessori materials and a better understanding of a Montessori education from within the learning environments. Gather your own valuable insights into the curriculum and its delivery at the annual Journey & Discovery program.

"Journey and Discovery is such a fantastic offering from the school. As a non-Montessori-educated parent, engaging with materials from each cycle with a teacher at hand to explain the process is invaluable to understanding my child's education. I try to attend each year, especially if my child is about to or has recently transitioned."

Wendy S - current parent

Stage Two

Interview with the relevant Head of School or Principal

Once your Application for Enrolment has been accepted, you will then be invited to a 30-minute meeting with the relevant Head of School or Principal, where we will specifically discuss your child’s development and suitability for a place at Brisbane Montessori. Please note the following requirements for interviews:

Your child needs to be in attendance and, if possible, both parents/carers.
Any pertinent reports relating to your child’s developmental needs should be sent through prior (this is part of the Application for Enrolment submission).

A copy of Maren Schmidt’s book Understanding Montessori: A Guide for Parents is issued to parents at the enrolment interview.

Stage Three

Acceptance of Placement

Your Child’s Class Allocation is Determined

The relevant Head of School will take into account maintaining a balanced gender and age distribution in each class. The class allocation is set in the context of all children entering the school. A change to the class allocation, once determined, would only be made in exceptional circumstances with the approval of the Principal. Any request for such a change without grounds will not be considered.

Formal Placement Offer

The school makes a formal placement offer. The family receives a Welcome Pack containing Letter of Offer, Working Together Parent Handbook, an Application for Company Membership, an Enrolment Contract, and the Fees & Financial Responsibilities guide.

Enrolment Fee

The Enrolment Fee (non-refundable) and Enrolment Bond (a refundable bond to accompany acceptance of placement offer) are paid. Enrolment will not be finalised until all requested documentation has been received and the Enrolment Fee and Bond are paid. Please note, there is a minimum notice period of 1 term for intended student withdrawal. In the case of student withdrawal, the Enrolment Bond is withheld until your child's departure date (minimum of 1 term.) This is not the 1st term's fees.

A Time to Meet Your Child’s Class Director is Coordinated.

This is an opportunity to discuss your child and their week of commencement. Where a number of new students are commencing at the beginning of the school year in the Children’s House, there will be a staggered intake throughout the first few weeks of Term 1, with some children starting slightly later than others. The purpose of this is to ensure that each new child receives sufficient attention from the Class Directors to allow a smooth transition.

Stage Four

Congratulations! Your Child is Officially Enrolled

Please keep in contact with your Class Director regarding how your child is settling into their class. Invoicing commences the week your child starts.