Applications

SMS operates Monday-Friday from 7:30am-4:30pm. 

7:30am-8:00am: Before School Care

8:00am-3:00pm: School Day

3:15pm-4:30pm: After School Care

With 3 staff in the classroom, the staff/student ratio during full capacity is 1:7. 

SMS provides snack in the morning, usually consisting of a variation of the combination of fruit, vegetables, whole grain, or cheese. Milk is provided by SMS and served to students who would like some. Parents/Guardians provide lunches for students. SMS staff are unable to heat up student lunches. 

 Kids are not required to sleep during Rest Time, though all students are required to attempt to rest their bodies and minds during this time. 

Students must be able to understand and respond to their body cues when they need to use the restroom. Students should be able to mostly undress and dress independently in the bathroom and have knowledge of the steps of toileting (undress, use the restroom, dress, flush, wash etc.). SMS staff may provide reminders and light assistance as needed.

At Salem Montessori School, teachers respond to behavioral concerns by discussing with the child(ren) their feelings and actions. Unkind or intentional physical behavior is not permitted and will be addressed promptly. Children are encouraged to take responsibility for their behavior and participate in finding solutions to repair relationships. We emphasize positive behavior management by recognizing and reinforcing respectful and cooperative actions. Consistent boundaries and natural consequences are used to support respectful interactions and emotional growth. In the instance that a child is continuing to struggle behaviorally for an extended period of time, a conversation with the family would be appropriate to discuss the needed measures to take to support the child best.

What is the structure of Salem Montessori School?

SMS is structured to be an intentional space equipped with beautiful and meaningful materials and lessons that provide students the opportunity to explore and grow in all aspects of development. We are a small group that strives to provide a family-like environment that feels inclusive and gives a sense of belonging to all staff, students and parents. Our methods are freely inspired by the Montessori philosophy and are meant to support independence and curiosity in children. 

Children who attend SMS at age 5+ are supported in building the skills typically associated with a traditional kindergarten year, including more advanced work in sound recognition, reading, and math.

As always, this happens within the Montessori approach—each child continues to learn at their own pace, moving into more advanced work when they’re ready rather than following a set curriculum or timeline.

We are intentional about supporting kindergarten readiness in a way that includes not only academics, but also independence, social-emotional development, and confidence in a classroom setting. While we don’t assess students in the same way as a traditional kindergarten, we are familiar with those expectations and work to ensure children are prepared for whatever comes next.

We believe that kindergarten readiness looks different for each child, and we support that growth in a way that meets them where they are.

Yes. The total monthly amount for combined sibling tuition will reflect a discount of 10%.

Yes! Families can expect some type of extra fun events or activities throughout the year. We have fieldtrip(s) scheduled, host a food drive, have a gift exchange for the holidays, have dance classes, play with animals, storytime with Windsong Memory Care residents, lots of parties, birthday celebrations and a end-of-the-year picnic in the park. Each year provides new opportunities for more fun!

Before School Care is 7:30-8:00am and After School Care is 3:15-4:30pm. Parents are provided the option each month to opt for daily use, monthly use or none at all. There is the option to select a flat fee of $10 per day for any care used before or after school, or a monthly payment of $200 for unlimited amount of before and after school care. 

We are experienced in collaborating with outside support services for students. We have frequently worked with WESD for speech, cognitive development and behavioral support as well as other private agencies. Please talk to us about accommodations needed prior to enrollment.