Application and Admission

Investing in Your Child’s Montessori Journey

Choosing the right school for your child is an important decision, and we want families to have the opportunity to truly get to know the Montessori Academy of Virginia before taking the next step.

We invite you to explore our website, learn in detail about our Montessori programs for each stage of development, and discover what makes the MAV experience unique.

We believe that seeing Montessori in action provides a meaningful perspective on how our classrooms support the child—academically, socially, and personally. When you are ready, we would be delighted to welcome you to a campus of your choice.

Following your campus tour, families who wish to continue with the admissions process will receive an Initial Student Application package and information about the next steps.

We look forward to welcoming you to Montessori Academy of Virginia and sharing the Montessori experience with your family.

A Personalized Education

At Montessori Academy of Virginia, we believe children thrive when they are known, supported, and given the freedom to grow.
Our small class sizes and close teacher-student relationships allow teachers to know each child as an individual. By observing each child’s development, interests, strengths, and readiness, our teachers provide thoughtful guidance, meaningful opportunities and meet children at their own developmental stage, while encouraging them to take their next steps with confidence.
This individualized approach allows children to develop at their own pace while building meaningful relationships, confidence, independence, curiosity, while building strong academic and personal foundations they need for continued growth and success.

Admission Decisions

Because our classrooms are intentionally structured communities, admissions process considers each child within the context of the classroom where every student can feel supported, engaged, and positioned to thrive.

Admission decisions take several factors into consideration, including:

Available space within the appropriate age group
Classroom balance, including age and gender
Diversity and the overall composition of our school community
Previous school records, (when applicable)
Information gathered throughout the admissions process, including observations and communications during the campus visit

Each application is reviewed thoughtfully and individually. We consider the needs of the child, the classroom and ensure that we can provide a positive, nurturing, and supportive Montessori environment where your child can develop their unique abilities and talents and thrive.

What Happens After I Apply?

Once your application has been submitted and reviewed, the Campus Director will contact you directly regarding your child’s admission status and the next steps in the enrollment process.
Because every application receives thoughtful and individual consideration, we ask families to allow time for the admissions team to complete the review process. This careful approach allows us to consider each child and the needs of our classroom communities thoughtfully.
Admissions updates are communicated directly by the school. We kindly ask families to wait for communication from the Campus Director rather than contacting the school by phone for status updates.

We appreciate your patience and understanding throughout the admissions process and look forward to staying connected with your family.

Begin your Montessori Journey

Admissions FAQ

Can I drop by?

Yes, we welcome walk-in visitors and are happy to answer general questions. However, due to the high demand for our program, campus tours are available by appointment. Scheduling a tour in advance allows us to dedicate our time and attention to your family. During your visit, we can show you our facilities, introduce you to our Montessori environment, and take the time to answer your questions about our programs, admissions process, and educational approach.

For general inquiries, our team is also happy to assist you by phone. We look forward to connecting with your family and welcoming you to our campus.

Who should attend the tour?

We encourage the primary decision-makers in your family to attend the campus tour. Whenever possible, we recommend that both parents/guardians visit together with their child; this ensures that families feel informed, comfortable, and confident as they consider Montessori Academy of Virginia for their child’s educational journey.

Is there a waiting list?

Depending on the age group, MAV maintains a waitlist when enrollment reaches capacity.

Waitlists allow us to manage enrollment thoughtfully and fairly while maintaining the balanced classroom communities that are central to the Montessori experience. This approach helps us preserve the quality of the learning environment and ensure that each child receives the individualized attention, guidance, and support they need to thrive.

Families interested in an age group that is currently full are encouraged to contact the office to learn about current availability and waitlist opportunities.

How Far in Advance Should I Apply?

We encourage families to begin the admissions process and apply as early as possible. Planning ahead can help families navigate the admissions process with greater ease and may reduce the likelihood of encountering a waitlist, particularly for programs in high demand.

Applying early also gives families more time to complete the admissions process, prepare for the transition, and make informed decisions about their child’s educational journey.

Because availability varies by program and age group, we encourage families to contact the office to learn about current space availability and application timelines.

What Factors Determine My Child’s Placement?

Several factors are taken into consideration, including:

Available space within the appropriate program and age group
Developmental readiness
Teacher-to-student ratio
Individual readiness and learning needs
Classroom balance, including age and developmental stages

Because Montessori classrooms are intentionally designed as diverse, multi-age communities, our goal is to create equitable learning environments where children can learn from one another, develop meaningful relationships, and benefit from a balance of ages, readiness levels, and backgrounds.

Supporting Every Child

At Montessori Academy of Virginia, we believe every child deserves an educational environment in which they can feel supported, successful, and valued. Our Montessori program is designed for children who can participate meaningfully in a structured, academic, multi-age classroom environment with the guidance and resources available within our program.

We carefully review each child’s individual needs, developmental profile, and educational history during the admissions process to determine whether our program can genuinely provide an appropriate and successful learning environment.

Is there a sibling discount?

Yes, MAV offers a discount for the second child. Siblings attending the same campus foster a sense of continuity, community, and mutual support, benefiting both the children and their family.