RICHMOND MONTESSORI SCHOOL

1. When should I begin the admissions process?

Parents should tour RMS or attend our Open House, and then make application the fall of the year prior to entry. Applicant/parent interviews are conducted in January and February. Enrollment contracts (first round) will be offered in February. Applications received after February will be considered for rolling admissions on a space available basis. (Click here to be taken to the Admissions Process page)

2. What is the main difference between a Montessori school and a traditional setting?

There are many notable differences between Montessori and traditional settings. One of the most evident is Montessori’s “child directed” approach in which children are self-directed, initiate their work independently and progress through lessons at their own pace – allowing for true vertical acceleration. This is in stark contrast to the traditional “teacher directed” classroom where lessons are given at one time, at one level and to many students, with no regard to their actual understanding of the lesson, as if the student was a “tabula rasa”.

Students in a Montessori classroom are encouraged to truly master lessons and do a quality jobs on their work. They gain an intrinsic appreciation of their performance versus waiting on an extrinsic grade or value from an external source.

Respect for all individuals and the world around them is lived on a daily basis in a Montessori classroom and school. Differences are embraced and teamwork is standard.

3. Do you have before and after school programs?

Yes, Montessori Enrichment programs are available to all students for an additional fee. Morning hours begin at 7:30am and afternoon programs end at 6:00 pm. Parents may register for Montessori Enrichment programs with their child’s initial academic enrollment contract or may added in at a later date (pending available space). Drop-in accommodations are available with advance notice and for an additional fee. (Click here to be taken to the Montessori Enrichment page)

4. What is included in my tuition?

In addition to the Montessori curriculum, specialty classes are offered to all of our students. These specialty classes include Spanish, Music, Physical Education and Library for our Toddler and Primary students. Technology and Art are added at the Lower Elementary level. Lab and Field based science is added in Upper Elementary.

Tuition covers all expenses with the exception of an annual Technology fee, a Middle School fee, RMPA dues, various field trips, and class snack (Toddler and Primary only). (Click here to be taken to the Tuition & Fees page)

5. Does RMS offer financial aid?

Yes, there is limited funding available and it is awarded on a need basis. Current students at RMS are given first consideration; then new students are considered for any available funds. (Click here to be taken to the Why Choose RMS page)

6. When is the best time to start a Richmond Montessori education?

Because independent learning, self motivation, and decision making skills are introduced at the preschool level, it is always better to start a child sooner than later in our Montessori program. Also, specific materials are used in the classrooms that create the foundation of learning. It is sometimes difficult for a child to join us at a higher level if they have not had exposure to these materials.

Historically, there are more openings at the preschool levels of our program. Due to our high reenrollment and accelerated academic programs, we accept fewer candidates into our Elementary and Middle School.

7. Is transportation offered?

RMS does not provide daily transportation options. All students are brought to school by their parents or care givers. We do encourage carpooling between families. Contact the Admissions Office to inquire about potential carpooling opportunities in your area.

8. Does RMS offer summer camp options?

Yes. RMS offers summer camp options for 10 of the 12 weeks of summer. Camps begin in mid-June and run through August. A variety of curriculum based and specialty camps are offered for Toddlers – Lower Elementary students. After school care is also available. Please contact the Director of Montessori Enrichment for additional information (804) 741-0040, ext. 24. (Click here to be taken to the Montessori Enrichment Summer Camp page)

9. Are there minimum age requirements?

The age of the child on September 1st is considered when determining initial level placement. The Admissions Team also considers the child’s academic, emotional and developmental readiness where determining final level and class placement. Toddler applicants are 30 months old by the beginning of the school year. Applicants need to be three years of age before beginning our Primary program. Since our Kindergarten is a full-day without rest, applicants should be 5 years of age by September 30. Please contact the Admissions Office to discuss specific questions regarding your child’s age and level placement.

10. Where do students go after RMS?

RMS graduates are accepted at the variety of independent schools, The Governor’s Schools and specialty center options in the Richmond area. Historically, 58% of graduates go to other independent schools, 23% to one of the Governor’s Schools, 11% to County Specialty Centers and 8 % locally zoned High Schools. Because our graduates have completed the RMS program through Middle School, they are sought after because of their community mindedness, critical thinking skills, academic strengths and moral character. (Click here to be taken to the Our Graduates page)

11. How do RMS student’s transition into a traditional educational setting?

The transition experience to a different setting is unique for every child. We prepare children for life by assisting in the development of self-confidence, sense of self, life skills, critical thinking and learning skills.

Therefore, our graduates generally have a smooth transition to even the most demanding high schools. When asked if they felt prepared, we are told that they did, but they also left knowing how to learn if there was a subject they were not as familiar with.

RMS has built certain traditional elements into each level of our program so that our students have exposure and are prepared to enter a traditional school environment after 8th grade. These traditional elements include homework, testing, standardized testing, textbooks and a traditional grading scale by Middle School.

We feel that is our job to prepare our students for life which does include life after RMS.

12. Does RMS utilize standardized testing?

Yes, Stanford 10 tests are administered on an annual basis to our 1st – 8th grade students. These tests allow us to see how a student performs in relation to their daily class work, their classmates and against a national norm. Test results are reviewed and used to ensure that students get the instruction they need in all academic areas and that there are no gaps.

13. Are RMS students introduced to computers and technology?

Yes, computer and technology training are introduced in 1st grade in a specialty class; instruction on real-world programs, such as word processing, Excel and PowerPoint, is provided. Students are also allowed to use computer to do research for class assignments. As students progress into the Upper Elementary and Middle School programs, computers are fully integrated into the classrooms for research and multi-subject use. Students are introduced and use Smart board technology in Middle School.

14. Does RMS have an athletic and sports program?

Yes, all students have weekly physical education classes. We have two sports teams – Basketball and Soccer – starting in the Lower Elementary level. For younger students clinics are offered in basketball and soccer. We also offer different sports options through our after-school program. (Click here to be taken to the Facts & Stats page)

15. Does RMS have a part-time program for preschool students?

No. All preschool programs are offered for a half-day, five days a week We find that a predictable routine helps children. Separation anxiety is actually reduced because children are only away from the classroom two days a week.

16. Does RMS have different locations around the Richmond area?

No, “There’s only one Richmond Montessori School.” All Montessori schools are independent of each other. Each school’s curriculum and program is unique to their school. Richmond Montessori School is the only Montessori school in the Richmond area that is accredited by AMS, thus indicating that it has an authentic Montessori program. (Click here to be taken to the Accreditation page)

Montessori is a philosophy of education – not a franchise. RMS is unique in the way it interprets this philosophy for the community it serves and in its leadership, vision, staff credentials and stability.

17.Does RMS have a diverse community?

Absolutely! Diversity is the “norm” at RMS. We have over 30 different countries represented between our families and staff. Racial and ethnic diversity comprises 31% of our student body. Families from around the Richmond area and surrounding counties are part of the RMS community; over 30 zip codes are accounted for. RMS is also committed to representation of financial diversity; this is supported by our need based financial aid program.

18.Is RMS affiliated with a certain religion?

No, RMS is a non-denominational, independent school.

Do you have additional questions?

Please contact our Admissions Office at 804-741-0040, ext. 11.

Thank you for inquiring about Richmond Montessori School. We look forward to hearing from you soon.