Frequently Asked Questions

Most educators and psychologists agree that the single most important period in the development of a person's intelligence occurs between birth and age five. A child's mind is extremely absorbent and curiosity is at a peak during these early years. When properly nourished and stimulated, the child's mind forms patterns for learning that serve them well throughout life. The Montessori system has proven to be one of the most effective methods to guide a child through these critical years.

Maria Montessori outlined various periods of 'sensitivity' during which a child is more capable of and interested in learning specific concepts. Between ages 2.5 and 3.5, a special sense of order, concentration, coordination, and independence begin to emerge. This is the ideal time to begin Montessori — the child is at the perfect period to build a strong foundation for future learning. At A World Discovery, we welcome children from 16 months through 6 years.

The Montessori teacher is called a directress because she facilitates rather than directs the classroom. She carefully plans the environment in the interests of the children and helps them progress from one activity to the next. She is trained to work with each child individually, allowing them to choose from many activities within their range of ability. She stands back while a child is working and allows them the satisfaction of their own discovery.

The concept of freedom in a Montessori classroom is freedom within limits. A child is allowed to work freely so long as they do not disturb others. In practice, children who have the freedom to follow their interests are generally happy and busily involved with their work. There is a spirit of respect, cooperation, and love among the children that is not found too often in traditional settings.

Socialization is very much a part of the Montessori method. In the classroom you'll notice children interacting continuously, choosing to work on projects together, and older children helping younger ones. Each day includes group activities and outdoor play. Mixed-age classrooms naturally create a community where children learn from and support each other.

Absolutely. We encourage parent involvement through conferences, classroom observations, discussions, parent nights, and material-making events. The more parents understand their child's classroom experience, the better they can follow through at home. When parents and school are aligned, the child benefits from a consistent environment in which to grow.

Montessori education is a child-led, hands-on approach where children choose their own activities and work at their own pace using specialized materials. Traditional daycare typically follows a teacher-directed schedule with group activities. Montessori focuses on developing independence, critical thinking, and intrinsic motivation, while daycare primarily provides supervised care.

Research consistently shows that Montessori students develop stronger academic skills, greater independence, and better social-emotional competencies than peers in traditional settings. Our AMS-certified teachers and low student-teacher ratios ensure every child receives individualized attention. That said, the best choice depends on your child's needs and your family's values.

AMS stands for the American Montessori Society. AMS-certified teachers have completed rigorous training in Montessori philosophy, child development, and classroom practice. All teachers at A World Discovery hold AMS certification, ensuring the highest standard of Montessori education for your child.

We serve children from 16 months through 6 years across three programs: Toddlers (16 months – 3 years), Pre-School (3–5 years), and Kindergarten (5–6 years). Each program is tailored to the developmental needs of that age group.

We offer four schedule options: Half Day (8:30–11:30 AM), Full Day (8:30–3:00 PM), Before Care (7:00–8:30 AM), and After Care (3:00–6:00 PM). Before Care and After Care can be added to either the Half Day or Full Day program for additional fees.

Yes, schedule changes can be accommodated based on availability. Please contact us at least two weeks in advance to request a schedule change. We'll do our best to accommodate your family's needs.

Our Half Day program (8:30–11:30 AM) is our part-time option, available Monday through Friday. This is a great choice for families who want the Montessori experience while maintaining flexibility in their schedule.

Our school is open Monday through Friday. With Before Care, we open at 7:00 AM. The core school day runs from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM. With After Care, we close at 6:00 PM. We are closed on major holidays and school breaks.

Yes! Nutritious meals and snacks are included in all our programs. We provide a morning snack for Half Day students and a full lunch plus snacks for Full Day students. Our meals are designed to be healthy, balanced, and allergen-aware.

We take food allergies very seriously. During enrollment, we collect detailed information about any food allergies or dietary restrictions. Our kitchen staff is trained to accommodate common allergies, and we maintain strict protocols to prevent cross-contamination. Please inform us of any allergies during the enrollment process.

Since meals are included in our program, we encourage all children to eat the school-provided meals to foster community and healthy eating habits. However, if your child has specific dietary needs that we cannot accommodate, we can discuss alternatives during enrollment.

The enrollment process has four steps: (1) Submit an inquiry or contact us to learn about availability, (2) Book a tour to visit our classrooms and meet our teachers, (3) Complete our online application form with family and child information, and (4) Receive enrollment confirmation or join our waitlist if a program is full.

Please contact us directly for current enrollment fees and deposit requirements. Fees vary by program and schedule. We're happy to discuss payment options and any available financial assistance.

If your preferred program is at capacity, we'll add your family to our waitlist. We contact families on the waitlist as soon as a spot opens up. We recommend submitting your application early, as spots fill quickly — especially for the Explorers and Apex Scholars programs.

We recommend applying 3–6 months before your desired start date. Our programs, especially for the 3–6 age range, tend to fill up quickly. You can apply at any time, and we accept rolling enrollment throughout the year based on availability.

We offer a school tour so you and your child can experience our environment before committing. During the tour, your child is welcome to observe a class in session. We find that most children feel comfortable and excited after visiting our warm, welcoming classrooms.