Enrollment FAQ

Choosing the right educational environment for your child is a truly significant decision, and we want you to feel completely at ease and certain about joining our community! We've gathered all the essential enrollment information here to guide you through the process. This resource was inspired by the questions we've been asked by families like yours.

Q: What's the first step in the enrollment process?

A: Our enrollment is a simple, four-step journey designed to be easy for your family!

1. Tour or Open House: Start by visiting us!

2. Apply: Submit your application.

3. Family Interview: Enjoy a short, 30-minute chat with a Teacher Leader.

4. Acceptance: Review and accept our enrollment offer!

Q: What is the timeline for applications?

A: Open enrollment for 2026-2027 kicks off on Jan 26, 2026 and closes March 1. Applications received after March 1 will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Q: How are applications reviewed?

A: We review applications in the order they arrive keeping our mission of creating a diverse, mixed-age, and equitable learning environment in mind. Priority is given to current students, their siblings and extended family members. All decisions are finalized after the Family Interview step.

Q: How long does the entire enrollment process take?

A: The entire enrollment process, from start to finish, may take as few as 14 days!

Q: How long do families have to confirm their spot?

A: Families are asked to confirm their spot as soon as possible, but no later than 10 days.

Q: Where can I find the current tuition schedule and fees?

A: Please visit the Admission page of our website for the current tuition schedule and fees. Tuition rates typically have a 3% Cost of Living (COL) increase each year.

Q: How does the school's tuition tier system work?

A: We utilize a tiered tuition structure, which is designed to make our educational experience accessible to families across a range of incomes. The tier you select is determined by your family's ability to pay, and we operate on an honor system; parents are not required to submit any financial documentation or proof of income to determine their appropriate tuition tier. Our community is built on trust and cooperation, and we ask that families honestly assess their financial situation when choosing a tier.

Q: What is Montessori?

A: The Montessori approach is a well-established educational method that covers a full range of subjects for children at different stages, including Early Childhood (ages 3–6) and Elementary (ages 6–12). This unique method is based on the simple idea that children are naturally curious and driven to learn. They thrive when they can choose their own activities, learn through hands-on experiences, and work together in meaningful ways.

The heart of the Montessori method is the "prepared environment." This carefully set up classroom is more than just a room; it’s a hands-on learning lab filled with specific, scientifically designed learning tools. These materials are set up in a sequence, starting with concrete lessons and eventually leading to abstract understanding. The environment is designed to feed a child's natural desire to learn, giving them the freedom (within certain guidelines) to pick what they want to work on, follow their interests, and learn at their own speed. This personalized approach helps them focus deeply, feel responsible, and truly become independent.

The goal of this education isn't just to memorize facts, but to help the whole child grow. By using the materials and interacting with others in the multi-age classroom, students build essential life skills. They develop strong planning and organizational skills, learn how to solve disagreements with their peers, and gain a lifelong passion for discovery and learning.

Ultimately, the Montessori approach is all about supporting a child's natural development, preparing them not just for the next grade, but for life itself.

Q: How can I see the school for myself?

A: We'd love to have you visit! We hold tours on Mondays. Submit an Admission Inquiry Form and we'll find a date and time that works for you.

Q: What happens after we're offered a spot?

A: Congratulations! To accept your offer and begin the registration process, families have 10 days to respond. You will then receive the Enrollment Agreement. The Registration steps are:

• Complete Enrollment Agreement: This agreement will review tuition tiers and payment options for the year and gather all necessary student information for the upcoming academic year.

• Payment of the Registration Fee: This non-refundable fee officially secures your child's spot and is due upon acceptance of the offer.

• Submission of Required Documentation: This includes the birth certificate and immunization record.

Q: What is the ideal age for a child to start at Pinyon?

A: Children can start as early as 2.5 years as soon as they are bathroom independent. In early childhood the multi-age classroom structure is most powerful when a child begins by age three and completes the full three-year cycle through kindergarten. We also offer an Elementary program that continues this multi-age approach through the sixth grade.

Q: Do you offer financial aid or scholarships?

A: While our tiered tuition system is designed to make our school accessible, we do not currently offer separate financial aid or scholarships. The honor-system-based tiered tuition acts as our core affordability program.

Q: What is the student-to-teacher ratio?

A: Our classrooms are thoughtfully designed to provide individualized attention. For Early Childhood (ages 3–6), the ratio is typically 1:10. For Elementary (ages 6–12), the ratio is typically 1:15.

Q: Do you require children to be fully potty-trained before starting?

A: For our Early Childhood program (ages 3–6), children must be reliably and independently potty-trained before their first day of school.

Q: Do I need to have prior knowledge of the Montessori approach for my child to enroll?

A: Absolutely not! Many of our families are new to Montessori. The Family Interview and our ongoing parent education resources are designed to help all families understand and support their child's unique educational journey with us.

Q: Is there a waitlist?

A: Yes, we maintain a waitlist for applications received after all available spots are filled. If a spot becomes available, we immediately review the waitlist.

This resource will likely grow as more and more families inquire about Pinyon. Bookmark or subscribe to save this link for future updates!