Frequently Asked Questions

Optimally children start at JMS at the age of 3.  Important foundational concepts begin very early.  These concepts are then built upon, expanded and become part of a child’s approach to life.  More than just academic skills are being nurtured.  It is essential that a child who starts at 3 continue on through the Kindergarten year in the Primary Level.  An investment of only 1 or 2 years in this level will not yield optimal results.

Children transferring from other Montessori schools will have placement precedence at the Elementary Level over children with no Montessori experience.  Outside applications will be considered from the enrollment pool contingent on classroom availability.

Joliet Montessori School accepts applications for new students into our programs through the last day of February. As spots open up in our classrooms, we contact families on our waitlist. To begin the enrollment process please schedule a tour. Our classrooms fill quickly, please don’t wait to schedule your tour and begin the application process.

Classroom placements are considered deliberately and with great care by the administrative team and faculty. While every effort will be made to accommodate requests, Joliet Montessori School cannot guarantee specific classroom placements. Once placements have been made, the class rosters are considered final.

Before and after care is provided as a service for our families.  Before care opens at 7:00 am and remains open until the children move to their classrooms at 8:30 am.  After care begins at 3:00 pm and is open until 6:00 pm.  All children remaining on campus at the close of 3:00 dismissal will be released to after care and invoiced at the drop-in rate. Children picked up after 6:00 pm will be charged a late pick-up fee.

Great! We're excited that you loved our school! Contact our Head of School, Heidi Geiger for a link to our online application.

Joliet Montessori School will, to the best of its ability, meet the educational and developmental concerns of each individual child. Existing IEPs, ISPs or 504s must accompany the application in the application for enrollment process. Any current specialized services that the child is involved with must be declared as well.

Interested families may apply online through our Financial Aid Administrator FAST by clicking HERE.

Yes. Parents and guardians of preschool children ages 3 - 6 are encouraged to visit the Child Care Resource and Referral website in order to further research financial aid options for childcare.

Child Care Resource and Referral client co-pays are determined by the State of Illinois Department of Human Services. Families make monthly co-pay payments directly to JMS and must remain current. 

Families are wholly responsible for any balances not paid by CCR&R. It is important to note that CCR&R covers only part of our school tuition, with the balance being paid by the attending family.

Parents/guardians or school faculty may initiate our Care & Concern Procedure (outlined in detail in the Parent Handbook) at any time during the school year if a child is experiencing challenges. Through the three stages of this procedure, a suitable home and school support plan will be developed, implemented and assessed. Final action will be decided based on both Joliet Montessori School and parent/guardian input.

Yes. JMS offers music lessons throughout the year in addition to other extra-curricular activities that rotate each semester.