Our admissions process typically begins in October and concludes by April. Families entering the lottery for the Rhode Island Department of Education State Pre-k classroom (4 year olds) should refer to the Rhode Island Department of Education website for their admissions schedule. Additionally, there may be times when we may accept applications on a rolling admissions basis when there is space available. We encourage families to sign up via our inquiry form to stay informed about our admissions process and any updates throughout the year.

Rolling admissions means that applications are reviewed and decisions are made on an ongoing basis rather than waiting for a specific deadline or admissions cycle to close. This process allows families to apply and potentially secure a spot for their child at any time during the year, depending on availability. At the Montessori Community School of Rhode Island, rolling admissions may extend beyond our typical October-to-March timeline when classroom space becomes available or new classrooms are added. We encourage families to inquire early and stay in touch to explore current openings and opportunities.

In order to prioritize accessibility, we do not accept admission years in advance.

We recognize that financial situations can change especially during these unprecedented times. At MCS RI, we are committed to working with families individually to address changes in financial capacity. If your circumstances have shifted, please reach out to us directly at info@mcsri.org to notify us of any updates or changes. While our ability to provide additional support is limited by our capacity, we will always do our best to accommodate the needs of our community.

MCS RI strives to ensure that all lead teachers are American Montessori certified in either infant/toddler (0-3) or primary (ages 3-6 years old.) Additionally, all of our teachers undergo extensive professional development in early childhood education through a lens of liberation and social justice, with an emphasis on social emotional learning (SEL). 

Learn more about the American Montessori Society and what it means for our lead educators to be AMS certified here.

We offer both 10 month and 12 month program options for our community. Our calendar includes school vacation weeks in December, February, April, July, and August.

MCS RI is proud to offer a nurturing and enriching environment for young learners, but we can only accept a limited number of students each year due to a combination of factors, including low attrition and state regulations that govern classroom sizes. Our maximum capacity is 54 students, divided into 20 toddler spots and 34 preschool spots.

While our mission includes making Montessori education accessible to as many families as possible—regardless of financial circumstances—we also strive to foster inclusivity in every sense of the word. This commitment encompasses socioeconomic diversity, cultural representation, neuroaffirming care, and a welcoming environment for all families.

The number of available spots varies from year to year based on enrollment trends and individual family circumstances. As a result, we cannot estimate the number of students accepted each year. However, we encourage all families interested in our program to apply.

Our program’s philosophy on inclusive practices is rooted in the belief that every child deserves to be seen, valued, and supported in their learning journey. We honor the individuality of each child, recognizing their unique developmental needs, interests, and pace of learning. Guided by Dr. Maria Montessori’s holistic vision, we create child-centered environments that foster independence, internal motivation, and respect for all living things. These environments are designed to be flexible and adaptive, ensuring that all children, including those with diverse learning needs, are able to thrive.

In our inclusive approach, we integrate neuro-affirming practices, support multi-language learners, and provide individualized accommodations to meet the physical, cognitive, and emotional needs of each child. We celebrate diversity by adapting our classrooms to reflect the cultural, linguistic, and learning differences of our students. This is reinforced through strong family partnerships, as we view parents as essential advocates for their children’s needs and work collaboratively with them to ensure a supportive educational experience.

MCS RI is proud to have strong partnerships with the following local organizations to provide holisitic, neuroaffirming care to our students:

• Success RI

• Access Speech and Allied Therapies

• Kids Connect through Therapeutic Child Care Services

On average, our teacher to student ratio for our toddler rooms is 1 teacher per 4 students. Our average ratio for our primary classrooms is 1 teacher per 6 students.

The state compliance ratios are the following:

• Toddlers - 1:6

• 3yo - 1:9

• 4yo - 1:10

• 5 yo - 1:12

In compliance with state regulations, the maximum group size for our toddler rooms is 12. The maximum group size for our primary rooms is 18.

The state’s regulations are the following:

• Toddlers - 12 max

• 3 y/o - 18 max

• 4 y/o - 20 max

• 5 y/o - 24 max

We would be delighted to welcome you to our school! You’re invited to join us for one of our open houses, typically held in October and/or January, to explore our classrooms, meet our staff, and learn more about our community. You are also welcome to contact us to schedule a visit during the school day!

We’d love to connect with you. For more information about tuition at MCS RI, visit our tuition page. Otherwise, please email us at info@mcsri.org with any questions.