How To Apply

Before submitting an application, we encourage you to review our Admissions Process and Policies.

Admission Process

• Our admission process is meant to be an informative exploration in determining the right fit for you and your child. We require you to visit our facilities to best understand a child’s experience here at MSLF.
• Following a visit, the submission of an application officially initiates the enrollment process.
• To secure your child’s placement, we recommend applying one year before your desired start date for our Toddler and Primary programs, and by April 1 for the upcoming school year for our Lower Elementary, Upper Elementary, and Adolescent Programs.
• At MSLF, we enroll students on a year-round basis depending on availability. This accommodates relocations and various other reasons for mid-year enrollments.
• Throughout the course of the school year, students from some divisions transition to the next level based on individual readiness. Often, such transitions open a space for a new student. In the event that classes are at maximum capacity, your child will be placed in our wait pool, and we will contact you as soon as a space becomes available.
• Admissions tours are hosted by appointment only. Unless otherwise indicated, visits are intended for adults. Based on our experience, parents get more out of the conversation and tour when they are able to focus on their observations of the school. Babies in arms are welcome!
  

Policies

In the admittance of each child, MSLF considers each family’s commitment to the Montessori philosophy and to their openness to collaborating with the school on behalf their child. Transparent conversation from the beginning leads to mutual understanding, trust, and respect among parents, teachers, and administrators. In short, we admit those children whom we feel we can serve well, based on the information shared with us and our almost 60 years of experience as a Montessori school.

Applications are required for all new students. Enrollment preference is given to: 1) students returning to the same group; 2) students graduating to the next level; 3) the sibling of a returning student; 4) the sibling of a former student; 5) Montessori transfer student; 6) other applicants. Applicants not placed will be put in a waiting pool.

MSLF is proud of and committed to our diverse community. Our students, their families, and our staff represent nearly 30 different zip codes and myriad backgrounds. We believe that a diverse community contributes to a more profound academic experience and is representative of real-life.

The Montessori School of Lake Forest does not discriminate against students, applicants for admission, faculty, other employees, or parents on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, religion, creed, age, disability, or any other characteristic. Placement in a class is at the discretion of the educational staff. Each classroom is a community of children balanced to the extent possible with regard to age, sex, and previous Montessori experience. Each child will be advanced to the next level at the recommendation of the child’s Director.