Enrolments

Enrolments

Thank you for considering Southside Montessori School. We welcome children of all backgrounds and abilities and, in the spirit of Maria Montessori, provide child-centred programs to meet the diversity, needs and stage of development of every child.

Choosing a school is a big decision. Our enrolment process is designed to support you in deciding whether Southside Montessori is the right fit for your family. For initial enquiries, prospective families are invited to tour our grounds and meet our staff.

The enrolment process

1. Book a tour

Come and see the school in person. Tours run every Tuesday and Thursday at 10am, led by the Principal, and take about an hour. Private tours can be arranged on request.

2. Apply

Submit your application form with the $250 application fee (non-refundable) and the required documents. The forms are available to download below.

3. Trial day

Primary-aged children are offered a trial day to experience a Southside classroom in action, meet classmates and get a feel for the school.

4. Interview and offer

A suitability interview with the lead educator follows the trial. Successful applicants receive an Offer of Enrolment to sign and return to secure their place.

What we require

Each applicant is asked to submit:

  • A completed Student Enrolment Application Form
  • An application fee of $250, non-refundable
  • A copy of your child’s birth certificate
  • A copy of your child’s immunisation history statement
  • A copy of your child’s passport, plus residency visa or proof of citizenship if the student or both parents were born overseas
  • School reports, including NAPLAN if applicable
  • Copies of any professional reports, for example speech, OT or psychologist reports

Selection criteria

Places are offered according to the following key criteria:

  • A demonstrated interest in and knowledge of Montessori education
  • The date the application and payment are received, and the child’s age at that date
  • Priority for siblings currently or previously enrolled at Southside
  • Commitment to the full Montessori program to the end of Stage 3 (9 to 12 years)
  • Whether a parent or carer was a Montessori student
  • Maintaining a balanced classroom composition of age and gender

Membership of the Southside Montessori Society

As a not-for-profit community school, Southside Montessori is governed by the Southside Montessori Society. Membership of the Society is a prerequisite for enrolment, and details are provided as part of the application process.

Forms and fees

At Southside Montessori, we acknowledge the First Nations People of Australia as the resilient and resourceful custodians of the land, who have nurtured a strong connection to country through culture, songs and stories. We pay our respects to the Dharawal People of the Eora Nation on whose lands Southside stands and where we strive to embrace and value the perspectives of the world's oldest continuous living culture. This land was, is, and always will be, Aboriginal land.