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• Is the Montessori curriculum appropriate for my child’s talents and goals?

• Will my family be comfortable in the school?

• Are there opportunities for my child to pursue special interests?

• Will my child learn the values that are important to our family?

• Will the school challenge my child without overwhelming her?

• Are the programs, teachers, services, and leadership able to create

an outstanding experience for my child?

ASM is directly accountable to the families we serve. Parents select ASM and keep their children in our school on the basis of results: personal growth they see occurring in their children and solid academic preparation. Performance is what builds and maintains our reputation in the community.

Our mission statement: "The Andover School of Montessori  fosters the growth of joyous learners and responsible citizens.  We encourage curiosity, deep thinking and respect for oneself and others.  In support of Maria Montessori's philosophy, we:

• Advocate learning through collaboration and communication

• Provide learning in a climate of support and experimentation

• Promote service to others

• Instill a sense of community and outreach

• Model integrity and civility

• Embrace peace, challenge prejudice and respect differences

• Recognize that many perspective inform the human experience

Programs are designed with appropriate hours, taking into consideration and responding to the diverse and changing needs of our families. Simple administrative structures allow us to respond to these needs. Services we offer include before and after school care, vacation coverage, and summer sessions, to name a few. These services vary according to the current needs of the school.

Our teaching staff is chosen for their knowledge and for their ability to guide children in the Montessori classroom. While many of our teachers are liberal arts graduates, they are also Montessori-trained professionals. ASM has little staff turnover, and we employ teachers with initiative. They thrive in an environment where they can make a difference—where the time they spend with each child is valued. Our staff members are highly committed to the Montessori method of education.

We welcome--and expect--parent involvement. Families participate in the social life of the school and help plan and carry out community service and fund-raising activities. Parent education on the fundamentals of a Montessori education are provided throughout the year, and participation in the informational program at the start of the school year is mandatory for new families. You will find that when you enroll your child in ASM, you also join the school family.

ASM families are here because they want to be here, and that makes a major difference. It is incumbent upon families considering a Montessori education for their children to truly understand what this means and to want this for their child(ren). Because our families have common goals and aspirations, intellectual curiosity can be "caught" from the rest of the student body, laying the foundation for a future of achievement. Community service is a big part of our program, for both the students and their parents. Students participate in activities that make our school and the greater community better places to be. As a member of ASM, we also have an expectation that families will provide 20 hours of community service to the school. An active community service committee works diligently to find ways in which all families can find a way to participate.

Montessori classroom directors and teachers tailor their curriculum to each child, not to a class average. This allows your child to move ahead at his/her own pace in areas of strength and to receive extra attention when needed to master subjects that are difficult. When your child needs help, it is there, one-on-one. When your child succeeds, there is recognition of the accomplishment, reinforcing the success. It is from these seeds that self-confidence blooms.

Because our class size is small and children generally stay with the teachers for three years, your child won’t be lost in a crowd. Teachers get to know every one of their students well. An important outgrowth of the close relationship is trust. At ASM, every teacher is also an advisor. As a result, ASM becomes an extension of your family. It provides a safe environment in which your child can explore ideas and feelings. The guidance ensures that your child won’t get lost while exploring.

In keeping with the Montessori philosophy, each classroom offers a calm environment that fosters respect of self and others, independence, self-discipline, responsibility, freedom of choice, and self-motivation. The students share in fostering and maintaining a nurturing learning environment.

Tuition is set yearly by the Board of Directors when they approve the annual budget. This generally occurred in January and the new tuition rates have been set.  The tuition rates for 2004-5 are included here for your reference:

7:30 Drop Off - If a child will use this program daily, the cost ($1500) may be added to the tuition contract. If a child only needs to reserve from one to four mornings a week in this program, the cost may be contracted with the tuition. If a child uses this program on an occasional basis, the cost will be billed.

Half Day Children’s House - $5900

Full Day Children’s House/Extended Day (Kindergarten) - $9650

Lower Elementary - $9950

Upper Elementary - $9950

Middle School - $10,400

Tuition may be paid in full at time of enrollment, or 10% may be paid as an enrollment fee (non-refundable) and the remainder paid monthly from May through January 15^th. A 1.5% tuition remission is given when payment is made in full.

After School Club House to 6:00 - This program is run by the Andover/North Andover YMCA and held here at ASM. Contact the YMCA for tuition rates for 2004-2005. A one-time registration fee is required and provides the student with a General Youth membership at the YMCA.

BOND INFORMATION

In order to finance the original building of our school (1995), and in order to keep the tuition amounts reasonable, each family with children attending ASM is required to post a $2000 bond per family (not per child) for the 2004-2005 school year.

Specifics of the Bond

The Board of Directors is aware of the impact on the student body if no adjustments are made for those families unable to lend the full amount. They are committed to maintaining the socioeconomic diversity which currently characterizes the school. When appropriate, ASM will consider a flexible schedule of payments.

The Andover School of Montessori offers a variety of programs.

Seven-thirty Drop Off is available to twenty students. Advance reservations are required and priority is given to those in need of this early service on a daily basis. The cost will be billed monthly or may be contracted yearly with the tuition.

Children’s House Half Day is the core Montessori program for children 3 years to 6 years of age. It is held five mornings or five afternoons a week from 8:30a.m. to 11:30a.m. or from 12:30p.m. to 3:30p.m. It also includes Music and Spanish.

Children’s House Full Day involves a double session from 8:30am to 3:30pm of the core programs for children of the age of 4 or 5 (by September 15). All full day children have a one hour break, which consists of lunch followed by recess.

*Extended Day (Kindergarten) is available as a Full Day option for ASM students of kindergarten age (5 years old before September 15). Half of the day is spent in the multi-age Montessori program and the other half focuses on the particular developmental needs of this age group. In addition to aforementioned programs, the 5 year olds also receive PE and Art instruction.

After School Clubhouse is a program available with advance reservation and runs either from 3:00p.m. to 6:00p.m. for any child. Planned activities such as arts and crafts, cooking, board games and free play are featured throughout the week. This program is now run by the Andover/North Andover YMCA on our school site.

In-A-Pinch (Seven-thirty Drop Off ) programs are available whenever there are spaces. Costs are billed monthly.

Fun Days are offered for In-Service, Conference, and most Vacation Days and are open for children of all ages. The children participate in seasonal arts and crafts, and enjoy indoor and outdoor activities. Information and applications are made available prior to the Fun Day and reservations MUST be made in advance (students enrolled in the YMCA After School program are given first consideration for registration). Contact Carrie Cronin at the YMCA for more information (978-685-3541).

ASM is interested in building a community consisting of students with varying abilities and interests who will flourish and contribute to the Montessori environment. We are, in essence, seeking "good citizens" who respect their world, themselves, one another and those around them.

To consider your child for acceptance, the office must receive:

• a completed application (Application Form)

Factors in acceptance:

• Suitability of the program for the student

• Age and sex distribution in the classroom

• Family Commitment (as outlined in application letter)

• Consideration is given to applicants with prior Montessori experience, siblings of currently enrolled students (including the length of time a family has been associated with ASM)