ASM: About Our School

“…the universal characteristics of the human child, and the unique, unrepeatable, respectable and admirable individual, is to be unconditionally accepted as one of life’s most marvelous expressions.” Maria Montessori

At the Andover School of Montessori we see great value in sharing the life and learning experiences of people from many different backgrounds. We are a community of learners sharing unique experiences and diverse perspectives. All of us are enriched by the experience of each of us. We maintain an environment that is attractive and nurturing to a diverse student community, faculty, and administration. We learn best when challenged with choice. We have a deep and abiding respect for those aspects of the human condition that challenge us to live together and to develop as individuals.

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:

History

The Andover School of Montessori, Inc. is a board-run, non-profit corporation which was organized in 1975. The school started in February, 1975, in a rented classroom at St. Augustine's School in Andover. At that time one morning and one afternoon session were offered. In September, 1979 the school moved to the former St. Michael's School building in North Andover, expanding its program to two morning sessions, one afternoon session, and an Extended Day program for five year-olds. In 1982 the Afternoon Care program was introduced. At this time 54 children were enrolled. Further expansion occurred in September, 1985, when the school rented an additional two classrooms at St. Michael's, and then occupied the entire first floor. Enrollment was increased to 59 students. In 1987 a fourth morning classroom was added increasing the enrollment to 75 children. In 1993 extended hours were offered for working parents and in 1994 an elementary class was added. In 1995 the Elementary classes moved to new quarters in the First Calvary Baptist church in North Andover. 1996 is the year we moved into our new building on 7.5 acres in Andover and opened two additional elementary classes (Lower and Upper). During the 2000-2001 school year, another Lower Elementary was added and the physical expansion of our building was begun to include a Middle School and added labs. In 2002, ASM opened its newly expanded facility that included five additional classrooms, a library, a science/math lab, a staff room and 2000 square foot multi-purpose room.

Andover School of Montessori has been fully affiliated with the American Montessori Society since 1985and holds a membership in the Montessori Schools of Massachusetts. The lead teachers are most often Montessori trained, many hold advanced degrees, and they maintain professional memberships in the American Montessori Society. ASM has been accredited by both the the Association of Independent Schools of New England (AISNE) and the American Montessori Society (AMS).. ASM is also approved by The Andover School Committee for elementary and middle school classes. ASM has also been accredited by the New England League of Middle Schools, the Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development, the Montessori Schools of Massachusetts, the Andover Educational Improvement Association, the Granite State Council of the International Reading Association, Parent-to-Parent, and Parents of Independent Schools.

Every parent or guardian of an enrolled child is automatically a member of the corporation and enjoys full voting rights. All currently employed teachers are associate members of the corporation. The school is governed by a Board of Directors consisting of parents of currently enrolled students and members from the community. The Head of School attends all meetings but is not a voting member. The Board meets regularly to determine school policies and is accountable for the school's resources. The Board selects and monitors the Head of School who is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the school.

- The by-laws of the corporation are available in the school office. A statement of the financial affairs of the school is presented by the Treasurer at the annual business meeting held in the spring. At this meeting, board members are elected by general members of the corporation. Board officers are elected by the Board of Directors at the Board meeting following the annual membership meeting.

- Parents play a very important role in the functioning of the school and are expected to participate in various aspects of the operation such as fundraising, budgeting, Head of School selection, Development committee, snack preparation, maintenance, long range planning, Parent Association, etc. .

The Andover School of Montessori does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, disabilities, or marital status in the administration of its educational policies, admission or hiring policies and other school administered programs.

- Enrollment applications are accepted from September on for the following academic year.

-A child must be three years of age in September (children are expected to be toilet trained, or at least attempting).

The ideal student is a good citizen who is respectful. ASM seeks to create and maintain a student body consisting of students with varying capabilities who will flourish and add to the Montessori environment and community.

Elementary and Middle School-aged children will have equal weight given to academic and behavioral qualifications, as well as prior school and school-related experiences. Candidates will be observed and the child's behavior evaluated during his/her visit to the school. Included in required documentation are current school records.

For younger applicants, the perceived ability to adapt to Montessori methods, as well as behavior, is critical to a students admission.

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)

During the re-enrollment period (January -February) spaces are held for currently enrolled students and their siblings.

If the school has full enrollment, the applicants' names are placed on a waiting list. As space becomes available, the Director of Admission notifies the parents and proceeds with the next step of the enrollment process.

No new students will be accepted after January 1 for the current school year.

2. a letter of intent should tell us about your child, previous school experience, your hopes and expectations for your child in the ASM community, how your family hopes to contribute to the ASM community, and your understanding and expectations of the Montessori Method,

3. a record of your child's visit to ASM (Children's House - 1/2 hour, Elementary/Middle School - 1/2 day),

budget. This generally occurs in January.

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 discount is given when payment is made in full.

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

Bond
In order to finance the building of our new school and to keep tuition reasonable, each family with children attending ASM is required to post a bond (per family, not per child) for the 2007-2008 school year in the following amount: $2000 for each family

  - the bond is due to be posted by April 15, 2007
  - the bond will not accrue interest, is unsecured and is subordinate to any secured debt of ASM
  - funds from the bond will be used to replace bonds of outgoing families
  - ASM will refund the bond June 30th of the year in which the last child in the family leaves ASM, providing all amounts due to ASM are paid in full
  - ASM will make reasonable efforts to refund all or a portion of the bond once it determines that there is available net income
  - Any interim partial refund of the bond will be distributed on a pro rata basis among all outstanding bonds

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.
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