Toddler Community
Journey to Independence.
“I need to discover what I can do”
The Toddler Community supports the abilities of the very young child. Our program is a partnership with parents, who are the first and most essential teachers of the child. Our teachers, or more accurately "guides," are trained in child development. The importance of the period between sixteen and thirty-six months cannot be underestimated as research is helping us become more aware of the critical time this plays in the development of a child's cognitive abilities, social skills, sense of trust and personality. Montessori education is based on a deep respect for the latent abilities of the child.
The child develops by means of experience in his or her environment. We call such experience "work." It is this work which assists the child in construction of one's self. Independence, language, sensory integration, motor development, and order are the primary learning areas in which the toddler age child works to construct him or herself.
Our program supports the child's journey towards independence in a safe environment where the rhythm is toddler-paced and everything is toddler-sized, including low furniture, shelves, easily movable chairs, and artwork hung at eye-level. Through observation of other children, each toddler becomes curious about how to independently use the toilet.
The toddler age is the key stage in language acquisition. Our language-rich environment includes language materials and activities, music and song, reading and conversation. The Toddler Assistant speaks Spanish with the children.
Movement is the need of the young child. The developing brain is stimulated and enhanced through movement, both small and large muscle, which must be perfected through practice. Exploring our farm while on nature walks, gives the young child many experiences with the natural environment.
Ready to Join Our Toddler Community?
Our Toddler Community is designed for children aged 16 months to 3 years, providing them with a nurturing and engaging environment to begin their Montessori journey. Enrollment is ongoing, and children who are accepted, are placed as openings become available Ensuring the right fit for both age and developmental readiness.
We invite you to experience our Toddler Community firsthand by scheduling a tour of our beautiful campus. Discover how our hands-on, child-centered approach fosters independence, curiosity, and growth in your child’s earliest years.
Admissions Process
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1
Schedule a School Tour
To begin the admissions process, please schedule a tour of our school. We ask that parents visit the school without children, as this provides an opportunity to fully engage with the program and environment. During the tour, you'll have the chance to observe our classrooms, learn more about the Montessori philosophy, and explore our program offerings, mission statement, and core values.
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2
Submit Your Application
Once you've decided that St. Croix Montessori School is the right fit for your child, please complete the application form below. A $100 non-refundable fee is required at the time of submission to secure your child’s application.
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Admission Decision
We evaluate each application based on the alignment of the family’s educational goals with our school’s mission. We strive for a balanced classroom environment, considering gender and age diversity, as well as families who are committed to the Montessori program.
Due to high demand, we may implement a waitlist once spaces are filled. If your child is placed on the waitlist, you will be notified as soon as a spot becomes available.
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Commitment to Completion
St. Croix Montessori School values the continuity of the Montessori experience. For Children’s House, this means completing the kindergarten year, and for Elementary, it includes finishing the 6th grade. This continuity ensures a stable learning environment and is essential to maintaining the integrity of our program.
We accept families who are committed to completing the entire Montessori program. If a child does not complete the kindergarten or elementary years, younger siblings may not be accepted for enrollment or re-enrollment.
Acceptance letters are sent out in mid-February. Along with the acceptance, you will receive an Enrollment Contract and instructions to submit a non-refundable $500 tuition deposit. The contract and deposit must be returned within 10 days to secure your child’s place in our program.
