Frequently Asked Questions

Montessori education is a child-centered approach developed by Dr. Maria Montessori over 100 years ago. It emphasizes hands-on learning, freedom of movement within a structured environment, and child-led exploration at each child's own pace. Rather than traditional whole-class instruction, Montessori teachers act as guides who introduce individualized lessons and allow children to work independently with carefully designed Montessori materials. The result is deep understanding, self-discipline, and a genuine love of learning that lasts a lifetime.

In a traditional preschool, all children follow the same lesson at the same time, led by a teacher at the front of the room. In a Montessori classroom, children choose their own work from a range of age-appropriate materials and work at their own pace. Classrooms are multi-age (typically spanning 3 years), so children learn from peers as well as teachers. There are no grades or tests instead, teachers observe each child closely and track progress individually. Children develop intrinsic motivation, independence, and executive function skills that traditional programs often do not address.

Yes the toddler years (18 months to 3 years) are one of the most powerful windows for Montessori education. Dr. Montessori identified this as a sensitive period for language development, independence, and the desire to do things for oneself. Our Pre-Primary program is specifically designed for this stage, with practical life activities, sensorial materials, language-rich environments, and toilet learning support. Children who start Montessori as toddlers typically enter the Primary classroom with strong language skills, a sense of order, and the ability to focus independently.

Absolutely. At International Montessori Schools, kindergarten is the third year of our Primary program not a separate program. By the time our kindergartners complete the three-year Primary cycle, they are typically reading fluently, working with advanced mathematics, and demonstrating strong social and executive function skills. Research consistently shows that children who complete Montessori programs outperform peers on measures of academic achievement, social development, and creativity in the early elementary years.

At International Montessori Schools, kindergarten is the third and final year of our Primary 3–6 classroom. Kindergartners serve as the leaders and role models of their multi-age classroom, reinforcing their own knowledge by mentoring younger children. By kindergarten, most IMS students are reading chapter books, working with multiplication and division, and exploring science and geography with impressive depth. Traditional kindergarten typically introduces these concepts; our kindergartners are often mastering them.

The Montessori method's individualized, multi-sensory approach benefits many children with varying learning profiles. Because each child works at their own pace with hands-on materials, there is no pressure to keep up with a class or sit still for long lectures. Children who learn best through touch, movement, or visual exploration often thrive in Montessori environments. We encourage families of children with specific needs to call us at 484-661-0584 to discuss whether our programs are the right fit.

All lead educators at International Montessori Schools hold Montessori teaching credentials from accredited training programs (AMI or AMS). Our teachers are also state-certified and participate in ongoing professional development to stay current with best practices in early childhood Montessori education. Classroom assistants work under the guidance of lead Montessori teachers and receive ongoing training. We maintain low student-to-teacher ratios to ensure every child receives individualized attention.

We welcome children as young as 6 weeks old in our Infant program (available at our Malvern and Royersford campuses). Our Pre-Primary toddler program begins at 18 months, and our Primary program for preschool and kindergarten serves children ages 3 to 6. The earlier a child enters a Montessori environment, the more fully they benefit from the multi-year developmental cycle.

We offer a full continuum of Montessori programs:

• Infant (6 weeks–18 months) Malvern and Royersford campuses
• Pre-Primary / Toddler (18 months–3 years) all four campuses
• Primary / Preschool & Kindergarten (3–6 years) all four campuses
• Before & After School Care all four campuses
• Summer Camp (6 weeks–6 years) all four campuses
• Enrichment (music, art, movement, more) all four campuses

The Montessori Primary curriculum covers five main areas: Practical Life (independence skills, fine motor development, care of the environment), Sensorial (refining the senses and preparing for abstract learning), Language Arts (phonics, reading, writing, grammar), Mathematics (concrete-to-abstract progression through counting, operations, and geometry), and Cultural Studies (science, geography, history, art, and music). Children work with physical Montessori materials that make abstract concepts tangible, building deep understanding rather than memorization.

Yes. We offer extended care options at all four campuses. Please contact your preferred campus directly for current before and after school care availability, hours, and pricing.

Yes! Our Summer Camp programs run throughout the summer at all four campuses and feature themed weekly programs, outdoor exploration, arts and crafts, music, water play, and special events. Summer camp is open to currently enrolled students as well as new families who would like to experience International Montessori Schools before the regular school year begins. Children 6 weeks to 6 years are welcome. Call 484-661-0584 for the current summer schedule and registration details.

The enrollment process begins with a phone call or email to our admissions office (484-661-0584 or admissions@imschools.net). We will answer your questions, check availability at your preferred campus, and schedule a tour. After your tour, we send you enrollment paperwork and a list of required documents (health records). We accept applications on a rolling basis throughout the year early application is encouraged as infant and toddler spots fill quickly. View full admissions guide →

Tuition varies by program (infant, toddler, preschool/kindergarten), schedule (full-time or part-time), and campus. Because our rates are reviewed annually and vary by enrollment option, we share current pricing directly during the admissions process. Please call us at 484-661-0584 or email admissions@imschools.net for the current tuition schedule for the program and campus you are interested in.

Spaces in our programs particularly for infants and toddlers fill quickly. We encourage families to reach out as early as possible. If a spot is not immediately available, we will place your child on our waitlist and contact you when an opening occurs. Call 484-661-0584 to check current availability at any campus.

Yes. We offer full-time and part-time enrollment options for many programs, subject to availability. Part-time schedules typically cover mornings or specific days of the week. Availability varies by campus and program contact us at 484-661-0584 to discuss the schedule that works best for your family.

Yes. Children do not need to be toilet trained to enroll in our Pre-Primary (toddler) program. Toilet learning is a natural part of the toddler curriculum, and our educators work in close partnership with families to support this milestone at each child's own pace. Children in our Primary program (ages 3–6) are typically expected to be toilet trained or actively working toward it.

We are committed to making quality Montessori education accessible to as many families as possible. Please contact our admissions office at 484-661-0584 or admissions@imschools.net to discuss financial assistance options and any subsidy programs that may apply to your family.

A typical Montessori school day begins with a long, uninterrupted work period (approximately 3 hours) during which children choose their own Montessori activities with guidance from their teachers. This is followed by outdoor play, circle time, lunch, rest time for younger children, and afternoon activities. Our campuses are open Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM, with core school hours during the morning.

All campuses are open Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM. We are closed on major holidays and during scheduled school breaks. Contact your preferred campus for specific holiday schedules:

• Malvern: 610-644-2221
• Paoli: 610-640-3864
• West Chester: 610-399-6699
• Royersford: 610-938-5694

We do not currently offer a school-provided lunch program at our campuses. Families are welcome to send a packed lunch with their child. Please contact your preferred campus directly for details about meal arrangements and any snacks provided during the school day.

We offer enrichment programs at all four campuses to complement the core Montessori curriculum, including music and movement, visual arts, foreign language introduction, yoga and mindfulness for children, and STEM exploration. Call 484-661-0584 for the current enrichment schedule at your preferred campus.

We maintain low student-to-teacher ratios across all programs to ensure individualized attention for every child. Our ratios meet or exceed Pennsylvania state licensing requirements and Montessori best-practice guidelines. Specific ratios vary by program and age group call 484-661-0584 for current details at your campus of interest.

We strongly encourage all prospective families to visit a campus before enrolling. Tours are available by appointment and typically last 30–45 minutes. You can schedule a tour by calling 484-661-0584, emailing admissions@imschools.net, or booking online here. During the tour you will see the classrooms in action, meet the educators, and have all your questions answered.

No preparation is needed just bring yourself and any questions you have! If you would like to bring your child, that is welcome and can help you observe how they respond to the Montessori environment. Tours typically last 30–45 minutes. You will speak with a director or admissions coordinator and receive information about programs, schedules, and tuition.

International Montessori Schools has four campuses across the greater Philadelphia Main Line PA area:

• Malvern: 315 Central Avenue, Malvern PA 19355 610-644-2221
• Paoli: 1510 Russell Road, Paoli PA 19301 610-640-3864
• West Chester: 1385 Birmingham Road, West Chester PA 19382 610-399-6699
• Royersford: 70 Buckwalter Road Suite 750, Royersford PA 19468 610-938-5694

We serve families from Malvern, Paoli, Wayne, Berwyn, Devon, Frazer, Exton, Downingtown, West Chester, Thorndale, Collegeville, Phoenixville, King of Prussia, and surrounding areas. View all campuses →