Joining Our Community

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A Montessori Invitation

At Moss + Heart Montessori, every child is welcomed with care and intention, ensuring a smooth and respectful transition into our nurturing environment.

Enrollment for Winter 2026 is now open. To honor the natural rhythm of Montessori learning, we welcome children through 3.5 years of age. We may also make exceptions for children born near January 2022, helping to create opportunities for learning and growth alongside peers at a similar developmental stage. Children with prior Montessori experience are also considered for enrollment, so they can integrate seamlessly into our thoughtfully prepared classrooms.

We invite families seeking a deeply personalized Montessori journey to connect with us. Together, we can explore whether our program’s gentle pace, intimate setting, and commitment to excellence are the right fit for your child.

Tuition + Fees

Schedule

Moss & Heart Montessori is a year-round program, following PPS schedule during the academic year. During the summer months, Federal holidays are observed and school is off for two weeks around July 4th.

Full Day: 8:15 AM to 4:45 PM

Half-day: 8:15 AM to 12:15 PM

Toddler Community  
1 + 2 Years

Enrollment Schedule Days Times Monthly Tuition
Full Day, 5 Days Monday-Friday 8:15 AM - 4:45 PM $2,599
Full Day, 4 Days M-Th or T-F 8:15 AM - 4:45 PM $2,335
Full Day, 3 Days M-W, T-Th, or W-F 8:15 AM - 4:45 PM $1,969
Mornings, 4 Days M-Th or T-F 8:15 AM - 12:15 PM $1,294
Mornings, 3 Days M-W or T-Th 8:15 AM - 12:15 PM $1,074

Children’s House
3-6 Years

Enrollment Schedule Days Times Monthly Tuition
Full Day, 5 Days Monday-Friday 8:15 AM - 4:45 PM $1,950
Full Day, 4 Days M-Th or T-F 8:15 AM - 4:45 PM $1,575
Mornings, 4 Days M-Th or T-F 8:15 AM - 12:15 PM $1,145

Children aged 1–3 years are welcome to apply for enrollment in our program. However, Children’s House tuition rates will only apply once a child reaches 3 years of age and demonstrates independent toileting skills without direct adult supervision. This includes the ability to independently manage clothing, such as pants and underwear, and to perform self-wiping. Until these milestones are achieved, Toddler Community tuition rates, as outlined in the previous table, will apply.

Annual Tuition Adjustment

Tuition at Moss & Heart Montessori increases by 5% annually, with adjustments taking effect each July. This annual adjustment allows us to maintain a high-quality Montessori environment, and support our dedicated staff.

Program Fees Amount Frequency
Application $25 One time payment. Applied to Enrollment.
Enrollment $150 One time payment.
Materials $350 Due at the beginning of the school year.
Deposit: Last Month's Tuition Based on Enrollment Schedule The deposit secures your child’s spot in the program and will be applied to their final month’s tuition, provided we receive at least 90 days’ notice of withdrawal.
Monthly Tuition Based on Enrollment Schedule Billed the first day of each month.

Qualified teachers are essential to society.

We acknowledge that our tuition is higher than similar programs in our area. We believe that for our teaching team to be fully present, patient, and connected to each child throughout the day, our own needs must be met. Moss + Heart's tuition ensures that all staff, including Assistants, are paid a family wage, and are able to take time off for illnesses or other needs. Caring for  basic needs, doing so with intention, reflection, passion, and constant modeling and teaching, is valuable to our community - and humanity at large. Our structure allows teachers to take time for themselves when needed so they can show up ready and fully prepared to teach.

As our school grows and we begin to generate profit, we plan to invest back into the community - by donating to charitable organizations creating opportunities for more children to access Montessori Education and offering greater benefits to staff, such as paid family leave.

Future Expansion

At this time, Moss & Heart welcomes children ages 12 months to 3+ years in our Toddler Community/Children’s House. Our current toddlers can continue their Montessori journey with us through age 6. Looking ahead, we plan to establish a Nido environment (ages 0-12 months) to support growing families in our community, with an opening date yet to be determined.

Enrollment Process

We’re excited to welcome new families into the Moss & Heart Montessori community.

  1. Schedule a Tour to Get Started
    We invite interested families to tour our school—tours are typically held on school days at 5 PM.

    To schedule a tour, please reach out to us at mossheartmontessori@gmail.com.

    After touring, if you feel that Moss & Heart is the right fit for your family, we welcome you to apply.

  2. Submit an Application
    To be considered for enrollment or placement on our waitlist, please complete the application form and email it to mossheartmontessori@gmail.com.

  3. Understanding Program Participation
    Families are considered for program participation with care given to maintaining a balanced age range within the classroom community.

    If we are unable to offer a spot immediately, your child will be placed on our waitlist for future openings.

  4. Complete the Enrollment Steps
    Once your application is accepted, submitting the enrollment fee will initiate the preparation of your child’s paperwork. Next steps include reading and signing the required school forms, and submitting payments for the last month’s tuition and the annual materials fee.

  5. Celebrate Your Child’s New Journey
    We look forward to celebrating the start of your child’s next adventure as they join a warm, nurturing Montessori environment where curiosity, independence, and joy in learning are at the heart of every day.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes. Moss & Heart Montessori is a Certified Family Child Care program licensed by the State of Oregon, and our home-based setting is thoughtfully prepared to be comfortable, safe, and nurturing for young children.

  • At this time, Moss & Heart Montessori does not participate in Preschool For All (PFA). As a newer program, we do not yet meet the eligibility requirements based on years of operation.

    While we strongly support initiatives that increase access to high-quality early childhood education, participation in any public program must align with our educational philosophy, community guidelines, and the way we support children and families.

    As a growing program, we look forward to continuing to learn about PFA as it evolves and remain open to participation in the future if alignment is present.

  • Moss & Heart Montessori serves children ages 1 to 4 years. As children grow, our classroom evolves alongside them, with Montessori Primary materials gradually introduced to support development through age 6. This approach allows children to continue their Montessori journey in a familiar, thoughtfully prepared environment.

    To ensure each child receives the full benefit of the Montessori experience, we enroll new students up to age 3.5. Exceptions may be considered for children with prior Montessori classroom experience, as familiarity with the Montessori approach supports a smooth and successful transition.

    This structure provides continuity, depth, and individualized support during these formative years.

  • We currently have 7 students. The classroom can comfortably accommodate up to 15 children as the community grows. Enrollment is intentionally slow and deliberate, with preference given to maintaining a balanced mix of ages and developmental stages.

  • Staffing is structured to support children and the flow of the day:

    • Monday–Thursday: Two adults in the environment, with three adults during lunch and until children are settled for rest or afternoon work.

    • Fridays: 1–2 adults, reflecting smaller attendance.

  • Our classroom follows authentic Montessori principles and materials. Children are free to explore, choose work, and repeat activities at their own pace in a carefully prepared environment that supports independence, concentration, and practical learning.

  • The morning begins outside, followed by a morning snack, and proceeds into a long, uninterrupted work period, lasting up to three hours, during which children engage deeply with Montessori materials.

    The general rhythm of the day is thoughtfully structured by the Guide, with many meaningful choices available to the children.

    The afternoon includes:

    • Outdoor time

    • Shared meals and snacks

    • Rest or nap for younger children

    • Quiet work for older children

    For a more detailed daily schedule, click here.

  • Yes, we aim to go outside every day. Our guiding principle is: no inclement weather, only inclement clothing.

    • On especially cold or hot days, children still go outside for at least 15 minutes, and we may complement that with gross motor activities indoors.

    • When the weather is pleasant, the door to the yard is often left open, allowing seamless movement between indoor and outdoor spaces.

    • During warmer months, many meals are enjoyed on the deck.

  • Children nap in the classroom environment on individual nap mats. Families provide a sheet and blanket or sleep sack, and children 24 months and older may bring a small pillow. Children may also bring a quiet lovey, if they choose.

    Nap transitions are staggered, allowing Guides to offer calm, individual support as each child settles. This time often allows for meaningful one-on-one attention, which we value deeply.

    The space is darkened, with a sound machine to support rest. Children are gently woken at 4:00 PM or after three hours, whichever comes first. We consider a quality nap to be a minimum of 90 minutes, and we aim to support each child in getting the rest they need.

  • Yes. Meals and snacks are provided at no extra cost and are an important part of the classroom day.

    Children enjoy simple, nourishing meals, thoughtfully prepared with:

    • Organic produce whenever possible

    • Whole or single-ingredient foods

    Our Culinary Collaborator enjoys introducing children to new foods and flavors, supporting both health and curiosity at the table.

    Further details about meals can be found here.

  • Yes, our cohort sometimes goes on short walks to nearby neighborhood spots, such as construction sites, fountains, or playgrounds.

  • We maintain a waiting pool and extend offers of enrollment with careful attention to the balance and composition of the current community, including age, development, and group dynamics.

    Because we also limit how many new children join at one time in order to support smooth, gentle transitions, this can occasionally mean a short wait even when a future opening is anticipated.

    Information about the enrollment process, timelines, and next steps can be found in the section above FAQs.