Joining Our Community

Moss & Heart Montessori welcomes children 1 through 6 years of age.

Our mixed-age classroom allows children to grow within a familiar, thoughtfully prepared environment throughout early childhood. As children develop, the classroom evolves alongside them, with Montessori Primary materials and lessons gradually introduced to support each child's changing needs.

To ensure each child receives the full benefit of the Montessori experience, we typically welcome new students through 3½ years of age. Exceptions may be considered for children with previous Montessori experience, as familiarity with the Montessori environment supports a smooth transition.

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.

Enrollment begins with an inquiry form, followed by a classroom tour and application.

Because we intentionally maintain a small community, enrollment is a thoughtful process rather than simply filling the next available space. When an opening becomes available, we consider each child's age, developmental readiness, schedule, and the overall balance of the classroom community.

Our goal is to create a peaceful, connected environment where every child can thrive.

We welcome new children throughout the year as space allows. Because we intentionally maintain a small, close-knit community, we thoughtfully welcome new children one at a time (or in small groups) to support a smooth transition into the classroom.

Rather than maintaining a numbered waitlist, we keep a waiting pool of interested families. When an opening becomes available, we consider which child is the best fit for the current classroom community, taking into account factors such as age, developmental readiness, schedule, and group dynamics.

This thoughtful approach allows us to protect the balance of the classroom while ensuring each child receives the individualized attention, support, and time they need to feel comfortable, build relationships, and settle into their new environment.

Starting school is a big transition—for children and parents alike. We intentionally move slowly, allowing children to build trust, confidence, and familiarity before settling into their new rhythm.

Children are warmly welcome to attend their family's tour. Many parents have shared that watching their child explore the classroom and interact with the environment helps them feel confident in their enrollment decision.

Within the week leading up to a child's first day, families return for a 30-minute Meet & Greet with the Guide. This relaxed visit gives children an opportunity to become re-familiarized with the classroom and reconnect with their Guide, helping establish a sense of comfort and security before their first day. It also provides families with dedicated time to ask any last-minute questions and review what to expect during those first days.

During the first week, children typically attend mornings and return home after lunch to nap in their familiar environment. This gradual transition allows children to first build confidence in the classroom before introducing naps at school. If additional time would better support a child's adjustment, we may recommend continuing this schedule for a second week, though this has not yet been necessary.

Every child transitions differently, and we partner closely with families throughout the process to support each child's individual needs.

One of the greatest gifts of being a small school is that every child is truly known.

We notice the small milestones, celebrate new interests, understand each child's temperament, and build relationships that help children feel secure, confident, and deeply valued.

Our mixed-age classroom allows younger children to learn from older classmates, while older children naturally develop leadership, patience, and empathy as they support those around them.

We believe children thrive when they have time to develop meaningful relationships, engage deeply with their work, spend time outdoors, and grow at their own pace.

Our classroom follows authentic Montessori principles, including uninterrupted work periods, mixed-age learning, child-sized materials, freedom within clear limits, and individualized lessons presented by an AMI-trained Montessori Guide.

Children learn through purposeful, hands-on experiences that support independence, concentration, confidence, problem-solving, and a genuine love of learning.

Each day follows a gentle, predictable rhythm that balances freedom, responsibility, movement, rest, and connection.

Our mornings typically begin outdoors before children transition into an uninterrupted Montessori work cycle lasting up to three hours. During this time, children choose purposeful work, receive individualized lessons, prepare food, care for the classroom, and engage deeply with the prepared environment.

The afternoon includes outdoor exploration, shared meals, rest or nap for younger children, quiet work for older children, and additional opportunities for meaningful engagement.

View our Daily Rhythm here.

Children are supported by multiple adults throughout much of the day, allowing for individualized guidance while preserving children's independence.

Staffing varies slightly based on enrollment and attendance while always meeting or exceeding Oregon licensing requirements.

Children in our Toddler Community do not need to be toilet independent.

Children entering Children's House tuition are expected to independently use the toilet, manage clothing, wipe themselves, and wash their hands. If a child turns three before these skills are established, they may continue under Toddler Community tuition until they are developmentally ready.

Yes. Morning snack, lunch, and afternoon snack are included.

Meals are one of our favorite parts of the day. Children gather together family-style, practice conversation and grace and courtesy, serve themselves, try new foods, and participate in caring for their shared space.

Meals are prepared with wholesome ingredients and are designed to support both nourishment and independence.

Yes. Outdoor time is an essential part of our day.

Whether we are gardening, observing nature, caring for our environment, moving our bodies, or simply enjoying time together outdoors, children have daily opportunities to explore beyond the classroom walls.

Our guiding philosophy is:

"There's no such thing as inclement weather—only inclement clothing."

Unless weather conditions are unsafe, children spend time outside every day. During pleasant weather, the classroom doors are often open, allowing children to move naturally between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Yes. From time to time, our class enjoys short neighborhood walks to places that spark children's curiosity, such as construction sites, parks, fountains, or the local hardware store when a classroom repair is needed.

These simple adventures help children connect with their community while supporting observation, conversation, and practical life experiences.

Children rest on individual nap mats within the classroom environment. Families provide a sheet and blanket or sleep sack, and children may bring a small lovey if desired. Children 24 months and older may also bring a small pillow.

Nap transitions are staggered, allowing the Guide to provide calm, individualized support as each child settles. Children are gently awoken after approximately three hours or by 4:00 PM, whichever comes first.

We ask families to provide items that support comfort, independence, and participation throughout the day.

Children should bring:

• Water bottle

• Wet bag

• Several complete changes of seasonally appropriate clothing

• Outdoor clothing appropriate for the weather

• Nap bedding, if applicable

• Diapers, wipes, and diaper cream, if applicable

Children enrolled in Children's House (ages 3–6) should wear shoes they can put on and remove independently. Closed-toe shoes with secure heels are recommended. Crocs are not recommended for everyday classroom use.

A complete packing list will be provided before your child's first day.

We use Brightwheel throughout the day to share photos, daily updates, meals, naps, and classroom moments.

Amy is also available by email for larger questions and conversations. We value strong partnerships with families and believe open communication helps children feel supported between home and school.

Not at this time.

As a newer program, we do not yet meet Preschool for All's eligibility requirements based on years of operation. While we strongly support initiatives that increase access to high-quality early childhood education, participation must also align with our educational philosophy and the individualized care we provide.

We remain open to learning more as the program evolves and exploring future participation if there is alignment with our mission.

Choosing a school is a meaningful decision, and we'd love to help.

Whether you are just beginning to explore Montessori or are looking for the right community for your child, we are happy to answer questions, share more about our approach, and welcome you for a visit.