Admissions · Rolling enrollment
Now Enrolling: Montessori Admissions in Poway
You found us just in time. With rolling enrollment, it's not too late to join CMS this school year or plan ahead for next year.
Prefer to talk first? Call (858) 673-1756
Already toured? Apply online
- WASC accredited
- Full member of AMS
- Nonprofit since 1989
- Ages 2½ through 5th grade
- 5.0 ★ on Google
Admissions inquiry
Tell us about your child
A tour is the best way to see the Montessori difference, but if you're not ready to visit yet, start here. It only takes a minute, and our admissions team usually replies within one school day.
How enrollment works
From first visit to first day
Every family starts with a tour and an online application. After that, the next steps depend on your child's age.
1Tour the school
See classrooms in action, meet our teachers and talk with us about which program fits your child best.
2Apply online
When you're ready to move forward, complete our online application. Start the application
Preschool & KindergartenAges 2½ to 5
- Readiness visit. Bring your child to visit. They'll do a few activities with a teacher, usually our principal, who is also a Montessori teacher. It isn't a test, just a relaxed chance for us to get to know your child.
- Classroom and playground visit. Together with you, we take your child to see the classrooms and playgrounds, so school starts to feel familiar and fun.
- Enrollment offer. After the visit, you'll receive an official enrollment offer and your enrollment packet.
- Your start date. We work with you toward the start date you'd like.
- New family orientation. Before the first day, you'll visit your child's classroom and meet their teachers.
ElementaryGrades 1–5
- Academic records. Share your child's school records, from kindergarten through the most recent available.
- Half-day visit. Your child spends a morning with us, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. A classroom buddy shows them where to put their lunch box and joins them for the day's lessons and activities.
- Time with teachers. During the visit, teachers work one-on-one with your child to see where they fit in the classroom academically.
- Teacher recommendation. After the visit, our admissions director follows up with the teachers for their recommendation.
- Enrollment offer. You'll receive your enrollment offer and packet, and we work with you toward your child's start date.
- New family orientation. Before the first day, you'll visit your child's classroom and meet their teachers.
Who we enroll
Is your child ready for CMS?
Children can start preschool at age 2.5 and continue with us through 5th grade. Here's what we look for at each level. If you're not sure, bring your questions on a tour.
Preschool & KindergartenMontessori Early Childhood
- Preschool: at least 2 years, 6 months old by September 1 of the school year, and toilet-trained.
- Kindergarten: 5 years old by September 1 of the school year.
ElementaryGrades 1–5
At least 6 years old by September 1. Students are ready when they can:
- Write their name and numbers
- Read phonetically and recognize words
- Put their needs into words
- Concentrate on and complete a task
- Take direction from an adult and follow classroom rules
- Choose their work independently and get along well with peers and adults
★★★★★ 5.0 on Google
What new CMS families say
“We moved here from the Bay Area just under a year ago. It was a big transition for our 4 year old. Her teachers … have been so instrumental in helping her adjust to a new school, new rules, and new friends.”
“The teachers are truly some of the best I’ve ever encountered—caring, knowledgeable, and deeply invested in each child’s growth. … The level of individualized attention and whole-child development here is unmatched.”
“Over the years, I have recommended CMS to several families, and every one of them has shared the same positive experience. That says so much about the consistency, quality, and heart of this school.”
Questions
Admissions questions
Is it too late to enroll at Country Montessori School?
No. Country Montessori School has rolling enrollment, so we accept applications throughout the year. Space in some programs is limited, so we recommend booking a tour or sending an inquiry soon.
Can my child start in the middle of the school year?
Yes, when space is available. Once your child is offered a place, we work with you toward the start date you'd like.
Do I need to tour before I apply?
Most families tour first, then apply. If you've already visited, have a child at CMS, or are moving to the area and can't tour yet, you can start your application anytime.
Is the preschool readiness visit a test?
No. It's an informal visit where your child does a few activities with a teacher, usually our principal, so we can get to know them. Afterward, we visit the classrooms and playgrounds together.
What happens during the elementary visit day?
After we receive your child's academic records, your child joins a classroom from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. A student buddy helps them settle in, they take part in the day's lessons and activities, and teachers work one-on-one with them to see where they fit academically.
What ages does Country Montessori School enroll?
Children ages 2.5 through 5th grade. Preschoolers must be at least 2 years, 6 months old by September 1 and toilet-trained. Kindergarteners must be 5 by September 1, and elementary students at least 6 by September 1.
Do families come from outside Poway?
Yes. Most of our families live or commute within 15–20 minutes of campus, from Poway, Rancho Bernardo (RB), Rancho Peñasquitos (PQ), Scripps Ranch, 4S Ranch, Escondido and across North County Inland. Some even come from Fallbrook, Ramona and Mission Valley.
How much is tuition?
For 2026–2027, preschool, kindergarten and elementary tuition is $16,700 per year, and the half-day Transition program for 3-year-olds is $13,150 per year, payable in 10 monthly installments. See tuition and fees for care, discounts and financial assistance.
It's not too late
Let's get your child started
Send us a quick inquiry or apply online. We're here to help every step of the way.
12642 Monte Vista Rd, Poway, CA 92064 · (858) 673-1756