Admissions and Enrollment Information
After the decision of where to live and work, no decision is more important - or more intensely personal - than the decision of where to send one's child to school. As you critically important questions like "Does the School reflect and reinforce my own deeply held parental values and belief?" and "Does the School provide the most invigorating educational environment possible for my child?", we are here to answer your questions, discuss your child, and share our philosophy and approach with you.
If you are considering The Elizabeth Ann Clune Montessori School of Ithaca for your child's education, you should plan to come to the school to visit with our Directresses and Directors, to seek out parents, and to speak with us. Open houses are held in the spring, or you may call the school to set up an appointment (classroom observations may be scheduled on Tuesdays throughout the school year). Then, if you like what you see and year, plan to come back and spend more time with us so that together we can begin to map an educational future for your child.
While applications will be accepted at any time, tuition for a given school year will be set the previous January and registrations accepted at that time. Parents of currently enrolled students are asked to indicate their commitment by February 15th in order to ensure a place for their child. Registrations for new students will then be processed in the order received.
To register and reserve a space, a one-time, non-refundable administrative fee of $200 must be paid, together with a deposit of 10% of the year's tuition. The remainder of the tuition may be paid according to one of three payment plans: in a single payment (July), in two payments (August and January), or in ten monthly payments (July - April). Together with a signed contract, you must provide proof of your residence (for school district funding purposes), a copy of each student's birth certificate, and required health and immunization records.
Special Students
Many children whose development has been frustrated in other school environments can thrive in the supportive, challenging, and personalized classes at The Elizabeth Ann Clune Montessori School, just as Elizabeth did. Handicapped, underachieving, and exceptionally gifted students will be considered for admission on an individual basis.
Tuition
Tuition for each year is set the preceding January. Current annual tuition, for the 2008-2009 school year, is as follows (for the single-payment plan; other plans are slightly higher):
- Primary Program (1/2 day): $5,990
- Full-day Primary: $7,690
- Extended Day: $7,720
- Junior Level: $7,890
- Upper Level: $8,190
- Adolescent Program (Middle School): $8,900
There is a $400 per child discount for the second and subsequent children from a single family.
Extra costs may be payable for field trips and other activities that are a part of the curriculum; in 2008-2009, most of these costs will be covered by an activities fee, which depends on the program level, and is collected either at the beginning of the year (Primary through Junior Level), or in two installments in September and January (Upper Level and Middle School). Contact us for more information.
Transportation
Busing is available to elementary and middle school age children. Public school districts are required by New York State to provide transportation for students if the distance from home to school is 15 miles or less. The deadline for application, which must be in writing, is April 1; forms are available from the school office.
The Elizabeth Ann Clune Montessori School of Ithaca
120 East King Road, Ithaca, New York 14850
Phone: (607) 277-7335, Fax: (607) 277-0251, Email:
