Admission process

(Columbia Campus)

Exploring Aya for your children? Learn about our admission process to stay informed.

We are thrilled about your interest in registering your child at Aya Montessori’s Columbia Campus! Below are the steps to guide you through the process for our upcoming academic year. If you're seeking immediate enrollment, registration can be completed based on availability.

Steps to Enroll

1. Attend a Virtual Info Session

The admission journey begins with a Virtual Information Session. During this meeting, you will connect with a member of our administrative team, learn more about our Montessori philosophy, and gain an overview of our programs and school community.

  • Sessions are offered monthly throughout the year and bi-weekly between December and February during admission season.

  • Attendance is required before moving forward with the next steps.

2. Schedule an In-person Tour

After completing the virtual info session, families will receive a link to schedule an in-person tour of our Columbia campus.

Tours are held during school hours so you can explore our beautiful environments and experience the Montessori environment firsthand.

3. Submit Application + Registration Fee

Once you have toured Aya, you may submit the online application form along with the non-refundable $100 registration fee (via PayPal or Zelle or the New Aya App).

  • Applications will not be processed without the registration fee.

  • Registration for the upcoming academic year opens January 2nd at 9:00 AM.

  • Priority is given to current Aya families, siblings, and new applicants who apply between January 1st and March 1st.

  • Applications received after March 1st will be placed on the waitlist and considered as spots become available.

  • All applicants will receive acceptance notifications by Mid-Late May.

  • For applications submitted after the beginning of a new school year, processing depends on availability.

Note: A new application must be submitted each year if a child is not currently enrolled. Applications do not carry over to subsequent years.

4. Admission Interview + Class Visit (for Elementary Applicants only)

Once your application is received, families are invited to an interview with our Head of School to ensure that your educational goals and expectations align with Aya Montessori’s mission and the Montessori pedagogy.

  • Primary program applicants (ages 3–6) must demonstrate independence in feeding, dressing, and bathroom needs. Priority is given to bathroom-independent 3-year-olds.

  • Kindergarten applicants must be 5 years old before September 1st and have prior AMI Montessori experience. A full lesson report and a class visit are required before final enrollment.

  • Elementary applicants (Grades 1–6) participate in an extended process:

    • Submission of parent documentation (School Record Release Authorization, Teacher Recommendation Form, and Parent Questionnaire).

    • A class visit in March or April, where applicants shadow group lessons, receive one-on-one lessons, socialize with peers, and are assessed for readiness in a Montessori environment.

    • A decision letter is sent by mid-to-late April, contingent on availability.

5. Acceptance + Submit Paperwork

If accepted, families complete the enrollment process by:

  • Submitting required paperwork, including health forms, vaccination records, emergency forms, birth certificate, and any relevant medical or developmental forms (such as allergy/asthma authorizations, feeding plans, or activity schedules).

  • Downloading the Aya App (www.ayamontessori.app) which is the main communication tool with the school.

  • Creating a parent account in Transparent Classroom (for enrollment forms) and setting up billing via BrightWheel.

  • Submitting a deposit equal to two weeks of tuition to secure your child’s spot.

    • A 50% refund is available if withdrawn before April 30th.

    • No refunds after May 1st.

    • Deposits for enrollments after May 1st are non-refundable.

  • Attending a House Visit in July, where families meet the teacher and help the child transition into the classroom community. If starting during the academic year, a house visit will be arranged.

  • Participating in Parent Orientation before the school year begins or by attending the self-paced orientation.

Summer Camp Admission Process

Summer Camp enrollment follows a separate process:

  • Applications are processed within one week, based on availability.

  • Accepted families will join Transparent Classroom for forms, set up billing in BrightWheel, and receive monthly invoices.

  • All required forms must be submitted before the first day of camp.