FAQs
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Frequently Asked Questions
What ages does Seneca Village Montessori serve?
Seneca Village Montessori serves children ages 2 to 5 years old across two programs: our Infant/Toddler Program (ages 18 months–3) and our Preschool Program (ages 3–5). Visit our Programs page to learn more.
What does a typical day look like?
Each day at SVMS is purposeful, warm, and full of discovery. Our daily routine includes community circle time — where children gather for songs, discussions, and morning affirmations — followed by the Montessori Work Cycle, during which children choose and engage in self-directed work across areas including Literacy, Mathematics, Sensorial Development, and Practical Life.
Throughout the day, children also enjoy indoor and outdoor play, music and movement, arts and crafts, quiet rest time, and enrichment experiences including gardening, cooking, and creative exploration.
How many teachers are in each classroom?
At Seneca Village Montessori, maintaining a low child-to-teacher ratio is a top priority. This allows us to give each child the attention, guidance, and care they deserve.
There are always two adults present in every classroom to ensure a safe and supportive environment:
- Toddler Classroom: 2 teachers for up to 12 children
- Preschool & Kindergarten Classrooms: 2 teachers for up to 13 children
This structure helps us create calm, connected classrooms where every child feels seen, supported, and empowered to grow.
Does my child need to be toilet-trained to attend?
No. We meet each child where they are developmentally and are happy to partner with families to support toileting goals as part of the natural learning process.
Do you offer financial aid?
Seneca Village Montessori does not have a formal financial aid program. However, we gladly accept all childcare subsidies and voucher programs, including HRA and ACS vouchers. Families using subsidy programs may also be considered for scholarships to help cover the remaining cost of base tuition, making our programs more accessible to all.
Do you provide meals?
Yes. We provide a wholesome, balanced menu that includes breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snack every day. Fresh fruit and water are also available throughout the day. All meals are included in tuition — no extra cost.
Do you follow the NYC Department of Education calendar?
Seneca Village Montessori is proud to offer year-round educational support. Families can choose between our:
- 10-month program (September to June)
- 12-month program (September to August)
To support families with school-aged children, we make every effort to align our calendar with the NYC Department of Education.
For a detailed overview of holidays, closures, and important dates, please view our academic calendar.
Where do children go after SVMS?
Our graduates go on to attend some of New York City’s most respected schools. Many earn merit-based scholarships, a reflection of the strong academic and social-emotional foundation they built here. Alumni schools include BASIS Independent Brooklyn, Brooklyn Friends School, Brooklyn Heights Montessori, The Dalton School, Poly Prep, Saint Ann’s School, Ember Charter School, and several NYC public schools with strong programming.
How do I enroll my child?
We encourage all interested families to begin with a school tour. Seeing SVMS in person is the best way to understand what makes our community special. After your tour, you can complete our online application through the Apply page on our website.
If no tour dates are currently listed, please contact us directly to schedule a visit.
How many spots are available each year?
Availability varies each year. We give priority enrollment to currently enrolled families and siblings of current students. Once all returning families have had the opportunity to re-enroll, we typically have 3 to 7 spots available for new families.
What is the Montessori Method?
The Montessori method is a child-centered approach to education, developed by Dr. Maria Montessori over a century ago and now used in schools around the world. It is built on the belief that children have a natural desire to learn — and that the role of the educator is to support that drive rather than direct it.
In a Montessori classroom, children of mixed ages work at their own pace with carefully designed materials that build progressively from concrete skills to abstract understanding. Teachers observe closely and introduce new concepts when each child is ready. The environment itself is a teacher.
The Montessori method develops the whole child: fostering independence, self-regulation, social responsibility, creative thinking, and academic readiness simultaneously.
What does Montessori learning look like in practice?
On any given day in our classrooms, you might see a three-year-old carefully pouring water between pitchers, strengthening concentration and hand-eye coordination. A four-year-old working with sandpaper letters to connect sound and symbol. A five-year-old helping a younger child lace their shoes.
Children move freely within the prepared environment, choosing their work, practicing until mastery, and progressing at their own pace. Teachers guide without hovering. The classroom is calm but full of life. Learning is visible
Still have questions? Contact us.
