Frequently asked questions
What ages do you serve?
Northern Lights Montessori serves children ages 2.5 to 7 years old.
What should I expect when I come to visit your school?
If you would like a tour of either of our campuses, please call (425) 647 -3031 to schedule an appointment.
During your appointment, our admissions staff will take you on a guided tour of the campus, which includes some time for classroom observation as well. We will also be able to answer any questions you have regarding enrollment, curriculum or other questions that were not addressed on our website.
What if my child has never been in a school setting before?
Our experience has been that most children make a happy and successful transition to a school setting after a short period of adjustment. Some children might have difficulty adjusting but even then with the patient encouragement of our teachers, he or she usually succeeds in our school. We have a trial period of eight weeks. This period is used to observe your child’s adjustment and to talk about any concerns.
What days and times are classes held?
We have a wide range of programs available for your child. Program times vary from campus to campus. Please visit our Calendar for more info.
Does my child need to be potty trained before starting school?
Your child does not need to be potty trained before they start at our school. If your child is not yet potty trained, we will assist you in your potty training efforts.
Do you have any special classes for the children?
We offer Spanish, dance, drama and music classes along with arts & crafts lessons every week.
What about social and emotional development?
We believe that the child should be respected as an individual and we nurture each child’s social and emotional development by providing daily activities in the classroom. These activities foster self-esteem, independent learning and personal achievement.
Do you have Parent-Teacher conferences or how will I know how my child is doing in school?
NLMS schedules Parent–Teacher conferences each semester. However if you have questions regarding your child’s progress or would just like to check in with your child’s teacher before the conference, we encourage parents to set up extra appointments to speak with our head teachers or our academic director.
Are you exclusive to the redmond area?
While our campus is located in Redmond, we are not limited to serving families in that area. We welcome students from all surrounding communities and are proud to be a diverse and inclusive school. Families from across the region are encouraged to inquire and join our Montessori community.
Do you have any accreditation or licensing?
Yes, Northern Lights Montessori is a proud member of the American Montessori Society (AMS). As an AMS member school, we are committed to maintaining high standards of Montessori education, including properly trained teachers, a child-centered environment, and a curriculum aligned with Montessori principles.
In addition, we operate in full compliance with Washington State licensing requirements for early childhood education. Our programs are designed to meet both state regulations and the expectations of the broader Montessori community.
