The Enrollment and Admissions Process
1.
Complete this short form to connect with our Director of Admissions.
2.
Submit an application and the application fee for consideration.
3.
How It Works
During the admissions process, we look to see if our school, its culture and methods are a good fit for your child and family. Montessori is an alternative to traditional modes of education, and requires a close partnership between families and the classroom. To do this, we provide time for you to see our program in action. This is the best way to determine if you are ready to apply.
Although we wish we could provide every applicant admission to our school, we give priority to families with children who are currently enrolled in our school. We also strive to maintain a balance of age ranges and gender in our mixed-age classrooms to create a healthy, thriving community.
Start your admissions process by completing this outreach form or by contacting our Director of Admissions for more information.
Completion of any or all steps does not guarantee admittance to our program.
Non-Discrimination
The Portland Montessori School admits students of any race, color, sexual orientation, national origin, religious and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School. The Portland Montessori School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sexual orientation, national origin, religious and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies and other school-administered policies.
Preschool For All
Preschool for All (PFA) connects families in Multnomah County to free, inclusive, culturally responsive early education.
Click here for more information & to apply.
Preschool Promise
Preschool Promise works to provide FREE high quality preschool programs to Oregon families. We are excited to partner with Preschool Promise and Early Learning Multnomah to make Montessori education more accessible.
To submit an application for the incoming school year, visit the parent portal.
School History
The Portland Montessori School, formerly Providence Montessori School, was founded in September 1962 under the direction of Sister Francella LaFramboise, who studied extensively at Montessori institutes in both the United States and Europe. In 2012, the school celebrated its 50th birthday, and we have the proud distinction of being the first Montessori school in the Northwest.
THE TRANSITION TO THE PORTLAND MONTESSORI SCHOOL
On January 1, 2013, Providence Montessori School officially became The Portland Montessori School, an independent, non-profit school. This successful transition resulted from the dedicated efforts of the school community, and the hard work of many parents, teachers and staff. Providence Health Systems, the organization that previously operated the school, also provided significant support throughout the transition. Now operating independently, the school is guided by a board of directors with active involvement and input from an engaged parent advisory committee (PAC). Our school retains its former character and community, including its rich history of providing a Montessori education to Portland-area children.
AN APPROACH TO EDUCATION DEVELOPED BY DR. MARIA MONTESSORI
At The Portland Montessori School, we educate children according to the Montessori method of education developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, the first female physician in Italy, and a pioneer in the study of child development. This method is based on her work with developmentally challenged and underprivileged children in Italy, which she began after graduating from medical school in 1896. The approach quickly earned worldwide acclaim and became a standard approach to educating children.
THE MONTESSORI APPROACH
In a Montessori education, children learn concepts while working in a carefully prepared environment designed to stimulate each child’s interest and understanding. Children work independently and in small groups with mixed-ages ranging approximately three years. Because a Montessori education instills the value of caring for our earth, the classroom often extends to the outdoors. The Montessori approach helps each child develop according to his or her inner clock. The guide, or teacher, acts as a catalyst in each child’s unique journey of development and aids them in their natural process of growth and learning.
The time-tested principles, methods and materials used in a Montessori education are scientifically supported and researched. After more than a century, this method continues to work because of its foundation in both observable and inherent human developmental principles that Dr. Montessori explored during her many decades of scientific observation and practice.



