Pincushion Hill

Admissions

How enrollment works

  1. 1
    Reach out
    Send us a message or book a slot directly from this page. We'll be in touch to confirm and share what to expect.
    Free · No commitment
  2. 2
    Observation tour
    Visit the school to observe a classroom in session, walk the space, and speak with our staff. This is your chance to evaluate the fit firsthand.
    30 min · Free
  3. 3
    Your personal family page
    If you'd like to bring your child in, we send you a private link to your family page. You pick a date, tell us a little about your child, and get everything you need to prepare for the visit.
    Private link · No account needed
  4. 4
    Your child visits the classroom
    Your child spends part of a school day with the class. Our teachers will invite but never push. They observe how your child explores, connects, and settles into the environment.
    Classroom visit · School in session
  5. 5
    Teacher's report
    Shortly after the visit, your lead teacher writes a personal note about what they noticed, how your child engaged, and why they'd thrive here. It appears on your family page.
    Private · On your family page
  6. 6
    Sign & pay
    Ready to enroll? Review and sign the contract from your family page or in person at the school. First month's tuition and registration fee are collected at signing.
    Sign & pay · Online or in person
  7. 7
    Welcome to Pincushion Hill
    Your family account is created automatically. Welcome packet, supply list, and first-day details, all in one place ahead of your child's first day.
    Family account · No paperwork

Before enrollment

What you'll need at signing

  • Child's birth certificate
    A copy is fine, used to confirm your child's age and eligibility for the appropriate program.
  • Immunization records
    All vaccinations required by your local jurisdiction per school enrollment policy.
  • Payment method
    Tuition and any applicable fees are collected at signing. Your school will share the exact amount and payment options ahead of time.

Timing

When to reach out

Pincushion Hill uses rolling admissions; there is no single deadline. Seats are offered on a first-come basis after the student visit.

For September enrollment, we recommend scheduling your observation tour by March. Toddler and Children's House spots fill quickly, especially full-day. A waiting list is maintained when programs are at capacity.

FAQ

Common questions

  • Does my child need prior Montessori experience?

    No. Most children at Pincushion Hill start with no prior Montessori exposure. Our teachers introduce the environment and materials at the child's own pace, typically over the first few weeks.

  • Does my child need to be toilet trained?

    For the Toddler program, toilet training is not required. We actively support the process as part of the practical life curriculum. For Children's House enrollment, basic toilet independence is expected.

  • Can we transfer mid-year?

    Yes. We accept mid-year transfers when space is available. Contact us and we'll let you know current availability and arrange a tour.

  • How does Montessori progress compare to a traditional school?

    Children's House graduates are typically at or above first-grade benchmarks in reading and mathematics. We're happy to walk you through how our curriculum maps to Massachusetts learning standards. Just ask during your tour.

  • What is the student-to-teacher ratio?

    Toddler classrooms have a maximum of 8 children with 2 adults. Children's House classrooms accommodate up to 18 children with a lead teacher and an assistant. The mixed-age model means older students also support younger ones.

Ready to take the first step?

Schedule an observation tour. It's free, takes 45 minutes, and answers most questions better than any webpage can.

Schedule a tour