Admissions Policy & Procedure
Vision
Auburn House is a long-established independent school that provides an open
environment for children from early childhood to adolescence. The curriculum
and educational structure give children freedom to develop to their fullest,
socially, intellectually and creatively. The ethos of the school is founded on a
strong philosophy, the essence of which is the Montessori principle of respect for
the wellbeing of each individual, contributing towards the health of society.
Mission
Auburn House has a unique character, reflecting a balance of structure and order
with a non-formal and open approach. This allows the energies of the growing child
to be engaged freely, purposefully and naturally, while the teachers maintain the
educational focus through a carefully-planned environment and innovative
curriculum.
Our aim is to support to the best of our abilities each child’s developing
independence – physically, intellectually and emotionally – and to nourish the spirit
of each individual as they grow towards adulthood.
The Process
Before you decide to apply for a place for your child, we recommend that you make
an appointment to view the School and its facilities. The visit gives parents
the opportunity to meet the Head of School and to get a feel for the School
environment. Auburn House Montessori School accepts any child whose family is
interested in the Montessori Philosophy and Education as an approach to life. We
attempt to achieve a balance of age, gender and experience in each class.
Generally, we are not equipped to care for children with special needs. Therefore,
any such care is entirely at the option of the School and conditional upon the
consent of the Head of School. In all cases, the child must be able to participate
and substantially benefit from the programme without risk to him/herself or to the
other children.
No person shall on the basis of gender, religious belief or national origin be
excluded from participation, be denied the benefits of the School or be subject to
unfair discrimination.
Selection Criteria
When selecting children for places, we intend to enrol those children whose
families we consider will be a best fit for our Montessori School. Prospective
parents need to show a clear understanding of the Philosophy and Educational
method, and know that this is an approach to life.
Factors we may consider: the child’s history of learning in the Montessori
environment, the child’s overall suitability, application date, willingness of the
family to participate in activities to support the school, etc.
The School retains the right to make all enquiries necessary to obtain information
which may assist it to reach a decision in any particular case. All enquiries will
remain confidential. Confirmation or refusal of placement into the School remains
ultimately at the discretion of the Head of School.
We give special consideration to siblings and children transferring from other
Montessori programmes.
Preschool (3-6yrs)
Pre-school children must be aged three or older, fully toilet trained and be able to
communicate their needs clearly. Preference will be given to younger children
because it is important that they complete the three year cycle to adequately
prepare them for Primary school, especially if the child is to continue their primary
education within Montessori.
Primary (6-12yrs/Grade 1-6) and Middle School (12-15yrs/Grade 7-9)
For Junior Primary (6-9yrs/Grade 1-3) enrolment preference will be given to
children who have completed a minimum of two years at a Montessori pre-school.
In isolated instances we will accept a child who has little or no Montessori
experience but this will always be after careful consideration by the School and
after assessment by a class teacher. Montessori pre-school prepares the children
for Junior Primary in many ways. For example, children learn to respect the
equipment, and become used to working independently and constructively.
Montessori pre-school also helps children to learn to act responsibly within their
environment. Primary builds on these skills but it does not teach the fundamentals
required. This is why it is difficult to accept a child with no Montessori background
into a Junior Primary class.
Children with Montessori backgrounds who have attended mainstream schools
since leaving a Montessori pre-school may apply if they attended their Montessori
pre-school until they were six, for at least a minimum of two years prior. An
enrolment decision will depend on the eligibility and suitability of the child.
In Senior Primary (9-12yrs/Grade 4-6) children use the skills developed (3-6, 6-9) and
are being prepared for the Middle School and a variety of other High schools.
Applications from children from main stream schools are considered. An
enrolment decision will depend on the eligibility and suitability of the child and if
the child would benefit from the programme offered.
The Middle School (12-15yrs/Grade 7-9) prepares young individuals for a variety of
High schools or FET centers. All applications are considered. An enrolment
decision will depend on the eligibility and suitability of the individual and if they
would benefit from the programme offered.
The Application Process
- The Application form
For any potential pupil to be considered we must receive the completed online
application form, application fee and supporting documentation. We cannot
proceed with the application until we receive all the necessary information. The
applicant’s name is then entered onto the applicant’s list for the applicable year
and /or term.
Parents are strongly advised to submit applications as early as possible
because the application date is a factor in establishing priority in the event of
a shortage of places. It is important that applications for siblings are also
submitted timeously. - The Interview or Assessment
An interview or assessment will be required, depending on the age of the child
(usually from 41⁄2 to 15yr olds).
Preschool children will have an ‘interview’ with the class teacher, accompanied
by a parent.
Primary children will be required to visit the school for a minimum of 3 days and
a maximum of 5 days if the School feels that this is necessary.
For primary applicants, this is an opportunity for the child to experience first-
hand what the class is like and is also an opportunity for the teacher to meet
the child, to assess whether or not s/he is suited to the Montessori environment
and, if so, where the child should be placed within the classes. All decisions are
based on the best interests of both the child and of the existing children in the
class.
Middle School children will need to visit for a minimum of 3 days and a
maximum of 5 days. Applicants will also be required to meet with the School
Counsellor. - The Result
Parents will be notified of the results of their child’s application. Should a place
be offered parents will be required to pay an enrolment deposit/placement fee
to secure the child’s place at the School. This fee is payable by the due date
provided. This offer will be withdrawn should the School not receive this
payment by the specified date. - The Waiting List
Should the School be oversubscribed the above-mentioned application
process could still be completed. Parents will be notified of the results of their
child’s application and should the result be an acceptance; the child’s name will
be placed on the waiting list until a place becomes available.
Family Commitment
It is of the utmost importance that parents and caregivers understand the
Montessori philosophy of teaching and to fully support its methods.
Montessori education is most effective when a child’s parents/primary caregivers
understand and co-operate with the long-term programme. Parents or caregivers
are strongly encouraged to attend parent education workshop offered by the
School, to further their understanding of the Montessori Philosophy and
Methodology.
Parents or caregivers need to agree to support the Auburn House School staff.
They need to be willing participants and fully support all initiatives of the school
in fundraising ventures, working days, parent education evenings, equipment
making and social events. We are very happy for parents to indicate their own
particular skills and preference for areas they would like to assist with.
Parents and caregivers are expected to communicate with the school and the
teachers in an open and reasonable manner. Parents and caregivers need to
acknowledge that every place in the school can be reviewed if the need arises.
VERY IMPORTANT: If it is found that the parent has not disclosed difficulties that
the child may have which are beyond the scope of the School’s capabilities (such
as physical, mental or psychological behavioural issues) then the School may
terminate the enrolment of the child. In the event of this, the parent will forfeit all
registration and tuition fees made to the School.
By submitting an application parents and caregivers agree that they understand
the Auburn House Admissions Policy.
