1. Fill out an interest form linked below. Since we are an intentionally small school we are only able to provide tours or host observations during specific times of the year & only when space is available. If a space is available in your child’s age group we will contact you to schedule a tour/observation of our school. Our open enrollment period begins in January & lasts until spaces are filled. If you have any questions please contact us at school@friends-montessori.org.

2. We want you to come see the school and the classroom in action! Observing the classroom in the best way to see how the Montessori classroom works.

3. If you are still interested in our school we will schedule a full day or half day observation day for your child. Observation days are used to see how the child interacts with the classroom environment, children, and adults. As well as the give the child the opportunity to assess their comfort and interest as well as ask any questions they may have. Observation days are scheduled during late Winter or early Spring.

4. If all parties (Child/Family/Guide) are in agreement we will provide enrollment forms and discuss tuition.

Friends-Montessori maintains an open enrollment policy based on space available.

One of our top priorities as a school and as a part of the Asheville education community is working to provide a tuition model that is sustainable, accessible, and equitable. We place a high value on the work and education that we provide for our students and families while working to ensure that tuition and finances alone do not become a determining factor in our enrollment and community. We do this by providing a modest tuition based on other local private school rates, accepting Opportunity Scholarships for 1st-6th grade, and working within a Voluntary Equitable Tuition model.

Our modest base tuition rates are set to increase the accessibility of our programs while ensuring that our schools are sustainable and able to provide high-quality educational materials, livable salaries, and varied learning opportunities for our students and families. Our yearly base tuition rate for Friends-Montessori students (1st-6th grade) is $9,560. While our base tuition rates are set to be moderate for independent/private schools in Asheville we understand that not every family can afford these rates sustainably. To create a deeply valued and important socio-economically varied community, we seek to provide opportunities for families of varied income levels to take part in our community.

We accept the Opportunity Scholarship, which provides tuition assistance for students who enroll in participating nonpublic schools. The program is income-based and can lower our base tuition rates. Visit here to learn more about eligibility and apply for the Opportunity Scholarship. Families that need assistance but do not have or qualify for the Opportunity Scholarship could still be considered for a reduced tuition rate through our Voluntary Equitable Tuition program.

Our primary tuition model is based on Voluntary Equitable Tuition (VET). VET provides a way for families to take an active role in promoting a supportive school community and the opportunity to practice equity, generosity, and mutual aid. We do not view VET as a charitable donation that connotes the social hierarchy of the giver over the receiver. Instead, VET provides mutual aid and values each family as an important part of our learning community. VET contributions are essential to allowing us to support community diversity and retain financial sustainability. We view these contributions as a way for families of diverse incomes and means to meet in the middle and feel supported, encouraged, and seen. Families can participate in VET in two ways: they may contribute a tax-deductible donation in addition to their base tuition rate or seek tuition assistance from eligible VET funds. All VET contributions are used to assist others with tuition costs. Families that have the Opportunity Scholarship but have the means to contribute more than their base tuition rate are also eligible to participate in VET, as it is completely voluntary. Friends-Montessori greatly emphasizes creating an accessible, high-quality, and sustainable learning community through Voluntary Equitable Tuition, and as part of our enrollment process, provides information and a form to contribute, seek assistance from, or decline participation in VET. VET participation is voluntary and places the trust of each family in knowing what is right for them.

Discernment is a reflective practice in which mindful awareness and consideration are given to a certain topic or situation. We ask that you take part in this discernment alongside us through careful consideration of the following query before filling out the Tuition Commitment Form.

What monetary value do I place on my child’s educational experience? Do I see my own individual tuition as a contribution to the entire school community? Do I value my family being a part of a supportive learning community? Have I considered my family’s own financial standing before making a decision regarding tuition rates? Am I able to sustainably afford my agreed-upon tuition rate and make my payments on time? Am I contributing a tuition rate that is reflective of my own personal socio-economic standing?