frequently asked qestions for greenhouse montessori school

Find some Common Questions

What age groups do you serve at Greenhouse Montessori School?

We accept children from 2 to 6 years of age, providing continuous education and childcare until they are ready to enter the first grade.

How does a Montessori education differ from traditional daycare or preschool?

Montessori is not daycare and it is not a traditional preschool environment. It is a mastery-based, self-paced education where children learn in multi-age classrooms. Through carefully selected, hands-on materials, children naturally develop independence, deep focus, confidence, leadership, and advanced academic skills at their own individual pace.

Does my child need to be completely toilet-trained before enrolling?

No. While our historical policy required children to be fully potty-trained prior to admission, we have adapted to the evolving needs of modern families. Greenhouse Montessori now welcomes children when the potty-training process has started, ensuring that children who are developmentally ready for the classroom can begin their journey.

Are the classrooms led by certified Montessori teachers?

Yes, absolutely. We believe that authentic leadership is essential to a high-quality educational environment. Every single classroom at our school is led by a trained, certified Montessori teacher. Additionally, our school maintains a proud membership with the American Montessori Society.

What are your hours of operation and daily program options?

Our campus is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. To accommodate varying family schedules, we offer three distinct options:

Morning Program: 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Afternoon Program: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Full-Day Program: 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. (Ideal for working parents)

Do you accept state or federal financial aid programs?

Yes. Greenhouse Montessori School is an inclusive environment, and we accept all State and Federal tuition assistance programs. Please note that families must obtain prior approval of eligibility from the respective program before the child’s start date.

What forms of payment do you accept, and can I pay online?

We accept cash, personal checks, and money orders. Checks can be left in the collection basket on the Sign In/Out shelf, and cash payments should be brought directly to the main office for a receipt. You may also direct your bank’s online bill-pay system to mail a physical check to our address. Please note that we are not currently configured to accept direct electronic or credit card payments.

Is the school open year-round, and how are breaks handled?

Greenhouse Montessori School operates twelve months a year. We offer a ten-month academic school year program that runs from September through June, which closes for national holidays, a two-week winter break, and a one-week spring break aligned with the Visalia Unified School District (VUSD) calendar. A separate summer program is provided during July and August for both established and incoming students.

How long has Greenhouse been in existence?

Greenhouse was started in a small house on Chinowth St. in May 1982 by Nina Clancy and Anne Hoffman. Anne was a Montessori teacher who had recently moved here but found no Montessori school to work in. Nina was a Montessori parent who had recently moved here but found no Montessori school for her second child to attend. We started with four students on our first day and, within five years, had moved into our current facility of four preschool classrooms and one kindergarten classroom. Along the way, Anne became a Montessori parent as well, and Nina became a Montessori teacher.

Are there openings?

Yes, Morning classes are filling up fast. Children can start at any time during the year. Please call at (559) 625-8385, and we can arrange for you to do an observation.

Have a question not listed here?

We are always happy to help.

Please reach out to our office directly at 559-625-8385.

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