Tuition & Fees
Tuition
The tuition covers WEM’s regular academic school calendar from September to June. Tuition policies ensure the school’s ability to operate on a sound fiscal basis at all times. WEM provides all in-class school supplies and materials.
Financial Aid
A WEM education is an investment in your child’s future and requires financial planning and sacrifice for families. To that end, WEM can offer families who demonstrate financial need assistance from the Dianna Galante Education Fund, named for the school’s Founder. We use ISM FAST AID to evaluate a family’s ability to pay tuition based on income, net worth, housing costs, and cost of living. Please contact WEM to apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does WEM determine admissions decisions?
Priority enrollment is given to current and returning WEM students completing the 3-year cycle, alumni and their siblings, and then to students with previous Montessori experience. Admission decisions for new families are primarily based on the parents’ long term commitment to the completion of WEM’s 3-year programs and dynamic classroom factors. Upon receipt, our admissions team will review your application and determine your acceptance status at WEM, accepted, not accepted, or placed on our active waitlist. If approved, you will receive all remaining paperwork to complete enrollment at WEM. We are committed to the principles of diversity. In that spirit, we do not discriminate in matters of admission or employment in violation of the law based on race, religion or creed, color, sexual orientation, age, physical challenge, the nation of origin, or gender. We consciously teach children to accept, respect and celebrate the rich cultural diversity of the global community. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Does WEM have a wait list?
WEM often has more qualified applicants than we do spaces. When this occurs, and your child is placed on the school’s Active Waitlist, we notify you if a space becomes available. WEM’s Active Waitlist is not ranked. Based on the school’s needs, the Admissions team will contact Active Waitlist candidates on a case-by-case basis should spaces become available.
What is the cut-off age for admission?
Children must have turned age three by August 31 when the school year begins in September. Children must be independently able to use the restroom (fully toilet trained). Pull-ups and training diapers are not permitted in class. Students enrolling in full or extended day programs should be transitioning out of their daily afternoon “nap” routines. Children must also demonstrate a willingness to cooperate with the staff and other children and meet classroom expectations. Please note that WEM cannot hold your space without tuition payment at the beginning of each school year if your child is not fully potty trained and ready for school. To be eligible for Kindergarten, children must be age five by September 1.
Classroom Assignments
WEM will place students with particular teachers based on WEM’s knowledge of the students and teachers, and feedback received from the new student questionnaire to provide the best learning environment for each child. Factors that may determine your child’s classroom placement beyond availability are maintaining equivalent age and gender ratios at each level, and the number of students enrolled at WEM. Where possible, WEM will consider specific teacher requests when making placement decisions. Still, there is no guarantee that your student will be assigned to the requested teacher. Teacher selections are generally made by August 1, and the parents are notified in writing via email. If your child is not assigned to the specific teacher you requested, you may discuss your concerns with WEM. We are unable to guarantee that your student will be placed with a specially requested classroom or teacher.