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VMS Admissions

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Tracie Scharlemann
Director of Admissions

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Sabrianne Farris
Admissions & Student Services Coordinator

A Message From Our Admissions Team

On behalf of our admissions team, we extend a warm welcome to you as you embark on this exciting journey with us at VMS. We are thrilled you are interested in joining our vibrant and diverse community of learners.
 

At VMS, we strive to foster an environment where each student can thrive academically, socially, and personally. Whether you're exploring new interests, challenging yourself in the classroom, or making lifelong friendships, know that you are supported every step of the way.

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As an admissions team, we are here to ensure your transition is seamless and your experience fulfilling. Should you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact us.

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Welcome aboard, and here's to a rewarding and enriching educational experience ahead!

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– Tracie & Sabrianne

Admissions Process

Education at Valley Montessori School begins with a partnership between child, parent and teacher. We strive to build a community of students and families who are engaged, supportive, and share a commitment to the Montessori Philosophy.

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Our admissions season for the 2026-2027 school year will open October 1, 2025.

We encourage families to submit an inquiry to begin the admission process and we will contact you with more information. 
Click here to get started: 

Tuition Assistance

Valley Montessori School is committed to providing tuition assistance for families that are dedicated to the Montessori program but need additional financial support. VMS offers Tuition Assistance through FACTS. 

 

Tuition Assistance applications are still open for the 2025-2026 school year within your FACTS account using FACTS Grant & Aid.

 

Tuition Assistance applications for the 2026-2027 school year will open December 1st.  

 

For current VMS families, applications for the 2026-2027 school year must be completed by January 30th to have your tuition assistance application reviewed in time for re-enrollment, the week of February 9-13.

 

For new to VMS families, applications must be completed by February 13 to have your tuition assistance application reviewed in time for admission decisions on February 27.

Independent Organizations Offering Tuition Assistance:

Important Admissions Dates

​​​​​October 1, 2025:
Application Process Opens Online

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January 24, 2026:

Open House, 9:30am
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February 9 – 13, 2026:
Re-enrollment Week for Current Families

 

February 13, 2026:
First Round Application Deadline​
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February 27, 2026:
Supplemental Application Materials Due (parent questionnaire, teacher recommendation form, and school records, if applicable)
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March 6, 2026:
Toddler and Primary Admissions Decisions Released (after 12 pm)
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March 13, 2026:
Elementary and Middle School Admissions Decisions Released (after 12 pm) on Ravenna

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Program Schedules and Tuition

View this year's childcare and tuition fee schedule with the button below. Flexible payment options are available through our online tuition management system.

Families needing financial help may apply for Tuition Assistance.

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For all tuition assistance questions and requests, please contact Admissions.

  • When can I submit my child's application?
    Applications are submitted October through February the school year prior to the requested year of enrollment. All applications received from October until the application deadline in February are considered. Offers of enrollment are made in March for the following school year. If you miss the application deadline, please email admissions@vmschool.org to inquire about remaining spaces for the upcoming school year.
  • What are your admissions steps?
    We have a variety of admissions steps depending on the program level that are required as part of the admissions process. Please see the VMS Admissions Checklist for a detailed list of steps by program level.
  • What program is my child eligible for?
    Valley Montessori School serves children 18 months through 8th grade that fall into four program levels: Our Toddler Program is designed for children 18 months-36 months. Children must be 18 months old by their first day of school. The Primary Program is designed for children ages 3-6 years old. The third year of the Primary program is the kindergarten year, and we strongly recommend that children are 5 years old by the time they start their kindergarten year. Lower Elementary includes 1st through 3rd grade. Children are 6 by the time they start their first grade year. Upper Elementary includes grades 4th through 6th. The Middle School Program consists of 7th and 8th grade.
  • What are you looking for in an applicant?
    We strive to create a community of families who are engaged and supportive, and who share a commitment to the Montessori philosophy. Our admissions process is designed to help you learn about our school and programs while we get to know your child and family. When making offers of enrollment, we focus on creating balance in our multi-age classrooms.
  • Do you have a waitlist?
    In levels where we have more applicants than spaces, we will create a wait pool. A student must have a complete application on file before they can be added to this list.
  • What are your Annual Tuition Rates?
    As a non-profit school, independent school, tuition revenue is essential to maintaining the quality of Valley Montessori School’s academic programs and funding day-to-day operations. Tuition is evaluated yearly by the Valley Montessori School Board of Trustees, and set in January for the following academic year. Flexible payment options are available through our online tuition management system. Here is the 2024-25 Tuition & Childcare Fee Schedule.
  • Do you offer tuition assistance?
    Valley Montessori School is committed to providing tuition assistance for families that are dedicated to the Montessori program but need additional financial assistance. VMS offers Tuition Assistance through FACTS. Applications for the 2024-25 school year are now closed. Applications for the 2025-2026 school year will open in December 2024. Following is a list of additional independent organizations offering Tuition Assistance: Hively (Pre-school): http://www.behively.org/ Basic Fund (K – 8th): http://www.basicfund.org/ Guardsmen Scholarship (Elementary): http://www.guardsmen.org/ For all tuition assistance questions and requests, please contact Admissions at 925-455-8021 x100 or admissions@vmschool.org
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GET IN TOUCH

1273 North Livermore Ave.
Livermore, CA 94551
Tel: 925.455.8021

info@vmschool.org

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Office Hours:

8:30am – 5:30pm

Valley Montessori School is the largest not-for-profit and triple accredited school in California. We are fully accredited by the American Montessori Society (AMS), the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS), and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). VMS is a certified California Green Business making us the only school in the Tri-Valley and just one of six Montessori schools in the state of California with this distinguished honor. Valley Montessori is a nationally recognized model of Montessori education, attracting the best and brightest educators and staff. 

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NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY: Valley Montessori School admits students of any race, national or ethnic origin, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, ability, religion, socioeconomic status, physical challenge, or ancestry to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally made available to all students at the School. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.

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© 2024 Valley Montessori School

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