Northside Montessori School vs Sydney Montessori School

	N Northside Montessori School Sydney, Australia	S Sydney Montessori School Sydney, Australia
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year A$15,986 - 24,950	Fees / year A$540 - 27,248
Age range	Age range 1 - 18 years	Age range 0 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum Australian Curriculum, IB (DP)	Curriculum Montessori Curriculum, Australian Curriculum, IB (DP), IBCP (International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme)
Pupils	Pupils 144	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1978	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location 42 Bobbin Head Road, Pymble, NSW 2073, Australia. The school is in Pymble, a suburb on Sydney's Upper North Shore.	Location 99-107 Manchester Road, Gymea NSW 2227, Australia
Stages	Stages Toddler to Year 12 (Early Learning to Secondary).	Stages K-12 with Pre-School, Long Day Care and Play Group
School type	School type Co-educational; IB World School offering the Diploma Programme (DP) and is a Diploma Programme Candidate School.	School type Co-educational, non-denominational day school
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support Inclusive Education Policy is in place to support students with learning needs
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Australia	Country affiliation Australia
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation Non-denominational
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure Preschool day runs 8:45 am to 3:00 pm
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application & Placement Fees - Application Fee: AUD 165 (non-refundable). - Placement Fee: AUD 1,600, payable on acceptance of an offer of placement (non-refundable and non-transferrable). Tuition fees by year group (annual and per-term amounts) - Preschool (3–4 year olds, Monday–Friday 8:30am–11:45am): Annual tuition AUD 15,986; per term (annual ÷ 4) AUD 3,996.50. Annual levy AUD 1,458; per term AUD 364.50. Montessori Home Environment (11:45am–2:45pm) is charged at AUD 28 per day (charged separately). - Kindergarten: Annual tuition AUD 15,986; per term AUD 3,996.50. Annual levy AUD 1,831; per term AUD 457.75. - Years 1–6 (Primary): Annual tuition AUD 15,986; per term AUD 3,996.50. Annual levy AUD 2,035; per term AUD 508.75. - Years 7–10 (High School): Annual tuition AUD 18,427; per term AUD 4,606.75. Annual levy AUD 3,165; per term AUD 791.25. - Year 11 (International Baccalaureate): Annual tuition AUD 24,950; per term AUD 6,237.50. (No separate annual levy amount is listed for Year 11 in the published fee schedule.) - Year 12: No specific annual tuition or levy is listed for Year 12 in the 2026 fee schedule. Notes on what school fees and levies cover: School fees and levies include text resources, sporting activities (including swimming lessons), excursions and incursions, camps and overseas trips, a school-provided laptop and classroom desktops, student insurance and general classroom resources and equipment. Billing schedule and payment terms - Fees are billed in November for the following calendar/school year (billed annually). Payment is by ten (10) monthly direct debit instalments (February to November), processed from a nominated bank account on the 5th of each month. Fees unpaid by the due date attract an administration charge of AUD 25 per week overdue. Fees and levies are payable for the whole year of enrolment; no deduction is made for non-attendance. Credits for completed School Support Hours are recognised at the end of each term and applied to the next monthly direct debit instalment. OOSH and Montessori Home Environment (MHE) are billed at the end of each term and added to the next monthly instalment; Vacation Care fees are payable when the booking is made. Boarding fees - Boarding is not listed as a provision; no boarding fees are published in the school's fee schedule. The school operates day programs and offers Out of School Hours Care (OOSH), Vacation Care and Montessori Home Environment. Other costs and recurring charges - Northside Montessori Society Membership Fee: AUD 65 per family. - Fundraising raffle: AUD 300 (recoverable if raffle tickets are on-sold). - School Support Hours Program: AUD 800 (recoverable on completing the program; credits applied as described above). - Building Fund donations (voluntary, tax-deductible in Australia for donations of AUD 2 or more): suggested amount of AUD 100 per monthly instalment. Annual receipts issued in July. - Out of School Hours and related daily/session charges (additional to tuition): - Before School Care (BSC): AUD 12 per day. - After School Care (ASC): AUD 32 per day. Late pick-up fee: AUD 10 per each 5 minutes or part thereof after 6:00pm. - Vacation Care: AUD 75 per day; Vacation Care with incursion AUD 95 per day. - Montessori Home Environment (MHE) for 3–4 year olds: AUD 28 per day (11:45am–2:45pm). - Toddler Program (walking to 36 months) and Toddler & Transition Program fees (term-based) are published for infant programs (examples from the infant program listing: AUD 360 per 10-week term; AUD 380 per 10-week term for certain sessions). These additional program charges are billed separately as described above. - Co-curricular activities (music, sport, languages, robotics, etc.) are charged in addition and are paid directly to the activity provider. Sibling discounts - Sibling discounts apply to school tuition fees only and are allocated to the oldest child in the family (not available for siblings enrolled in the Infant Community Program). The published discounts are: 2nd child 25% of school fees; 3rd child 50% of school fees; 4th child 75% of school fees; 5th and subsequent child 100% of school fees. Refunds, cancellation and withdrawal terms - Application Fee: non-refundable. Placement Fee: non-refundable and non-transferrable. - Withdrawal notice: withdrawal of a student requires at least one (1) full term's written notice to the Principal to expire at the end of a term. If the required notice is not given, one (1) school full term's fee is payable in lieu of the required notice. For a student leaving at the end of Year 6, an extended notice period of at least three (3) full terms' notice is required (to be given by the end of Term 1); failure to provide the required notice will similarly attract one term's fee in lieu. Credits for completed School Support Hours are applied to the next instalment as described above. Fee payment methods and processing - Regular tuition and levies are collected by ten (10) monthly direct debit instalments from a nominated bank account (processed on the 5th of each month, February–November). OOSH and MHE are billed at the end of each term and added to the next monthly direct debit instalment; Vacation Care fees are payable at the time of booking. No other specific payment methods (credit card, BPAY, bank transfer) are listed in the published fee schedule.	Fee details Application & Enrolment Fees - Application Fee: USD 350 per child, non-refundable. - Enrolment Fee (payable on acceptance): USD 1,550 for the first child. Sibling enrolment fee reductions apply: second child USD 1,000; third child USD 750; fourth and subsequent children USD 500. There is no enrolment fee for Long Day Care (only the application fee and per-day Long Day Care fees apply). Tuition fees (per term and annual equivalents where applicable) - Preschool & Primary (Stages 1–3): Tuition USD 3,696 per term. Annual equivalent (4 terms): USD 14,784. Sibling tuition reductions per term: second child minus USD 420; third child minus USD 850; fourth and subsequent children minus USD 1,270 (annual equivalents: minus USD 1,680; USD 3,400; USD 5,080 respectively). Tuition is due by the first day of each term. - High School (Stages 4 & 5): Tuition USD 4,692 per term. Annual equivalent (4 terms): USD 18,768. A temporary concession for incomplete building works is reflected as a discount of USD 1,000 per annum (equivalent to USD 250 per term) where applicable. Overseas students are billed according to stage plus an additional fee of USD 8,480 (subject to visa class). - First Steps Montessori (0–3 years) per term: first child USD 255; second child USD 200; Parent & Baby (under 6 months) USD 135. No enrolment or application fee applies to First Steps Montessori. - Long Day Montessori Education (per day): Tara Room (15 months–3 years) USD 150 per day; Akasha Room (3–6 years) USD 140 per day. Long Day Care fees are billed fortnightly; short-term leave must be paid in full. Early-bird discounts do not apply to Long Day Care. Billing schedule & payment terms - Tuition fees are due by the beginning of each term (payable by the first day of term). An early-bird discount (USD 120) is available where term fees are paid four weeks prior to the fee due date. Long Day Care is billed fortnightly. Mid-term commencements are pro‑rated for tuition; students starting mid-week in Long Day Care are invoiced for the entire week. Other charges and routine additional costs - Camps: additional charge (amount to be advised). - Building Fund Donation: voluntary, tax-deductible USD 150. - Card transaction surcharge: 1% applies to all MasterCard, Visa and EPOS payments. - Long Day Care late‑pick‑up fees: USD 18.00 for the first 10 minutes (or part thereof) and USD 1.50 per minute after 6:10 pm. - Additional incidental charges (for example specific excursions, subject fees or materials) may be billed separately (camp charges are an example). Refunds, cancellations and notice periods - Application Fee: non-refundable. Enrolment Fee: non-refundable. - Withdrawal notice: For Primary and High School, one full term's written notice to the Principal and Enrolments is required; in lieu of notice one full term's tuition fees will be charged. For Long Day Care, four weeks' notice is required. Mid-term commencements are pro‑rated; however short‑term absence/leave from Long Day Care must be paid. An enrolment will end for Child Care Subsidy purposes if a child does not attend a session of care for 14 continuous weeks. Boarding - Boarding is not offered; the school operates day and Long Day Care programs only. Fee payment options - Bank transfer (bank details provided for electronic transfer): BSB and account number are supplied for use with family name as description. Card payments (MasterCard and Visa) are accepted with a 1% card transaction surcharge. Fees may also be invoiced and scheduled per the billing statements issued (Long Day Care billed fortnightly; school tuition billed per term).
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement Sydney Montessori School does not require uniforms. Clothing should be worn in a manner appropriate for a school environment and items must be clearly labelled with the child's name. A dress code policy is available on the school website; all students must wear enclosed footwear.
Food options	Food options —	Food options Most children bring packed lunches. Some classes share a special lunch during the term. Lollies, chocolate, sugary snacks or fizzy drinks are discouraged. If a child arrives at school without sufficient lunch, the school provides available food and the costs may be forwarded to the parents. Please see the Food and Nutrition Policy on the school website.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The Northside Montessori Society is a non-profit company, limited by guarantee. It is governed by a Board of non-paid directors who are accountable to the members and to all stakeholders. Their actions are governed by the Society's Constitution and the Corporations Act.	Governance and ownership Sydney Montessori School is governed by Sydney Montessori School Ltd (SMS Ltd), registered with ASIC, which is responsible for the school's administration. Staff and parents automatically become eligible to join SMS Ltd; membership carries no financial or legal obligations beyond payment of fees and levies. The School Board is elected at each year's Annual General Meeting and oversees governance and policy; the Board appoints a Chairperson and Treasurer, and the Principal is a standing member of the Board. Minutes are recorded by the Board Secretary, and all SMS Ltd members have voting rights.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Authentic Montessori education across Early Learning, Primary and Secondary. The High School commenced in 2022 with Year 7 and will continue to add years up to Year 12 by 2027. Years 7–10 work toward the NSW RoSA, with all coursework meeting NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) requirements. For Years 11–12, the school is NESA registered and offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. Our teachers are accredited with NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) and have Montessori qualifications, and our senior high school teachers are IB trained.	Curriculum details Preschool (Stage 1, ages 3–6) follows a Montessori program in a prepared environment. It provides a rigorous, academic curriculum across English, Mathematics, Practical Life, Science, Gardening, Art, Physical Education, Geography, Culture and Music, with Stage 1 access to a full Kindergarten program meeting the outcomes of the NSW syllabus (NESA). Children attend a regular school day from 8:45 am to 3:00 pm. Primary (ages 6–12) uses Montessori methods with concrete materials initially, moving toward abstraction, and the learning aligns with NSW Board of Studies, Teaching and Educational Standards (BOSTES) syllabuses and the NSW NESA syllabuses. High School (Years 7–12) offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) and is a fully authorised IB DP school; the school is pursuing authorisation for the Career-related Programme (CP).
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression The Diploma Programme is internationally recognised for its academic rigour and its focus on critical thinking, global awareness and intellectual curiosity, preparing SMS students for higher education.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning The Montessori classroom is a non-competitive environment where students strive to reach their personal best and help peers to do the same. The approach places the student at the centre of learning, with lessons conducted one-on-one or in small groups. Work follows the individual, nurturing their interests and designing tasks to meet each student's needs. Concepts are introduced through concrete materials and hands-on exploration, building practical skills and confidence. Multi-age classrooms allow younger students to learn from older peers, who model positive behaviour and collaboration, supporting social development. The program fosters mental and emotional growth as well as independence and a love of learning.	Social & emotional learning Montessori education supports social and emotional development. It develops independence, responsibility, concentration, respect, patience and a love of learning. The prepared environment is described as a 'Living Room' where psychosocial, physical and academic development are integrated. A three-year age grouping promotes social development, with older children teaching and younger children learning through observation and cooperation. Mixed-age classrooms encourage peer learning, collaboration and opportunities to practice empathy and self-regulation. Parents and educators collaborate to guide each child's social and emotional growth.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) The school supports students with additional needs through an inclusive enrollment approach. For children requiring support related to disability, health, mental health or other areas, SMS gathers information about the student's disability and need for adjustments before enrolment. The school requests reports such as psychologists, speech pathologists and occupational therapists to inform planning. These documents help plan appropriate adjustments to support learning within the Montessori environment. The school aims to include students with diverse needs by coordinating tailored supports and accommodations as part of the enrolment process.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language —
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is supported as part of the school community, including events such as RU OK? Day (observed on September 10, 2026) to promote student and community wellbeing.	Mental wellbeing The school prioritises holistic development, including social, emotional and physical growth. The 2025 Annual Report states SMS focuses on the development of the whole child—intellectually, socially, emotionally and physically—within a prepared environment that encourages independence, curiosity and self-directed learning. The Preschool program provides guidance in social, emotional and co-curricular areas. The Montessori environment supports mental wellbeing by promoting independence, self-esteem, discipline and resilience through cooperative, mixed-age learning. The school emphasizes a safe, caring community where children form meaningful relationships and learn through hands-on activities.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding The school has a Child Protection policy, and publishes Anti-Bullying, Complaints and Grievances, Discipline, Whistleblower and Privacy policies to safeguard students.	Safeguarding The school has a Child Protection Policy and Procedure. The school also has a Grievance Policy and Procedure to address concerns. The Policies page lists SMS Child Protection Policy and Procedure and SMS Grievance Policy and Procedure. The Parent Handbook includes guidance on school procedures and grievance handling. The school expects all members to feel safe and to report concerns, with processes described in the policies.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The campus is located at 42 Bobbin Head Road, Pymble, NSW 2073 and houses the Toddler Community, Pre-Primary, Primary and Secondary programs. Additional campus buildings have been added over time and there is a car park with a bus bay to support transport. A Multi-Purpose Hall space was completed in 2021 to provide a shared indoor space for assemblies, performances and activities. Out of School Hours and Vacation Care operate on site for Pre-Primary and Primary students. The school is an IB World School offering the Diploma Program and a Careers-related Program and classrooms are furnished with Montessori materials to support self directed learning.	Facilities overview The Montessori classroom is a prepared environment designed to meet the child's developmental needs. It groups children by ages 3-6, 6-9 and 9-12, with older children guiding younger ones. The materials are hands-on, self-correcting and arranged to invite exploration and independent work, introduced by the Directress in a logical sequence. The environment balances freedom with order and harmony, fostering cheerful order, calm, and purposeful work as a microcosm of society. The prepared environment provides materials and activities suited to the child's intellectual, emotional, physical and social needs at each stage of development.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Classrooms are rich in learning opportunities for self discovery with specially designed Montessori materials. Our teachers are accredited with NSW Education Standards Authority and have Montessori qualifications. Senior high school teachers are IB trained. The school delivers authentic Montessori education across Early Learning, Primary and Secondary. The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program is offered in the senior years.	Academic facilities The Montessori classroom provides materials and activities designed to meet the child's intellectual, emotional, physical and social needs at each developmental stage. The Directress introduces these materials in a logical sequence and supports learning as children work independently or in small groups. Materials are multi-sensory, self-correcting and suitable for tasks ranging from simple to complex. The environment is physically and psychologically designed to encourage independent, hands-on learning within a calm, orderly setting.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Extra-curricular activities include Origami, Tae-kwon-do, Lego Robotics, Choir, Orchestra, Band, Soccer, Chess and Dance, and languages such as Japanese. Music tutors on site provide tuition in guitar, brass (trumpet, euphonium & trombone), flute, clarinet and piano before, after school or during the day. The Montessori Model United Nations program engages upper primary and secondary students, with trips to New York or Italy for MMUN events. MMUN activities foster research, formal writing and public speaking and negotiation skills in an international setting.	Extra curricular facilities —
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Northside Montessori School began in 1978 when the founding parents, unable to find a local Montessori school for their own children, were encouraged to start their own. With the formation of the Northside Montessori Society, premises were purchased at 196 Bobbin Head Road and two Pre-Primary classes commenced at Stepping Stones. The first Primary classes began in 1980, with the full Primary program offered in 1985. Sound financial management and strong community support enabled capital expansion, including relocating the Primary program to 42-44 Bobbin Head Road in 1987 and expanding the Pre-Primary to 198 Bobbin Head Road in 1988. The campus grew further with new buildings, a car park, a bus bay, and, in 2021, a Multi-Purpose Hall, and the Secondary Program commenced in 2022.	History SMS is a co-educational, non-denominational school for children aged 0–16. Formerly known as the Sutherland Shire Montessori School. It offers a Pre-School, Long Day Care and Play Group, with Montessori learning across early childhood and primary, and transitions to the International Baccalaureate Diploma in high school. It is registered and accredited by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) and meets its syllabuses. Teachers are degree-qualified with Montessori and IB training.
Community	Community Northside Montessori School views education as a partnership with families; the parent community is vibrant and active. Parents engage formally and informally and connect through social events organized by the school, the Parent and Community Committee (P&C), and individual parents. Key annual highlights include the Welcome Event, Movie Night, a Halloween camping trip to Umina, and quarterly Music Soirées. The community also participates in partnerships and alumni engagement.	Community The school fosters grace, courtesy and mutual respect, building a strong community where families feel they belong. Parents are warmly encouraged to contribute to the school through various activities. An active Parents & Friends association coordinates social activities across all stages to engage families and support the school. The school values partnerships with families and the wider community.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The school has a Parent and Community Committee (P&C) that partners with families to engage in school life. The P&C coordinates parent involvement through a range of activities and events each year. There are numerous opportunities for parent and caregiver engagement, including formal and informal participation. Annual events organized with P&C involvement include the Welcome Event, Movie Night, Halloween camping trip to Umina, and quarterly Music Soirées. The school maintains a Giving Program to support key areas and development projects. An Alumni Network is available for former students and families to stay connected.	Parent teacher association SMS has a Parents & Friends (P&F) association. Its vision is to foster a generous and welcoming community that participates in inspired, sustainable activities. Its mission is to provide a base that supports and strengthens the school community through a variety of social activities across all stages. P&F coordinates a range of activities to encourage family involvement and engagement with school life. A P&F Manual outlines the governance and guidelines for P&F activities. P&F supports the SMS community through fundraising and events.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual Montessori Model United Nations (MMUN) is offered for Upper Primary and Secondary students to develop research, formal writing, public speaking and negotiation skills in an international context, and Lego Robotics is available as an extra-curricular activity.	Academic & intellectual The school provides a rigorous academic curriculum as part of the Montessori program. Curriculum areas include English, Mathematics, Practical Life, Science, Gardening, Art, Physical Education, Geography, Culture and Music. These co-curricular areas support independent learning and holistic development. [nsw.edu.au/preschool]
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Choir, Orchestra, Band and Dance are offered, and Origami is provided as a craft activity.	Arts & creative Arts and Music are included in the co-curricular program. Art and Music are taught alongside other subjects to foster creative expression. The Montessori environment emphasizes hands-on, experiential learning in artistic activities. [nsw.edu.au/preschool]
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Languages such as Japanese are offered as part of the extra-curricular program.	Cultural & language Geography and Culture are part of the co-curricular areas. Students explore geography and culture through hands-on activities. Montessori methods support cultural awareness and global understanding. [nsw.edu.au/preschool]
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Soccer, Chess and Tae-kwon-do are offered as after-school activities.	Social & hobbies Social development is a key focus of the co-curricular program. Children work with peers and engage in group activities to build communication and social skills. These experiences emphasize collaboration, cooperation and respectful interaction. [nsw.edu.au/preschool]
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service Families are integral to the SMS community, and parent involvement is encouraged. The Parents and Friends association organizes social events and contributes to the SMS community. Parent information evenings and community activities are offered throughout the year. [nsw.edu.au/preschool, sms.nsw.edu.au/pandf, 2019 SMS Parent Handbook]
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional MMUN provides opportunities to develop leadership, teamwork, research, public speaking and negotiation skills through international conferences.	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing On-site music tutors provide tuition in guitar, brass, flute, clarinet and piano, with sessions available before or after school or during the day.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Physical Education is included in the co-curricular areas. Gardening is included as part of the curriculum, offering outdoor activity. Music and Art support creative expression and well-being. Students learn through hands-on activities that promote independence and self-directed learning. [nsw.edu.au/preschool]
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision —	Language provision English is the language of instruction at Sydney Montessori School. Second language learning is offered from Years 7–10 and is included in Years 11–12 programmes. Current Year 9–10 students have had one year of French and will also study one year of Spanish; Year 11–12 language is proposed to be Spanish, with online language study available through Pamoja (including French, Mandarin and Spanish). The school supports non-English speakers with enrichment program IEPs and TESOL support and maintains a commitment to mother tongue maintenance and multilingualism.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations Registered and accredited by BOSTES (NSW Board of Studies Teaching and Educational Standards). Registered and accredited by NESA (NSW Education Standards Authority) and meets the NSW syllabuses.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Enquire: Prospective families use the enquiry form to request further information about enrolling with Northside Montessori School and to speak with the Enrolments Registrar (EI). This step initiates the enrolment process and helps families understand how their child can flourish within the Montessori program. The Registrar provides information to guide the next steps. The enquiry does not commit the family to enrolment. 2. Book a Tour: Northside Montessori School invites families to visit so they can see the campus in action and learn about the Montessori approach. It is an opportunity to explore the school, meet students and staff, and ask questions about how the program supports a love of learning. The visit helps families decide if the school is the right fit. 3. Apply: Applications for entry are made online and are a pre-requisite for enrolment but do not guarantee a place. A non-refundable Application Fee per child is payable at the time of application, and payments are made via the secure system. The school gives preference to siblings of current students, children transferring from other Montessori schools, and to children currently enrolled in the Montessori Toddler program; application date and balance of ages and genders in multi-age classes are considered. 4. Interview with the Principal: If suitable, the school contacts families to arrange an interview with the Principal. The interview provides an opportunity to discuss expected Montessori outcomes and the family's understanding of the Montessori approach. All enrolments are subject to the outcome of the enrolment interview. 5. Acceptance and Attend Orientation Day: Following a successful interview, an enrolment offer is made and a non-refundable Placement Fee is payable upon acceptance. Before starting, families receive an invitation to attend an orientation in the classroom and meet the teacher. Parents must keep their address and contact details current; if the school cannot contact them and there is no response, the enrolment may be cancelled.	Admissions 1. Entry points for education. SMS has multiple entry points for families to begin their children's education: Montessori First Steps Playgroup (0-3 years), Long Day Montessori (15 months–3 years, 3-6 years), or Stage 1 (3–4 years Preschool and 5 years Kindergarten), Stage 2 and Stage 3 (Primary Years 1–6). The school is a co-educational, non-denominational K-12 school, with a Pre-School, Long Day Care and Play Group, and students may transition to the International Baccalaureate Diploma in High School. 2. Enrolment application and processing. All applications are processed in order of receipt of Enrolment Application form and payment of the Application Fee. Priority is given to families who already have siblings enrolled and do not have outstanding fees; priority is also given to families committed to a Montessori education and to those who have engaged with Playgroup or Long Day Care. 3. Documentation for additional needs. For children with Additional Needs requiring support, SMS gathers information about a student's disability and need for adjustments before an enrolment is confirmed, to enable appropriate planning. Helpful documents may include current school reports, psychologist reports, speech-pathology reports, occupational therapy reports, medical specialist reports, and vision/hearing reports. 4. Outcome and waitlist. If an enrolment is not accepted, SMS does not discuss the reasons. A formal offer of placement is made and should be accepted in writing within two weeks; if the offer is not accepted, the child's name may be returned to the Waitlist. 5. Acceptance conditions and orientation. On acceptance, parents agree to abide by the School's policies and ethos, and the Enrolment Fee for Stage 1–3 must be paid at the time of Acceptance. Where possible, an Orientation Visit for Stage 1 is arranged with the class teacher to familiarise the family with the classroom environment and discuss the child's health and background. 6. Enrollment administration and non-discrimination. The School maintains a School Register and does not discriminate in enrolment policies or procedures on the basis of gender, race, religion or disability.
Scholarships	Scholarships Bursaries and financial support: Northside Montessori School provides bursaries to families in necessitous circumstances. This assistance applies to tuition fees only; levies and other charges must be paid in full. Bursary decisions are made by the Bursary Committee, and the Principal may grant a fee discount or waiver up to half a year's full tuition for one student; greater relief requires Board approval. All bursary applications are confidential and awarded based on means testing and commitment to Montessori education, with annual review. Further details can be found in the Bursary Policy.	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist Waitlist: If you wish to defer the entry date to a date later than the initial accepted date, the School will advise whether it is able to agree to this. If the School is unable to agree, the student's date of application will be amended to the date the deferment was requested. The student will then be placed on a waiting list for the new requested date; however, enrolment cannot be guaranteed.	Waitlist Waitlist: An enrolment Waitlist is used; if an offer of placement is not accepted, the child's name may be returned to the Waitlist.
	View full profile →	View full profile →