Contracts & 3 yr Cycle

[ltr]

I am getting ready to send in the contract for my son to begin in the 3-6 Montessori preschool. We can make monthly payments, but we have to sign a contract stating that we are responsible for the annual tuition. Just curious as to why Montessori has parents sign these? There are only 2 Montessori schools in the area and there is a waiting list at this school, so they could easily fill a vacant spot.

I am very excited about this experience for him, but I can't help but wonder WHAT IF it doesn't work out? I will be stuck paying the entire year. He is very adaptable to any environment, and is very outgoing & loves other children, so I'm not worried about him not liking it. Has anyone had issues or have any insight with the contract thing?

Also, why is it that many children do not stay for the entire 3 year cycle for 3-6? My son's class is mostly 3's & 4's. There are maybe three 5/6 year olds. Is it because of free public kindergarten?

[Flor]

We also had a contract like that. I don 't know how regerously they inforce it. There was some clause that if he is immediatly put into a nother school, we don't have to pay for the rest of the year. I think many students leave for free kindergarten. Our Montessori school cost as much as anyother day care, but once free kindergarten is offered, I assume parents go there.

[lisap]

We have a verbal contract, but we are able to move DD out at anytime with a 2 week notice.

[Lillianna]

Originally Posted by ltr

There are only 2 Montessori schools in the area and there is a waiting list at this school, so they could easily fill a vacant spot.

http://www.montessori-namta.org/namt...0Carolina.html
Just FYI.
We also sign a full year contract, but they do provide tuition insurance. Since there is a waiting list, I guess these schools can be a little "selective" and ensure that they are accepting families that are willing to dedicate at least a year to the school. It's a way to fill the class with families that understand and support the philosophy. IME, most private schools, music school, dance schools, etc. have you sign a contract for the term.

We do have many children who transfer to public K in the 3rd year.

[madsandandy]

i think we had a contract also but there was a clause about moving or unforseen events (like someone losing their job)....i think you could "get out" with a 30 day notice. i'm not sure if it's standard or not.