Primary Preschool Montessori Program

2025-2026 Primary Program

Registration Opens February 4 or 13, 2025

Families interested in enrolling in the Primary Preschool Montessori program will register online and should contact the school front office for additional information.

Preschool-age children will enroll on February 4, and children in Kindergarten or Junior Kindergarten will enroll on February 13.

About the Program

Is TCAPS Montessori Right for Your Family?

Choosing the right preschool and kindergarten is one of a family's most important decisions, and TCAPS Montessori might be the perfect fit for yours. Our school is part of Traverse City Area Public Schools. We have over 20 years of experience blending a child-centered approach with the strength of public education. Our dedicated teachers are certified by the state of Michigan and hold specialized Montessori credentials, ensuring your child receives the best of both worlds. If you're looking for a nurturing environment that fosters independence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning, our primary program (Casa) could be the ideal start to your child's educational journey.

Important Points to Consider:

  • Part of the School Community: Casa students (preschool-kindergarten) are part of the greater TCAPS Montessori school community. They regularly attend physical education, music, Spanish, and library classes taught by experts and are included in school-wide assemblies and fundraisers. They are expected to walk quietly through the hallways in line and eat in the big and bustling Timberwolves Cafe.  

  • Independence: Students are expected to have a high degree of independence in dressing and self-care. This includes getting outdoor gear/footwear on and off, using the bathroom, eating, etc. In addition, students must enter the cubby area independently in the mornings. Staff is not permitted to physically force students into the cubby area.   

  • Multi-age: Casa classrooms have as many as 28 students in a room ranging from 3 to 6 years old. This encompasses Preschool, Junior Kindergarten, and Kindergarten. Rigorous academic lessons following the Common Core State Standards are provided to the Kindergarten students throughout the day.  Students stay with the same teacher & environment all 3 years if they start as a 3-year-old. 

  • Fully Potty Trained: This includes recognizing their body’s urges to eliminate, and stopping their activity to use the restroom. The child must be able to wipe effectively. No pull-ups are allowed. Children must be able to clean themselves up and change clothes independently if a bathroom accident occurs. If your child is not fully potty trained, program dismissal will occur. 

  • Parent/Lead Guide Communication: Regular communication consists of weekly emailed newsletters and biannual conferences rather than daily reports. Two progress reports are also shared after each semester. We usually do not share photos, as several families opt out of photo sharing. Lead Guides are available through email or phone for questions or concerns. 

  •  In essence, play in a primary Montessori classroom is: A natural extension of learning. It's not separate from academics but a way to explore concepts through hands-on experiences. A tool for self-discovery: Children learn about their interests, abilities, and the world around them through play. A foundation for future learning: It fosters essential skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity. “Play is the work of the child.” ~ Dr. Maria Montessori.

  • Volunteers: We do not offer classroom volunteering in our Casa classrooms. The focus of the CASA is Independence. Montessori classrooms emphasize children's independence and self-directed learning. The presence of parents can inadvertently shift the focus, making children feel they need to perform or seek approval, hindering their natural exploration. However, this doesn't mean parent involvement is unwelcome at TCAPS Montessori school. There are many other valuable ways parents can contribute:

  • Supporting the School Community: Volunteering for school/PTO events, fundraising, or Greenhouse tasks helps create a strong community and supports the school's overall functioning.

  • Material Preparation: Parents can assist with preparing or maintaining classroom materials outside of the children's work time.

  • Sharing Skills and Talents: Parents with special skills or talents can offer workshops or demonstrations that enrich the children's learning experience.

  • Home Support: Parents can create a Montessori-inspired environment at home, fostering independence and a love of learning.

  • Parent Education: Attending parent education sessions helps parents understand the Montessori philosophy and how to best support their child's development.

The child is both a hope and a promise for mankind 
~Dr. Maria Montessori~


TCAPS Primary Montessori Hours & Fees 

Kindergarten

  • Kindergarten is an all day/every day program
  • There is no fee for kindergarten students, costs are covered by Michigan Department of Education as a regular school program.
  • Hours: 8:15 AM - 3:11 PM

Preschool Options

For more information, please call the school office at 231.933.6420.