Frequently Asked Questions
About the Admission Process
Here are the questions we hear most often about the admissions process.
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How to apply for enrollment?
Submit an online application through the enrollment page.
Our team will contact you to confirm eligibility and next steps.
Families may be invited to schedule a tour or information session.
If a seat is available, you will receive enrollment instructions.
If seats are full, families are placed on a waitlist.
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What makes Montessori education different?
In Montessori classrooms, children are active participants in their learning.
Students learn by exploring carefully prepared materials, collaborating with peers, and developing independence. Teachers guide students individually, allowing them to progress at a pace that supports both challenge and confidence.
The result is a classroom where children develop strong academic skills while also learning responsibility, leadership, and respect for others.
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Why do families choose TMSOE?
Montessori Learning
Students learn through hands-on materials and meaningful work that builds independence, concentration, and deep understanding.
Whole Child Education
We nurture academic growth alongside social development, creativity, and responsibility.
Small, Supportive Community
Students are known by their teachers and supported as individuals.
Public and Tuition-Free
Montessori education is often associated with private schools, but at TMSOE it is available free to Chicago families.
A Diverse and Welcoming Community
Our classrooms reflect the languages, cultures, and strengths of the Englewood community and the broader city.
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Does the school support multilingual learners?
Yes. We provide services and support for multilingual learners and work closely with families to support language development and academic success.
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What grade levels can enroll?
We offer enrollment to any children from Pre-K to 8th grade.
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May I request a specific classroom/teacher?
Yes, you may request a specific teacher or classroom. Although we try to accommodate requests, we cannot guarantee placement.
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What are the factors that determine my child’s placement?
Depending on the openings that are available, our goal is to balance the classrooms by age and gender of the children.
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Do you have to pay a tuition fee?
No, there is no tuition fee. The Montessori School of Englewood is a free public CPS Charter School
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Does a student need to reside in Englewood to attend TMSOE?
No — a child does not need to live in Englewood to attend The Montessori School of Englewood.
Here’s how it works:
TMSOE is a public charter school with open enrollment. Any child living in the city of Chicago is eligible to apply. If there are more applicants than seats, students are admitted through a lottery system, not by neighborhood boundaries.