How to Apply

Experiential education must be seen to be believed.

All families who are considering East Bay Montessori are highly encouraged to visit in order to experience the school's programs first-hand and meet the members of the EBM community. There is no substitute for witnessing our children actively taking on the school day.

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Tours offer a wonderful opportunity to observe students and teachers in the classroom during a regular school day; an open house takes place outside of school hours and is a great opportunity to interact directly with teaching faculty. During your tour or open house, we will introduce you to EBM, explain the application process, and answer any questions you may have. We hope you'll join us!

Important Admissions Dates for 2026-2027 Applications:


Sibling Priority Application Deadline: December 12, 2025

Tuition Assistance Priority Deadline for Returning Families: December 17, 2025

New Student Application Deadline:  January 30, 2026

Tuition Assistance Priority Deadline for New Students:  January 30, 2026

New Student Application Decisions Sent: March 19, 2026

All New Student Decisions Due Back: March 26, 2026

Tax Documentation for Financial Aid Awards Due: April 20, 2026

Rolling Admissions Begin: March 27, 2026

Kindergarten Bridge, Elementary, and Middle School

1)   Visit us at an upcoming tour or Open House — We are now in our Rolling Admissions season, where students are considered depending on available space. Please attend an in person tour or open house before applying.

 

2) Send the Application, Parent Questionnaire, your child's most recent progress report, and a photo of your child (photo is optional) and submit them by email to admissions@eastbaymontessori.org or by mail to: 7075 Cutting Blvd., El Cerrito, CA 94530. Include your $85 non-refundable application fee by check or through PayPal (payments@eastbaymontessori.org). There is no application fee for siblings of current EBM students.

 

3) Send the corresponding Student Evaluation Form to your child's current teacher(s) and ask that they email the completed form(s) directly to admissions@eastbaymontessori.org. These forms are confidential and not meant to be returned to the parents.

 

Next steps:

 

• Applications for the 2026-2027 school year are now being accepted with rolling admissions.


• After all the forms have been received, our Admissions Office will contact you to set up a student visit.

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• Visit days for applicants will occur on a first-come basis during our Rolling Admissions season.

 

• TUITION ASSISTANCE: EBM uses Clarity as its Tuition Assistance program. Click here for more information about applying for TA

Frequently Asked Questions

About the Admissions Process

  • Can I drop by at any time for a school tour?

    Due to the high interest in our program, tours are held in the mornings by appointment only. You can sign up for a tour through our convenient online calendar here. We are happy to answer general questions on the phone or by email. You may also RSVP to attend an Open House event.

  • Who should attend the school tour?

    Both parents or caregivers (if applicable & possible). The initial tour is for adults only; your child will have an opportunity to visit the classroom and the teacher at a later date, once the application packet is received.

  • Is there a waiting list?

    We are currently accepting applications for the 2026-2027 school year on a rolling basis.  Please contact admissions@eastbaymontessori.org to inquire about specific grade openings. 

  • How far in advance may I submit an application?

    We have a priority application season that begins in the fall before we move into rolling admissions. Our rolling admissions will begin in late March. We encourage families to apply as soon as they can.

  • What are the factors that determine my child’s placement?

    Placement depends on the number of openings available in the class that fits their age/grade, and if the Montessori philosophy is a good fit for the child. We are looking for right-fit students and families that are mission-aligned. 

  • Is there a sibling discount?

    Yes, there is a 10% tuition discount for the second child for families that do not receive tuition assistance.

East Bay Montessori admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to 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. 

If you think your child would thrive in a Montessori environment, give us a call or schedule a tour online. We would love for you to visit our school and learn more.