Seats are assigned through a random computer process. Sibling preference and the number of openings help determine the students selected. Automatic admission is granted to the Montessori middle school for students who successfully complete year six of the Montessori elementary program.

Any child who will be age three or four by September 1 is eligible to apply for the Montessori program during the kindergarten enrollment period.

Students older than age four may be enrolled in MPS Montessori schools as seats are available using the following specifications:

• Students with verified continuous, previous Montessori experience shall receive Montessori enrollment preference.
• Students without Montessori experience and students with limited Montessori experience may be enrolled as seats are available following an intake conference with the school principal.

Enrollment Process

• K3/K4 enrollment takes place every February.
• Families complete and submit applications through the MPS Online Registration site. A lottery determines placement at Fernwood and other Montessori schools.
• Families who select Fernwood as their first-choice school during the February/March application window will receive a letter from MPS in late March/early April notifying them of placement at the school or on our waiting list.

Upon acceptance to Fernwood Montessori School, new families must present the following documents to the school office:

• A certified copy of their child’s birth certificate,
• Proof of City of Milwaukee residency, and
• A copy of their child’s immunization records.