Are places currently available? 
As a small independent school, we generally have limited vacancies available, especially in our Early Years programs (NIDO and Long Day Care). For the latest information on the availability of places, please contact the Enrolments team at enrolments@ems.nsw.edu.au or telephone: 02 4225 1000.

 

Will I be placed on a waiting list?  

We do maintain a waitlist for some of our year levels. Places are offered to those most likely to benefit from the school’s programs and, generally, students are accepted in order of application.  Priority is given to those students with a sibling currently enrolled in the school or those children who have previously participated in the Parent Toddler Program (PTP).  

At what year levels does the school accept students?  

Students may enter the school at any year level if there are places available, however, the main intake years at Elonera Montessori School are Kindergarten & Year 7.

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For the Early Years program, this is in our NIDO program from 12 months of age or the long day care program from 3 years of age.
 

When should I apply to enrol my child? 

As we offer places in order of date of application, applying as early as possible will give you the best opportunity for future placements. Please be aware that preference may be given to families currently or previously involved with the school.
 

Students entering kindergarten are usually 4 turning 5 or already 5 years old when they start. All children must be in kindergarten by the year they turn 6.  If your child turns 5 before or on 31 July, they may start kindergarten that year. If your child turns 5 after 31 July, they start kindergarten the following year. Interviews are usually conducted 8 – 10 months prior to commencement year.

For Year 7 enrolments. students are normally 12 years of age, at the start of high school and we commence interviews 15 months prior to year of commencement.

Is Elonera Montessori a religious school?  

No, it is non-denominational and is a private independent school. There are no religion-based classes provided by the school. We do however have a set of values that we expect students to comply with. 

Are the Primary and High School students in separate areas? 

The classrooms for primary and high school are located in separate areas of the campus. The primary school is clustered together at the rear of the school, while the high school classrooms is located towards the right of the campus.  The high school and primary students have separate designated play areas and toilets.

What technology is required by students?    

No technology is used in the PTP to Stage 1 (Kindergarten) classrooms.

 

Stage 2 & 3 (6 - 12-year-olds) - Technology is introduced gradually with emphasis on skill development. Activities are supervised by teachers and carried out on school managed iPADS.

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Stage 4 - 6 (Years 7 -12) - Students use iPADS and laptops to support both independent and class work in a balanced manner. From 2026, all new Year 7 to Year 9 students will be enrolled in our managed device program, with existing students able to opt-in.

 

As a mobile phone and other smart devices are not permitted. The only exception is in the case of medical requirements and is to be pre-approved by the school.  

Who do I see if my child is suffering from social anxiety or personal issues that are affecting their learning?  

Elonera Montessori has a counsellor that is available for students during term time.  

Do you offer out of school hours (OOSH) and holiday care?  

The school does offer before care from 8:00am and after school care from 3:00 - 5:30pm care during term time for long day care and primary aged children. 

 

A school holiday program for primary aged children is also available with a timetable of dates and activities provided to families prior to each break period.

As an independent school, do we have the same accountability requirements as government schools? 
Independent schools are subject to a greater level of educational and financial accountability requirements than government schools. All Independent schools, regardless of teaching philosophy, faith affiliation, location or the socio-economic status of their students, have to be registered by state and territory authorities in order to operate. Without registration, schools cannot operate or be eligible for any government funding.

All non-government schools must comply with both Australian Government and state and territory government educational and financial accountability requirements. These requirements include implementation of the national curriculum; the provision of data on schools, staff and students for national reporting; and completion of an annual financial questionnaire, financial viability assessment and reporting against government grants. The school also complies with a range of other requirements and regulations covering occupational health and safety, privacy and child protection, human rights and equal opportunity, local government planning, and building and fire codes.