Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sussex Montessori School?
Sussex Montessori School (SMS) is a tuition-free public elementary charter school open to all Delaware children. SMS uses the Montessori Method, a learning philosophy that has been consistently effective for over 100 years, to educate children through authentic personalized learning experiences, respectful relationships, opportunities to innovate, and a focus on global citizenship through multi-age classrooms. We believe that offering a Montessori public school in Sussex County, DE improves student learning in a diverse setting, allows for greater choice for parents, and serves as a model for alternative approaches to education by providing a proven and innovative teaching and learning environment not currently available in the area.
What grades does Sussex Montessori School (SMS) serve?
Sussex Montessori serves children in grades K-6 in multi-age classrooms (grades K-1, 2-3, and 4-6).
Where is the school located?
The address is 24960 Dairy Lane and is located on the west side of Seaford, Delaware. We are excited about the beautiful campus designed to provide a peaceful and engaging learning environment. Construction of phase one is well underway and additional features will be added each year.
Who is eligible to attend?
All children living in Delaware who meet the age and grade requirements (grades Kindergarten through 6) are eligible to attend Sussex Montessori School. There is no entrance exam and no specific requirements students must meet to be granted entry. SMS provides supports for children who are identified as English Learners (ELs) as well as those with special needs, and works with parents, special educators and advocates to ensure Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) are implemented with fidelity and all children are given the support they need to find success.
How much does it cost to attend?
ABSOLUTELY NOTHING! Sussex Montessori School is a free public elementary charter school. It is open to all Delaware children at NO COST to their families – just like any of the traditional public schools in the community. Funding is provided through state and federal education funding, private and public grants, fundraising and corporate sponsorship. Families can apply for their child to attend through Delaware’s School Choice program.
How do I enroll my child?
The Delaware School Choice open application period starts the first Monday in November and ends the second Wednesday in January (specific dates to be published annually) of the year preceding enrollment.
- Applications for the 2025-2026 school year are available online www.schoolchoicede.org as of November 4, 2024 at 8:00 am. Paper copies will also be made available and assistance will be provided.
- Applications received during the November – January enrollment window will be eligible for an admissions lottery. When there are more applicants for grade level enrollment than ‘seats available,’ admissions preferences shall be applied in the following sequence:
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- Children with siblings concurrently enrolled at SMS
- Children of the school’s founders (no more than 5% of the school’s total enrollment)
- Children of staff members employed on a permanent basis at the school for at least 30.0 hours per week during the school year
- Applications received after the second Wednesday in January will be placed on a waiting list. Applicants on the waiting list can expect to hear from SMS by the end September if a slot becomes available.
- The 2025-2026 lottery will take place in late January and families who applied during the open enrollment period will hear from SMS in February. Those who applied after the lottery and those who are on a waiting list will be contacted as positions become available.
Additional Information about the lottery and acceptance process can be found HERE.
LOTTERY AND ADMISSIONS SPECIFIC FAQS CAN BE FOUND HERE.
How will my older child transition into to Sussex Montessori School?
Children who start at SMS in their later years will be new to the unique Montessori classroom environment. While it may take some time for older students to acclimate into the new classroom setting, SMS teachers are prepared to help children learn to develop the skills of independent learning and to adapt to the multi-age classroom environments. The welcoming support of teachers and peers will help new students transition into the Montessori classroom more easily/smoothly.
Will transportation be available?
Sussex Montessori provides bus transportation to children in the surrounding area through centralized/community bus stops throughout Sussex and lower Kent Counties. Carpools and parent/guardian transportation are also available and encouraged.
What time does school start and end?
The school day begins at 8:00am and ends at 3:15pm. Children can be dropped off in carline as early as 7:45am.
Does the school utilize State and National Content Standards, and will children have to take the State assessments?
Yes. SMS is a public charter school and the curriculum is aligned to state and national standards as required. Public Montessori schools across the country have met this demand with great success. For more information on the successes of public Montessori schools, please visit the Montessori National Center for Montessori in the Public Sector website.
What are the requirements to become a teacher at Sussex Montessori School?
Each SMS classroom is staffed by one full-time Delaware and Montessori-certified teacher and one part-time Assistant Teacher who is a permitted paraprofessional. Training and certification in Montessori education is provided through a partnership with the University of Delaware and the National Center for Montessori in the Public Sector. Teachers already certified in Montessori education are strongly encouraged to apply. There is also be a hiring preference for teachers with dual certification in special education and/or certification as a Teacher of English Learners. Interested in teaching at Sussex Montessori? Click here to learn more.
What happens after 6th grade, where do students enroll?
Currently, SMS is not chartered to work with children beyond 6th grade. 7th grade options include the surrounding traditional and charter public schools and independent schools. Once SMS is successfully operating a K-6 school, the board may consider applying for a charter modification to expand its grade configuration to serve children in grades 7 and 8.
Will there be related arts and foreign language classes?
The arts and physical education will be integrated into the daily classroom experience for all students. Locating in a multi-lingual community will give SMS the opportunity to hire professionals and partner with community organizations to ensure children are given the opportunity to gain language proficiency beyond their native languages.
Is my child required to wear a uniform?
No. Sussex Montessori School does not require students to wear uniforms. We encourage children to dress comfortably and to have two pair of shoes—a pair of shoes they wear for outdoor use and a pair of indoor shoes that are kept at the school (must be closed in with hard soles; not flip flops or slippers).