Frequently Asked Questions
Here is the place for all your wonderful questions. They are separated into sections, and if you don't find what you're looking for please contact us and ask!
Contact UsChildcare
Do you offer before and after school programs?
Yes! We provide extended childcare services before school (7:45-8:45 AM) and after school (until 6:00 PM) for all enrolled students. We also offer care during teacher workdays and vacation breaks (Winter and Spring break). These services are billed separately from tuition. Learn more about our childcare services.
How much does childcare cost?
$7.50 per hour, billed monthly based on the hours your child actually uses — you pay only for the care you use. See childcare details.
Is childcare open to families who don't attend South Hills?
Yes. Extended childcare is open to any child ages 2.5–12. Families not enrolled at South Hills complete the same enrollment, sunblock, and medication forms so we stay compliant with Oregon's Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC).
Admissions
What ages do you serve?
Our Primary program serves children ages 2.5–5, and our Elementary program serves ages 5–12 (Kindergarten through 6th grade). Both use mixed-age classrooms in the Montessori tradition.
Can we enroll mid-year?
Yes. We admit students on a rolling basis year-round whenever a space opens in the right classroom. The formal admissions cycle for the following fall begins each January, and spaces fill as applications are received.
How does the application process work?
Start with a tour of the school, where you'll receive an application packet. Return it with the $50 application fee. When a space becomes available you'll receive an enrollment offer; to accept, you sign the enrollment agreement, pay the first month's tuition as a non-refundable deposit, and pay the $100 materials fee. See the full enrollment process.
Does my child need to be potty trained?
For the Primary program, yes — children must be toilet trained before starting. We are not licensed for diapers, and only training pants (not pull-ups) are permitted. New students should be 30 days accident-free before their start date, and teachers work compassionately with families through the first 30-day adjustment period. More on the Primary program.
Tuition
How much is tuition?
Elementary tuition is $10,000 for the year ($1,000/month over 10 months). Primary tuition ranges from $8,800 to $9,750 for the year depending on the schedule you choose. Extended childcare is billed separately at $7.50/hour. See full tuition details.
Do you offer tuition assistance?
We accept ERDC (Oregon's Employment Related Day Care subsidy) for our Primary program. If your family qualifies for Oregon's child care subsidy, it can significantly offset tuition.
Are there any discounts?
Families with more than one child enrolled receive a $500 tuition discount per child. Families who pay the following year's tuition in full in advance receive a $1,000 discount. See tuition details.
Is my deposit refundable?
Enrollment and re-enrollment deposits will be fully refundable until March 15. After March 15, deposits are refundable if the family is experiencing extraneous circumstances such as a family move away from Eugene.
School Info
Is South Hills Montessori affiliated with any religion?
South Hills Montessori is non-sectarian and not affiliated or a part of any church or religion. We enroll students from diverse religious backgrounds and emphasize cultural respect and inclusivity. Our wonderful location is a converted church with a wonderful spacious interior.
Are parents required to volunteer?
While parent volunteering is not mandatory at this time, we warmly welcome and encourage family involvement in various capacities. Opportunities include helping with administrative tasks, grounds maintenance, classroom support, and sharing specialized skills or instruction. Our community thrives when families participate, but we understand that each family's capacity to volunteer varies.
Do you offer music education?
Yes! We have a part time music teacher who provides interactive musical instruction featuring songs and rhythmic activities for our students. Music is integrated into the curriculum as part of our commitment to whole-child development.
What language instruction do you provide?
Elementary students receive weekly American Sign Language (ASL) lessons from a qualified instructor. Parent volunteers with language skills may also contribute to language programming in classrooms, enriching our students' exposure to world languages and cultures.
Are your teachers Montessori certified?
Yes! Our lead teachers are Montessori-certified professionals with extensive training and experience. We maintain high standards for teacher qualifications and ongoing professional development. Meet our teaching team.
Do you provide meals and snacks?
We provide healthy snacks in the morning and afternoon. Children need to bring labeled lunch boxes from home. We accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies with advance notice. We welcome snack donations from families and prefer organic options when possible.
When does the school year start and end?
Our school year typically runs from September through June, following a 10-month academic calendar. Tuition is divided into 10 monthly payments. We also offer extended care during some breaks and teacher workdays. Additionally, we offer a summer program for enrolled families who need year-round care and enrichment opportunities.
Want to Learn More About Montessori?
Still Have Questions?
We're here to help! Contact us for personalized answers