Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, normally, depending on the program. Your child may be placed on our waiting list due to a number of factors including the child’s age and staff/student ratios, as per state requirements. The length of time on a waitlist will also vary due to many factors. The Enrollment process involves several steps, the first of which is to gather information, learn more about the Montessori Method and decide if you would like to continue the process. Completing and returning the FREE PreApplication allows us to gain more information about your child and your interest in our program. The PreApplication also allows us to distinguish which families are sincerely interested in our program, compared to the many inquiries for a ‘space’. Our tours are by appointment only and are customized to the families attending. The FREE PreApplication is the first step to get on the initial waitlist. Once we anticipate an opening in a program for which your child is eligible, we will contact you to tour the school. Following the tour, families may choose to continue through the admissions process and complete the Application along with Application fee, upon which a time will be scheduled for your child to join the classroom and spend time with the Lead Teacher to determine readiness for the program and possible start date.

Our programs for children birth through age 5 are  year-round commitments and require an annual contract, running June through the following June. We offer opportunities for parents to shift to a half-day schedule during the summers, and back to a full day schedule during the school year though. At age 6, students may be invited to join our Summer Friendship Club (ages 6-12), a summer-only program.

We offer a half-day morning program for children through age 5. Our Montessori cycle occurs at the beginning of the day and is a key aspect that sets us apart from other private schools and childcare facilities. In over three decades of experience, we have found the greatest strides in learning and enthusiasm come from children when their days are patterned consistently. Those choosing to enroll in a Montessori school do so because of the Montessori approach; thus the children must be present to get the most out of the Montessori-environment.

A few years ago we made the switch to uniforms, and our families loved the results! In fact, many families are happy to learn our school requires uniforms. Parents find it eases morning routines as well as saves money. Our uniform outfitter, Land’s End, has created a unique website for GFMA which allows parents to easily select uniform components for their child. Items can be returned online or at your local Sears store. Additionally, Land’s End offers incentives to save money with points earned from purchases (see their website for details on their program). They frequently offer discounts and free shipping. Many items can be purchased at local stores and do not need to be brand specific; and we do not require parents to purchase a set quantity, nor do they need to purchase new. In fact, we offer our parents an opportunity to resell gently used clothing through the school.

No, we do not offer sibling discounts.

At this time, neither scholarships nor financial aid is available directly from GFMA. Child Care Assistance (CCA) is available and families may contact CCA of North Dakota to discuss their family’s financial needs. Families are solely responsible for all costs. Those who qualify for CCA will need to notify GFMA, and bring paperwork to the office for signatures and attendance records in order to be directly reimbursed by CCA.

Tours are by appointment only and require a Pre-Application to be submitted first. We are happy to answer general questions on the phone or by email. 

Please review the Admissions Process Overview to learn more about the steps toward enrollment, and where tours fit within this process.

Both parents/all caregivers must attend the tour. It is essential that all legally responsible caregivers be 'on the same page' with regards to expections and ultimately, their choice, in care for their child(ren). The initial tour is for adults only; your child will have an opportunity to visit the classroom and the teacher at a later date. 

See our Admissions Process Overview to learn more about the steps toward enrollment.

Parents are encouraged to first review our website, ask any additional questions, and then complete a FREE Pre-Application. 

We suggest submitting a formal application as soon as possible following your tour. 

Parents will be notified of a tour when we forsee a space becoming available.