Question 1

Why should I seek an elementary Montessori education for my child?

Accepted Answer

Elementary-aged students are capable of tackling problems, reasoning, socializing, and harnessing their imaginations in order to make sense of the world. Montessori elementary classrooms are designed to meet these tendencies. Mixed age groupings encourage an organic sense of family and community, providing mentoring opportunities in which students help one another. A Montessori elementary community authentically works together to address the practical and spiritual elements of cooperation, including fairness, rules, and procedures.

Montessori elementary studies are based on a cultural curriculum that integrates history, geography, math, the sciences, language, literature, art, and music. An interdisciplinary approach to learning satisfies the elementary child’s curiosity about the Universe and their place within it. As they make connections across time, place, and ideas, they develop essential creative and critical thinking skills. Through student-led projects, trips, and outreach experiences, students learn stewardship of the school, the local community, the natural world, and the global community.

Question 2

What grades does the school serve?

Accepted Answer

Our school serves students from 1st to 6th grade (ages 5.9-12). Please see our network of sister schools if you're also exploring options for younger siblings: Wildflower Schools of Massachusetts.

Question 3

Are students admitted at every grade level?

Accepted Answer

While our most common entry point is first grade, students are admitted at every grade level when there is space available.

Question 4

Do you need prior Montessori experience to attend Allium?

Accepted Answer

No, we meet every child where they are and provide the necessary scaffolding.

Question 5

How does Allium prepare students for secondary school success?

Accepted Answer

Students graduating from Montessori elementary schools show academic readiness for Middle School across the curriculum. In addition, these autonomous learners have well-developed strategies for organization, collaboration, and problem-solving. A strong emotional, social, and moral foundation ensures our students’ competence in secondary school and beyond.

Post-Allium schools our former students attend include:

Atrium School
Beaver Country Day
Cambridge Public Schools
Fayerweather Street School
Shady Hill School
The Newman School
The Winsor School

Question 6

What are the school hours?

Accepted Answer

Regular Allium school hours are 8:30 am - 3:15 pm. Extended day hours include before care beginning at 8:00 am and after care, which is available until 5:30 pm.

Question 7

Does Allium offer financial assistance?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Building a school that is accessible to all families is one of our top priorities. We offer a simple financial assistance application that allows us to understand each family's needs and offer aid equitably. All are welcome and encouraged to apply.

Question 8

Is there transportation?

Accepted Answer

Allium is a short walk from the Harvard Square T Stop and the 77, 83 and 96 buses stop right in front of our school. Allium does not offer private transportation options at this time.

Question 9

Where do Allium students live?

Accepted Answer

Allium families have traveled to us from Boston, Cambridge, Somerville, Jamaica Plain, Belmont, and Lexington.

Frequently Asked Questions