Every spring and summer, the same thing happens across Elmhurst and DuPage County: parents who assumed they had "plenty of time" to find a preschool discover that the best programs are already full for fall. If you're thinking about enrolling your child this year, the single most important thing to know is that timing matters more than almost anything else.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know about fall preschool enrollment — why spots fill up so quickly, when you should start the process, how Montessori enrollment works in practice, and how to choose a program that's genuinely right for your child. Whether you're planning a year ahead or scrambling to find a spot before the school year begins, you'll leave with a clear plan.

Why Fall Enrollment Fills Up Fast

Most parents are surprised by how early quality preschools reach capacity. There's a reason for it — and understanding that reason helps you plan.

Montessori classrooms turn over slowly by design

A hallmark of Montessori education is the three-year, mixed-age classroom. Children stay in the same community for a full developmental cycle, learning alongside younger and older peers. That's wonderful for your child — but it also means only a portion of each class "graduates" up to the next level each year. Fewer graduates means fewer new openings than you'd find at a program that starts fresh every September.

Returning families and siblings come first

At most established schools, currently enrolled families re-enroll for the next year before public enrollment opens, and siblings of current students usually receive priority. By the time a program advertises openings to new families, a meaningful share of seats may already be committed.

Fall is when demand peaks

The start of the school year is when the largest number of families are all looking at once. Word-of-mouth referrals, returning families, and new inquiries converge on the same limited number of seats — which is exactly why acting early gives you the most options for program, age group, and schedule.

The best time to start looking for a fall preschool spot is almost always earlier than you think.

When Should You Start the Enrollment Process?

Here's a realistic timeline for how fall preschool enrollment typically unfolds, so you can see where you are right now:

9–12 months ahead (the fall before)

This is the ideal window for the most competitive spots. Tour schools, get on interest or inquiry lists, and start narrowing your options while you have the widest choice of programs and start dates.

Winter and spring

Many schools open applications for the coming fall during this period. Returning families and siblings are typically confirmed first, and new-family offers begin going out. This is the sweet spot for most parents: enough choice remains, and there's no summer rush.

Summer

Remaining seats fill through the summer months, often on a first-come basis as space allows. If you're reading this in July, don't panic — spots do open up over the summer, but they tend to go quickly, so the sooner you tour and apply, the better your odds of landing the program and schedule you want for fall.

Even if you're starting late, a single tour this week can put you ahead of families still "planning to look soon."

The most reliable first step, at any point in the year, is simply to schedule a tour and ask directly about current availability by age group.

How Montessori Enrollment Works at W Montessori

Enrollment doesn't have to be complicated. Here's what the path typically looks like from first inquiry to first day:

• 1. Schedule a tour or observation. Come see a classroom in action, meet the guides, and get a feel for the environment. This is the best way to know whether a program fits your child and your family.
• 2. Submit an enrollment inquiry or application. Share a bit about your child — age, background, and what you're looking for — so the team can talk you through the right program and current openings.
• 3. Connect with the team. A short conversation helps match your child to the right classroom and gives you a chance to ask questions about the day, the curriculum, and the transition.
• 4. Reserve your spot. Once a program is the right fit and a seat is available, you confirm enrollment and secure your child's place for fall.
• 5. Prepare for day one. The school helps you get ready with onboarding details, supply guidance, and tips for a smooth start (more on that below).

Curious who your child would be learning from? Meet our team to see the credentials and experience behind our classrooms.

Which Program Fits Your Child's Age?

Montessori programs are organized around developmental stages rather than rigid grade levels. While you should always confirm current openings by age, here's how Montessori early childhood typically breaks down:

Toddler Community (approx. 18 months – 3 years)

A gentle, purposeful introduction to independence. Toddlers develop language, coordination, and confidence through practical, hands-on activities in a safe, carefully prepared space designed just for them.

Primary / Children's House (approx. 3 – 6 years)

The classic Montessori preschool experience — and where the method truly comes to life. Over three years, children move through the five areas of the curriculum: practical life, sensorial, language, mathematics, and cultural studies.

Don't skip the kindergarten year

One point families often overlook: in a Primary classroom, the third year (the kindergarten year) is when everything comes together. Children who stay for it consolidate skills they've been building for two years and step into leadership roles as the oldest members of the community. Leaving before that final year can mean missing the payoff of the two years that came before it — so if your child is entering at age 3 or 4, it's worth planning for the full cycle from the start.

Not sure how Montessori compares to a traditional daycare or preschool? Our guide on Montessori vs. daycare breaks down the differences.

What to Look for in a Fall Preschool

Not every school that uses the word "Montessori" delivers an authentic program, and not every preschool is the right fit for every family. As you tour this enrollment season, use this checklist to evaluate your options:

• Trained teachers. Look for guides with credentials from recognized Montessori training programs (such as AMI or AMS).
• Authentic materials. Real Montessori classrooms are stocked with the specially designed, self-correcting materials that make the method work — not just Montessori-themed toys.
• Mixed-age classrooms. Three-year age spans are central to how children learn from and mentor one another.
• Uninterrupted work periods. A long, unbroken work cycle (typically two to three hours) is where deep concentration develops.
• Proper licensing. In Illinois, confirm the program is licensed by DCFS and ask about staff-to-child ratios.
• A warm, low-turnover environment. Consistent, caring adults matter enormously for young children; ask how long teachers have been with the school.
• Genuine fit with your family. The right program aligns with your values around independence, hands-on learning, and your child's individual pace.

Montessori isn't just a nice philosophy, either — a 2025 national study found that children in Montessori preschools showed stronger early reading and self-regulation, with benefits that grew over time rather than fading.^[1] You can read more in our guide on what Montessori education really is.

At W Montessori Academy, every one of these boxes is checked — and the best way to confirm that for yourself is to visit in person.

Preparing Your Child for a Great First Year

Once you've secured a spot, a little preparation over the summer goes a long way toward a smooth, happy start. Here's how to set your child (and yourself) up for success:

Build independence at home

Montessori children thrive on doing things for themselves. In the weeks before school, let your child practice putting on their own shoes, pouring their own water, carrying their plate, and tidying up their toys. These small "practical life" moments build the confidence they'll draw on in the classroom.

"Never help a child with a task at which he feels he can succeed."

— Maria Montessori

Establish predictable routines

Consistent sleep, meal, and morning routines help children feel secure. Shifting bedtimes and wake-up times a couple of weeks early makes the first week of school far less bumpy.

Practice short separations

If your child hasn't spent much time away from you, brief, positive separations — a few hours with a grandparent or friend — help them learn that you always come back. Keep goodbyes warm, confident, and brief.

Talk about school positively

Describe the classroom as an exciting place with interesting activities and new friends. Reading picture books about starting school can help your child picture what's coming.

Handle the logistics early

Label belongings, gather any requested supplies, and complete enrollment paperwork ahead of time so the first day is about your child — not last-minute errands.

Trust the adjustment period

Some tears in the first days are completely normal, even for confident children. Experienced Montessori guides are skilled at helping little ones settle in. Give the transition a few weeks before drawing any conclusions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to Enroll for Fall?

The families who find the right fit each year are almost always the ones who start early, ask good questions, and visit in person. With Montessori's naturally limited openings, a little momentum now goes a long way.

We'd love to show you what an authentic Montessori classroom looks like — and to help you find the right place for your child this fall. Schedule a tour of W Montessori Academy in Elmhurst, IL, and take the first step toward a wonderful school year.