Frequently Asked Questions

Music, dance, art, foreign language, gymnastics, tennis, theatre, chess and more. It is all included in the tuition.

Students should be 18 months as of September 1^st to be eligible to join LCM Toddler Program.

Students start exclusively at the beginning of the academic year to ensure quality and continuity. The program is designed so they will benefit from being with the same teachers and classmates all year long.

At the toddler level, there is no expectation for toileting readiness. We will partner with you to support your child in learning to toilet independently in a stress-free manner.

10-12 students are supported by a three-teacher team. Every classroom at LCM is led by a Montessori-certified teacher.

In addition to the school day schedule below, LCM also offers extended care from 7:30am to 5:15pm.

• 8:20am Arrival
• 8:40am Morning circle
• 9:00am Montessori work cycle
• 10:30am Outdoor time
• 11:30am Extracurriculars
• Noon Lunch
• 12:45pm Nap
• 3:00pm Dismissal

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We only offer a five-day-a-week option because the consistency of a routine allows students to thrive emotionally and academically. We do offer a half-day dismissal at 12:45pm allowing families flexibility to have their child nap at home.

LCM provides organic snacks but lunch comes from home. To ensure the health and safety of all our students, LCM co-founder, Dr. Julian Kertsman, creates individualized allergy policies for each classroom prior to the start of the academic year.

Students must be three years old as of September 1^st to be eligible to join the LCM Primary Program. They will enjoy a three-year cycle in the same classroom that includes Kindergarten.

Yes, students are expected to use the toilet independently once they enter the Primary Program and diapers are no longer worn.

20-24 students are supported by a three-teacher team. Every classroom at LCM is led by a Montessori-certified teacher.

In addition to the school day schedule below, LCM also offers extended care from 7:30am to 5:15pm.

• 8:20am Arrival
• 8:40am Morning circle
• 9:00am Montessori work cycle (includes lunch)
• 12:30pm Gross motor development (outdoor time & extracurriculars)
• 3:00pm Dismissal

Once students move into Primary, we no longer offer the half-day option because the afternoon is when students enjoy time at the playground and our extracurricular programming.

Montessori preschool focuses on individual, concrete activities for foundational skills. Lower elementary emphasizes group work, cosmic education, and abstract thinking through the Five Great Lessons, sparking interdisciplinary exploration. Teachers guide collaboration, fostering reasoning, social awareness, and self-directed learning in a dynamic environment.

20-24 students are supported by a three-teacher team. Every classroom at LCM is led by a Montessori-certified teacher.

Students take part in music, art, foreign language instruction as well as a rotation of physical education classes such as tennis, dance and martial arts.

Yes, it runs from 7:30am to 5:15pm. We offer extracurricular programming such as chess and theatre as part of the extended day.

No, the summer program is only for the Toddler and Primary programs.

Montessori elementary report cards are narrative-based, focusing on individual progress in academics, social skills, and abstract thinking, avoiding traditional grades. Testing is informal, using teacher observations and student self-assessments, often tied to Great Lessons projects, to gauge understanding and encourage intrinsic motivation. Conferences supplement reports. In third grade, we conduct standardized testing to comply with state regulations.

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The curriculum emphasizes cosmic education, integrating math, science, history, and language through the Great Lessons. Students engage in self-directed research and abstract thinking, building critical skills. This interdisciplinary approach fosters independence, problem-solving, and collaboration, ensuring a strong foundation for middle school.

Homework is assigned at times to support deeper, independent learning rather than memorization or busy work. Homework focuses on meaningful tasks tied to classroom topics, such as research projects from Great Lessons.

The mixed-age classroom encourages peer teaching, leadership, and collaboration. Older students model skills, while younger ones gain inspiration, fostering a supportive community. This setup allows individualized pacing, enhances social skills, and promotes abstract thinking through group projects, preparing students for diverse social and academic settings.

Discipline is managed through grace and courtesy lessons, community meetings, and self-regulation, emphasizing empathy and conflict resolution. Students develop social skills by navigating group dynamics in projects fostering moral reasoning and a sense of responsibility within a collaborative environment.

Montessori’s individualized approach supports all students. Teachers have the flexibility to tailor lessons to each child’s pace, offering challenging extensions as well as additional support.

Montessori upper elementary assesses progress through detailed teacher observations, student portfolios, and self-assessments, avoiding traditional grades. Narrative reports highlight mastery in subjects, abstract thinking, and research skills inspired by Great Lessons, fostering intrinsic motivation. At times we will employ standardized testing based on state requirements.

LCM is an independent school dedicated to authentic, high-quality Montessori education. Our distinguished faculty, low student-to-teacher ratios, and robust extracurricular programs foster individualized learning, creativity, and community.

Prospective toddler families simply need to apply and complete a private tour. Prospective Primary and Elementary students will also need a recommendation form and a new child visit.

LCM serves students 18 months through 12 years old through our four programs: Toddler Program, Primary Program, Lower Elementary & Upper Elementary.

Toddler families will be invited by December 1^st. Primary and Elementary families will be notified no later than by February 1^st. A waiting list with rolling admissions will take place after these key dates.

Families can apply right on our website.

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LCM welcomes students from all over Philadelphia but most families in the community are local to Fishtown, Northern Liberties, Olde Kensington and Old City.

Students start exclusively at the beginning of the academic year to ensure quality and continuity. The program is designed so they will benefit from being with the same teachers and classmates all year long.

Montessori fosters independence, critical thinking, and a love for learning through individualized, hands-on education. Mixed-age classrooms promote collaboration, leadership and social development.

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We have an eight-week program for enrolled toddler and primary students.

LCM has a need-based tuition assistance program that is funded by the school. LCM also supports military families by accepting MYCCN. Please note, LCM does not accept CCIS.