Admission

Admission Process

Explore & Engage with Us

Exploring Harborlight is the beginning of an exciting conversation about your child’s learning journey. We invite you to read through our Frequently Asked Admissions Questions to learn more about Harborlight and encourage you to connect with us. We would love to hear about your child -  their interests, strengths, personality, and the experiences you hope school will offer. Together, we can help you discover whether Harborlight may be a wonderful fit.

Below, you’ll find answers to common questions about our educational programs, the admission process, student visits, enrollment timing, tuition assistance, and joining Harborlight at different ages and grade levels.

If you do not see your question here, contact the Admission Office or schedule a campus tour.

Admission Checklist

List of 6 items.

  • 1. Inquiry Form

    The first step is to make introductions. Use our INQUIRY FORM to tell us about your family.

  • 2. Campus Visit

    Tours offer you an opportunity to learn more about the Harborlight curriculum and philosophy, observe classrooms in session, and ask many questions.

    CAMPUS TOUR REGISTRATION - CLICK HERE

  • 3. Submit Application

    Once you have visited and determine that you wish to apply to Harborlight Montessori, please submit the Admission Application online.

    Applications are accepted throughout the year. Applying before November 1st for the following year's enrollment is encouraged.

  • 4. Submit Previous Records

    INFANT THROUGH Pre-KINDERGARTEN

    All assessments and screenings for entering students infant thought kindergarten are conducted during the student visit at Harborlight. When a student is enrolled in a group care program, we suggest a recommendation as well.

    FOR STUDENTS ENTERING GRADES K-8

    Student report cards for the past year, standardized test results, teacher recommendation forms, as well as a copy of any special education or psychoeducational evaluations, should be submitted to the Admissions Office or uploaded in the application.

    Please give permission to a current or previous teacher to speak with Harborlight Admissions Committee regarding your child's application.

    Click Below for Admissions Recommendation Forms
    RECOMMENDATIONS FOR GRADES 6-8
    Administrator Recommendation Form
    Math Recommendation Form
    English Recommendation Form

    RECOMMENDATIONS FOR GRADES 2-5
    Current Teacher Recommendation Form

    RECOMMENDATIONS FOR GRADES K-1
    Current Teacher Recommendation Form

  • 5. Student Visit

    FOR CHILDREN ENTERING TODDLER:
    CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR TODDLER VISIT
     
    FOR CHILDREN ENTERING CHILDREN'S HOUSE:
     
    FOR CHILDREN ENTERING GRADES 1-8:

  • 6. Admission Decision

    Harborlight’s Admissions Committee reviews each application thoughtfully and thoroughly. All decisions are sent via email upon completion of the application process. 

    Offers of enrollment (especially for our Lower School) are mailed as early as January for the Summer and Academic Year. These offers are sent until the grade/program level is full. 

    Parents confirm their child's enrollment by electronically submitting the Enrollment Agreement with a non-refundable/non-transferable tuition deposit to reserve a space for their child.

    When a decision places an application in a wait pool, the Admissions Team will contact the family when the child is moved from the wait pool to acceptance for future enrollment.

Admission Philosophy:

Harborlight welcomes families who value a thoughtful, hands-on education and a strong school-home partnership. Our Admission Committee, made up of faculty members, academic leaders, and the Director of Admission, considers each applicant in relation to our Montessori programs and classroom communities.

We seek to enroll curious, creative, and engaged learners who are ready to build independence, collaborate with others, and explore ideas deeply. Through individualized Montessori learning, meaningful classroom work, outdoor experiences, and real-world connections, students are encouraged to ask questions, solve problems, and grow into confident contributors.

Admission and re-enrollment decisions are made independently of a family’s application for financial aid, scholarships, or tuition assistance.

Frequently Asked Admissions Questions

List of 8 items.

  • What type of school is Harborlight?

    Harborlight is an independent, nonprofit organization governed by a Board of Trustees. The Board provides stewardship and strategic oversight in support of the school’s mission, while the school’s leadership and faculty guide its daily educational program.

    Harborlight is accredited by the American Montessori Society (AMS) and the Association of Independent Schools in New England (AISNE). We value our relationships with other AMS-accredited Montessori schools and enjoy being part of a strong professional community. However, Harborlight is independently governed and operated; and not a business partner, franchise, or affiliate of any other Montessori school or organization.

  • What ages and grades does Harborlight serve?

    Harborlight welcomes children from infancy (6 months) through Grade 8. Our programs include Infant, Toddler, Children’s House (ages 3–6, including Kindergarten), Lower Elementary (Grades 1–3), Upper Elementary (Grades 4–6), and Middle School (Grades 7–8).

  • When can my child start?

    Children may begin in our Infant & Toddler and Children’s House programs in July, August, September, or January, as space allows. Elementary and Middle School applications are welcomed year-round, with September entry given priority.

  • How do I begin the admissions process?

    Start by submitting an inquiry or scheduling a tour. A family tour is a wonderful way to see Harborlight learning in action, explore our classrooms and campus, and talk with our admissions team about your child and family. After your visit, you may submit an application and schedule a student visit when appropriate.

  • What happens during a student visit?

    Student visits help us get to know a child in a relaxed, age-appropriate way. Younger children may spend time in a classroom or meet with a teacher, while Elementary and Middle School students typically join a classroom for a school day. The visit also helps students experience the community and determine whether Harborlight feels like a good fit.

  • What information is needed from my child’s current school?

    For applicants who are currently enrolled in school, we ask families to submit school records and a confidential teacher evaluation. This information helps us understand a child’s learning profile, progress, and classroom experience so that we can thoughtfully support a successful transition.

  • Does Harborlight accept transfer students?

    Yes. Harborlight welcomes transfer students from Pre-K through Grade 8. Montessori experience is prioritized but not required. We work with each family to understand their child’s learning history, strengths, interests, and readiness for the program.

  • Does enrolling early guarantee Elementary placement?

    Children who enter Harborlight through our Infant & Toddler or Children’s House programs are guaranteed placement in our Elementary program, provided the family remains in good standing and continues through the admissions and enrollment process. (Jump to FAQs about Elementary and Middle School Education)

List of 8 items.

  • Is it difficult to join Harborlight in an older grade?

    Children join Harborlight successfully at every age. Our Elementary and Middle School communities are designed to welcome new students, and teachers help them build relationships, understand classroom routines, and transition into Harborlight learning. Because students are well-known by their teachers and peers, new children quickly become part of the community.

  • Is Montessori only for preschool?

    Not at all. Harborlight’s program continues through Grade 8. As students grow, they take on increasingly complex academic work, collaborate on projects, build executive-function skills, participate in real-world learning experiences, and develop confidence as independent learners.

  • Does Harborlight give priority to siblings?

    Yes. Siblings of currently enrolled Harborlight students receive priority consideration when there is space available. We encourage current families to begin the process early when considering

  • Are sibling discounts available?

    Harborlight does not offer a separate sibling discount. Our tuition and financial-aid approach is designed to consider each family’s full financial picture, including the cost of enrolling more than one child. Families with multiple children may therefore receive need-based assistance that reflects their overall tuition commitment.

    Please contact Admissions to discuss your family’s circumstances confidentially.

  • What does tuition include?

    Harborlight’s base tuition covers the academic day and academic year. Before- and after-school care, vacation programs, and summer enrollment are available separately for families who need those options through the Bundle Tuition Discount Plan. (Jump to Tuition)

  • Is financial aid available?

    Yes. Harborlight offers need-based financial aid to qualifying families. We encourage families to apply for financial aid at the same time they submit an admissions application so we can consider both requests together.

    Scholarships for Elementary & Middle School students are also available.  (Jump to Tuition Assistance & Scholarships)

  • What if my child is placed in the wait pool?

    A wait pool placement means that we believe Harborlight could be a good match for your child, but a space is not currently available. If an opening becomes available, we will contact families in the wait pool as we continue to consider the needs of the classroom community. The wait pool requires both an application and a student visit to be considered. 

  • When will we receive an admissions decision?

    Families receive admissions decisions after all required application materials and the student visit, when applicable, have been completed. Decisions are made based on available space, the child’s readiness for the program, and the needs of the classroom community. Applications submitted after priority deadlines are considered on a rolling basis as space remains available.
Harborlight Montessori admits qualified students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, sex, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability, or any other status protected by applicable law, and extends to them all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School. The School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, sex, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability, or any other status protected by applicable law in the administration of its admissions, scholarships, and tuition assistance program, and its educational, athletic, and other school-administered programs.

Contact

243 Essex Street
Beverly, Massachusetts, 01915
Phone: (978) 922-1008
Fax: (978) 922-0594

About Harborlight

Harborlight Montessori is a non-profit, private, independent, school for students from Preschool through Grade 8.

Middle School, Elementary, Preschool, Afterschool, Summer Programs, Vacation Week Programs
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