Question 1

How do I know if International Montessori Academy is the right fit for my child?

Accepted Answer

Many parents tell us they are looking for a school where their child will feel genuinely known, supported, and encouraged rather than pressured. At International Montessori Academy, we focus on helping your child build confidence, independence, emotional awareness, and a strong academic foundation in a calm and nurturing environment. Families often notice right away that our classrooms feel friendly, welcoming, and intentionally designed for meaningful learning experiences. Devon King, School Leader for our Capitol Hill and West Bellevue campuses, often shares that building strong relationships and community connections is one of the most important parts of our school culture. We always encourage families to schedule a tour so you can experience the environment firsthand and see how your little one responds to it.

Question 2

What ages does International Montessori Academy serve?

Accepted Answer

International Montessori Academy serves families with programs for your child beginning at 12 months and continuing through Lower Elementary. Depending on the campus location, programs include Toddler, Preschool, Pre-K, Kindergarten, and Lower Elementary (First and Second grade), as well as robust Mandarin and Spanish Immersion programs. Our Eastgate and Capitol Hill campuses currently serve children through Pre-K, while our West Bellevue campus continues through second grade with Kindergarten and Lower Elementary programs. Many families love that their little one can grow within the same familiar community over several important developmental years.

Question 3

When should our family begin the enrollment process?

Accepted Answer

We recommend reaching out as early as possible, especially for our early childhood, elementary, and language immersion programs, because availability can fill quickly throughout the year. That said, enrollment is accepted year-round, subject to space availability. Our admissions team works closely with your family to help determine the best transition timeline based on your child's age, development, and readiness. During your tour, we will walk you through program options, schedules, and classroom expectations so you feel comfortable and informed every step of the way. Many parents tell us that having those conversations early helped make the entire process feel much less overwhelming.

Question 4

Do you offer part-time programs or flexible scheduling?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we offer both full-time and part-time enrollment options at several of our campuses, depending on program availability. We understand that every family's schedule and needs can look different, especially during the early years. Some families are looking for a gentle introduction to school routines, while others need a more consistent full-time schedule that supports work and daily structure. Our admissions team will help you explore the options available at your preferred location and find a schedule that supports both your family and your child's development. Flexibility and partnership are very important to us because we know these decisions impact the entire family, not just your child.

Question 5

Does my child need to be potty-trained before enrolling?

Accepted Answer

Potty training is not required for our toddler programs serving children ages 12 months to 3 years. For preschool and Pre-K classrooms, children do need to be toilet-independent before starting. We know this transition can feel emotional and stressful for families, so our teachers work closely with parents to support consistency and confidence throughout the process. Our classrooms follow predictable routines that help your child feel secure and understand what comes next during the day.

Question 6

Can we tour the school before making a decision?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. In fact, we strongly encourage it because so much of what makes International Montessori Academy special is the feeling families experience when they walk through our doors. During your visit, you will meet educators, explore classrooms, observe learning environments, and have time to ask questions specific to your child and family. You will immediately notice the calm atmosphere, the respectful interactions between educators and students, and sense the warmth throughout the campus. Tenika Eddings, School Leader at our Eastgate campus, believes tours are an important opportunity for families to feel truly connected to the school community before enrolling. Schedule your tour today.

Question 7

What makes your curriculum different from other schools in Bellevue and Seattle?

Accepted Answer

Our curriculum is designed to support the whole child through hands-on learning, emotional development, bilingual language experiences, and meaningful academic exploration. Rather than focusing only on memorization or rigid instruction, our educators intentionally guide your child through lessons that encourage independence, problem-solving, creativity, and self-direction. Families especially appreciate the balance between structure and freedom because children are supported while still having opportunities to make choices and follow their curiosity. Research from Harvard University's Center on the Developing Child shows that emotionally supportive environments strengthen both cognitive development and long-term learning outcomes.

Question 8

How does Mandarin and Spanish immersion work for young learners?

Accepted Answer

Language learning happens naturally throughout the day through songs, stories, conversation, classroom routines, cultural activities, and hands-on experiences. Your child is not expected to sit and memorize vocabulary lists. Instead, our immersion programs create opportunities for your little one to absorb language the same way they learned their first language through meaningful daily interactions and repetition. Native-speaking educators gently model language throughout the classroom while helping children feel capable while participating at their own comfort level. Research from the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages shows that early bilingual exposure supports cognitive flexibility, communication skills, and cultural understanding in young learners.

Question 9

Will my child still be academically prepared for elementary school?

Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely. Academic readiness is one of the biggest priorities for families considering our programs, and we intentionally build strong foundations in literacy, math, concentration, communication, and problem-solving. Through individualized lessons and hands-on exploration, your child develops both academic confidence and the ability to think independently. Our Pre-K, Kindergarten, and Lower Elementary programs are specifically designed to help students transition smoothly into future academic environments while still protecting the joy of learning. Families often tell us they are amazed by how capable, and curious their child becomes throughout their time at International Montessori Academy.

Question 10

How do your educators support social-emotional development?

Accepted Answer

Social-emotional learning is woven into everything we do because children learn best when they feel emotionally safe and understood. Our educators guide your child through conflict resolution, emotional regulation, communication, and relationship-building in ways that feel supportive rather than punitive. Our School Leader, Tenika Eddings, explains that true learning happens when children trust their environment enough to know it is safe to make mistakes, ask questions, and grow confidently. We use positive guidance approaches that help children understand emotions while building empathy and independence. Research from the Child Mind Institute shows that emotionally supportive classrooms strengthen resilience, confidence, and long-term academic engagement.

Question 11

What does a typical day look like for my child?

Accepted Answer

Each day includes a balance of hands-on learning, movement, language exposure, social interaction, practical life experiences, and quiet moments for focus and concentration. Predictable routines help your child feel emotionally secure while still allowing flexibility for exploration and creativity throughout the day. Your little one may spend time working with academic materials, participating in group activities, practicing independence skills, exploring language immersion, or engaging in outdoor play and movement. School Leader, Tenika Eddings, shares that consistent routines are especially helpful for toddlers and preschoolers, as they help children understand expectations and feel more capable navigating the classroom. Parents often share that they appreciate how calm and purposeful the classrooms feel compared to more overstimulating environments.

Question 12

How much outdoor time do children receive?

Accepted Answer

Outdoor experiences are an important part of the school day because movement, exploration, and fresh air support both physical and emotional development. Our teachers create opportunities for your child to move, play, explore nature, and build social skills in safe and engaging outdoor environments. We know young learners need opportunities to release energy, use their imagination, and connect with the world around them in meaningful ways. Outdoor play also supports focus and emotional regulation once children return to classroom learning. Many families describe their love for seeing how balanced their child's daily rhythm feels.

Question 13

What makes the classroom environment feel different from other schools?

Accepted Answer

Parents consistently share that our classrooms feel calm, welcoming, and intentionally prepared for learning rather than chaotic or overstimulating. Natural materials, open learning spaces, thoughtful organization, and predictable routines help your child feel emotionally secure and ready to engage confidently throughout the day. Our educators also intentionally create environments where kindness, respect, and communication are modeled consistently. Devon King, one of our School Leaders, shares that creating meaningful experiences and emotionally supportive spaces is what she feels most passionate about as a school leader. This warmth and sense of belonging are something families notice almost immediately during their first visit.

Question 14

How do you keep children safe throughout the school day?

Accepted Answer

Safety is woven into every part of the school experience, from classroom supervision and secure entry procedures to educator training and emergency preparedness. Our campuses are licensed by the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families and recognized by the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, which means we maintain high standards for child safety and care. Educators complete CPR, First Aid, and Food Handler certifications, as well as ongoing professional training throughout the year. Families also appreciate that administration teams are actively present and available throughout the school day. Creating an environment where your child feels physically and emotionally safe is one of our highest priorities.

Question 15

How do you support children who need extra emotional or developmental support?

Accepted Answer

We believe every child deserves to feel understood, supported, and encouraged throughout their learning journey. Our teachers work closely with families, specialists, and support professionals whenever additional guidance or accommodations may be helpful for your child. Communication and collaboration are very important because we know every family's experience can look different. Educators intentionally build strong relationships with students so children feel emotionally safe asking for help and expressing their needs. Many parents tell us they appreciate how responsive, patient, and compassionate our educators are during challenging moments or transitions.

Question 16

How do you handle drop-off and pick-up safety?

Accepted Answer

We know drop-off and pick-up routines are among the biggest concerns for many parents, especially during busy workdays. Each campus follows specific safety procedures designed to make transitions organized, smooth, and secure for families. At our Eastgate campus, for example, families can use the loading zone for drop-off while security staff are present during key transition windows. Educators are also available to greet children with warmth and help make the transition into the classroom feel comfortable and reassuring. Parents often share that that these routines become much easier once their child becomes familiar with and confident in the daily schedule.

Question 17

How do you keep parents informed about their child's day?

Accepted Answer

We use tools like Procare to share updates, photos, and daily activities so that you can feel connected to your child's experience. Communication is about building trust and creating a strong referral network of happy families who feel supported. As Marcela Krauss explains, keeping families informed helps create a true sense of partnership.

Question 18

How involved can families be in the school community?

Accepted Answer

Community involvement is a huge part of what makes International Montessori Academy feel so special. Throughout the year, we create opportunities for families, educators, and students to come together through events, celebrations, classroom activities, and shared experiences. Families often form lasting friendships within the school community because there is a strong sense of warmth and support among parents and staff. Devon King, School Leader, explains that creating meaningful experiences that help families connect is among the things she loves most about her role. That sense of belonging is something many families say they were searching for before finding our school.

Question 19

What if my child is shy or takes time warming up to new environments?

Accepted Answer

That is incredibly common, and our teachers are very experienced in helping children build comfort and trust at their own pace. We never force participation before your child feels emotionally ready. Instead, they gently build relationships through consistency, tenderness, patience, and encouragement so your little one feels secure enough to gradually engage with classmates and classroom routines. Many parents tell us they are amazed as they watch their child slowly become more assured, social, and independent over time. Those small moments of growth are incredibly meaningful to our team as well.

Question 20

What do families say they love most about International Montessori Academy?

Accepted Answer

Families consistently tell us they love the warmth, kindness, and sense of connection they feel throughout our school community. Parents often mention caring educators, calm classroom environments, bilingual learning opportunities, and how their child becomes more confident and independent over time. One Capitol Hill parent shared that the teachers truly "see" their child's strengths and personality while helping them grow emotionally and academically. Another family described the school community as tender, safe, enriching, and deeply supportive. Hearing those experiences means everything to us because helping families feel connected and cared for is at the heart of our mission.

Frequently Asked Questions About International Montessori Academy

Admissions & Enrollment

Curriculum

Daily Routines & Children's Experiences

Health & Safety

Communication & Community

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