Frequently Asked Questions

How is this Montessori school free when other Montessori schools in Austin cost thousands of dollars a year?

Magnolia Montessori For All is a public charter school, which means we receive funding from the government per child like a conventional public school. We are also required to meet federal and state accountability requirements, which means our students take the STAAR assessment every year starting in third grade. By being a public charter school, we have more autonomy to implement an authentic Montessori curriculum, and we have more freedom with hiring and firing.

Is pre-K free, too?

Pre-K at Magnolia Montessori For All works just like pre-K in the public district. Families who qualify according to the state regulations for pre-K attend for free. Families who do not qualify for pre-K must pay a yearly tuition ranging from $5,600 to $7,200, depending on annual income. PreK Tuition rates

What is Magnolia Montessori For All’s approach to standardized testing?

At Magnolia Montessori For All, we believe that all children can reach their enormous potential academically, intellectually, socially, emotionally, and physically with the right environment and support. We believe that the STAAR test measures one small piece of our children’s potential, and that every child can demonstrate high levels of success on a test that measures basic proficiency. However, we do not believe in “teaching to the test” by resorting to “drill and kill” worksheets. Instead, we believe in preparing children to do well on the test by ensuring that every objective has a corresponding Montessori material, so that children learn everything in an authentic, meaningful way. Further, students take two practice STAAR assessments throughout the year, so we can monitor and measure their progress objectively and help them feel relaxed on test day. We use standardized testing as an opportunity to prepare our children to feel comfortable and confident on future tests for college, such as the SAT, ACT, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, etc.

I’ve heard that Montessori is about “following the child” and letting children “work at their own pace.” What if my child only wants to read all day and starts to fall behind in other subjects?

It is true that choice is an integral part of the Montessori method, and for good reason! Researchers frequently publish new articles that talk about what a powerful motivator choice is. Our goal is to help children become internally motivated. Learning how to make positive choices is one of the most important parts of growing up and being truly prepared for college, the ever-changing 21st century workplace, and life in our families and communities. Montessori classrooms provide daily opportunities to practice making choices with guidance from adults. It’s part of “freedom with responsibility.” Because children stay in the same classroom for three years, the teacher (“guide”) builds a strong relationship with each child and monitors their progress very closely. We use computer software to track their progress in each subject area, and we help children understand the importance of “exercising all the parts of your brain.” Although children have choice around which subject to work on first, whether to work alone or with a partner, where to work in the classroom, etc., they do not have the choice to avoid subjects entirely or to not work.

Where is the school located?

5100 Pecan Brook; Austin, TX 78724. Our permanent facility opened in January 2018.