Frequently Asked Questions

How early should I waitlist my child? It is recommended that you submit a waitlist application by the age of 1 as the entry point to our Toddler Community classes are at age, 24 months and there are limited places available in this program. Children can also enter directly into Children's House at age 36 months and waitlist applications should be submitted as early as possible. 

Is ISMS just a preschool? ISMS is an independent Montessori Primary school which caters for children from birth to 12 years old. Enrolling in our school is a commitment through to year 6 and the enrolment carries through till the end of primary school.

Do I need to submit an application? All programs require an enrolment application, except for our Parent and Child Program, which can be booked on our website.

Do you accept enrolments at times other than the beginning of the year?  Yes, we accept enrolments to our programs throughout the year as entry into our infant and pre-school programs is based on birth date at ages 2 and 3. Enrolments into our primary program is possible throughout the year, subject to availability.

What happens once I submit an application?  Your application will be placed on a waitlist and is subject to prioritisation based on the factors mentioned below. Families will be contacted 1 to 2 terms prior to their expected start date for an interview with our principal. Subject to a successful interview, an offer will be made, which once accepted means the child is officially enrolled at ISMS.

How are waitlist applications prioritised?  The prioritisation of applications is set out below:

1. For children entering Children's House at age 3, any current Toddler Community children are guaranteed entry.
2. Siblings of current students are then offered places.  Please note that if a child is withdrawn from ISMS prior to their sibling being offered a place, then the sibling priority no longer applies.
3. Remaining applications are then prioritised according to the date of application, with earlier applications prioritised first.

When should I expect to hear back about my application?  Families will be contacted 1 to 2 terms prior to their expected start date to progress to the next stage for an interview with our Principal.

If a place is not available, what happens next? Your child will be placed on a waiting list, and you will be contacted if a vacancy becomes available.

Can I delay my start date? 

• If the enrolment offer is not accepted within the designated timeframe, it lapses and your child will return to the waitlist.  Application fees are non-refundable.
• If an enrolment offer is accepted, and you wish to delay your start date, please contact enrolments to see whether this is possible.

If I already have a child enrolled at the school and want to enrol their sibling, does the sibling require an interview? Yes, all children applying for a place at ISMS are required to be interviewed as part of the enrolment process.

What is the Child Care Subsidy and how does if apply at ISMS? The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is a government payment, for those parents paying session fees for children attending the Toddler Community (2-3 years old) and Children's House (3-5 years old), the school receives the CCS subsidy from the Department of Human Services and then allocates the subsidy to the parents' account. Any Centrelink rebates available to eligible families will be credited to the family account and the gap balance amount is payable. All enquiries about families’ eligibility should be directed to Centrelink.