FAQs

August is our main entry time for 3-18 year olds. For international families, we can consider entry at other times (January preferred).

In Infant Community only, there may also be the possibility of a start at the beginning of the Summer Term in March/April.

EMAS operates a Waiting Pool system. Children are prioritised the earlier they complete the application process, as well as if they have siblings at the school or are transferring from another Montessori school.

We accept children from other schools into our Elementary class if they have had previous experience of Montessori education or other complementary approaches. Children join the Elementary class from age 6 or 7 (P1 children join Children’s House). To be accepted into Elementary (at P2), children must be reading and writing at least at a phonetic level and have a solid foundation in maths. They should be familiar with a range of Montessori materials where possible, and able to work independently and self-regulate their learning. Both children and parents need to have an understanding of the Montessori approach and a positive attitude towards it.

Elementary children are invited to complete two trial days in the term prior to joining. These trial days allow the child to experience the Montessori approach and also allow our teachers to consider whether the classroom will suit the child and whether we can meet his/her needs. The child’s previous school reports are also considered.

Our fees cover the cost of tuition, materials, school resources such as jotters, art resources, specialist input, and snack (daily for Infant Community and Children’s House, and weekly in Elementary). In Elementary, the fees also cover trips around the local community and some events.

Hot lunches are available every day, cooked on site by our lovely Chef, Laura. Lunch bookings can be made through the office, additional charges apply. Children are also welcomed to bring their own packed lunch each day. Nursery children are allocated free milk. In Infant Community and Children’s House, a daily snack is provided. Additionally, each classroom does cooking or baking once per week.

School fees should be paid by bank transfer in advance. We advise arranging a standing order for payment of fees to avoid late charges. The nursery is able to accept a range of childcare vouchers. The school is unable to accept payment by cheque.

From August 2021 EMAS is no longer in Partnership with Edinburgh Council. Although EMAS confidently meets the National Standard and Edinburgh Council have expressed their wish for our settling to remain in Partnership, regrettably we are not able to do so at the levels of funding available. While we would wish for Montessori education to be more accessible to all, we are not willing to compromise on quality in terms of staffing, premises, and resources.

Elementary and P1-equivalent children attend five full days per week, 8:30am-3:30pm. Children’s House children must attend five morning sessions or full days, and may be able to do add-on sessions in the afternoons depending on availability. Infant Community children attend Monday – Thursday or Monday to Friday, again with the possibility of add-on afternoon sessions.

After-school care is available Monday to Friday until 5 pm. The longest day a child can attend is 8:30am-5pm. After-school care is provided by EMAS staff.

Our Teens Hub is open until 5pm daily. Young people complete official lessons by 3.30pm but often stay on for extra classes or study time until 5pm.

A range of after-school clubs are on offer each term; these are usually available only to Elementary and P1-equivalent children. Recent clubs have included a Parkour club, Tae Kwon Do, and Rhythm Club (a percussion group). These clubs are run by approved outside instructors.

EMAS does not run a regular holiday club scheme; the school operates term-time only. However, holiday clubs may be offered during the Spring break and the summer.

Children will be considered for admission regardless of their school background. For children entering Elementary, they may find some aspects of the transition more challenging, particularly the need to self-initiate work. Children’s experiences will vary depending on the educational approach in their previous school and their home environment.

Children have moved on to both independent and local authority secondary schools. Likewise, children have transferred to a range of other primary schools. Feedback from the receiving schools has been very positive, with teachers commenting on children’s general knowledge, confidence, and respectful attitudes.

We follow the Montessori Scope and Sequence throughout our classrooms. This ties in elegantly with the Curriculum for Excellence experiences and outcomes. Our educators are knowledgeable in both ways of communicating, recording and reviewing our children and young people’s progress.

Our Upper School students are offered exam choices along Scottish Qualification pathways. These include National 4, National 5 and Higher courses of study. Additionally we offer a range of vocational qualifications. All our young people create a work portfolio and complete work experience in our Land Based Business program.

Our staff all have Montessori qualifications or are currently undertaking training. As a school accredited by Montessori Education UK, we place a high value on continuing professional development. All staff are also registered with either the Scottish Social Services Council or the General Teaching Council (Scotland).

Our staff are able to support children with a range of learning needs. We also work with a range of external specialists. We are a neurodiverse community and celebrate the gifts each individual brings.

EMAS has significant experience supporting children from a range of language backgrounds. Our international staff are able to scaffold children’s language development regardless of their home language. However, for children joining Elementary, we do recommend language tuition prior to starting so that children are able to participate in the range of classroom activities.