How much does Montessori daycare cost?
How much does Montessori daycare cost?
$1,300 – $2,800 average monthly cost (tuition only)
$16,000 – $34,000 average annual total cost (tuition & fees)
Montessori daycare cost
Full-day Montessori daycare costs $1,500 to $2,800 per month for nursery, $1,300 to $2,500 for toddlers, and $1,300 to $2,200 for preschoolers. Half-day programs are less expensive, while extended day options with before and after care cost more. The total annual cost of Montessori daycare is $16,000 to $34,000 for tuition and fees.
| Program | Monthly tuition cost* | Annual tuition cost* |
|---|---|---|
| Nursery | $1,500 – $2,800 | $18,000 – $33,600 |
| Toddler | $1,300 – $2,500 | $15,600 – $30,000 |
| Preschool | $1,300 – $2,200 | $15,600 – $30,000 |
*Tuition cost for 5 days per week; not including additional application, registration, or supply fees.
Montessori daycare costs vary based on location, age group, and program length:
Nursery program (6 weeks to 1 year): Designed for infants, focusing on nurturing care, safe environments, and sensory exploration
Toddler program (1 year to 2.5 years): Emphasizes independence, language development, and social skills in a structured but flexible setting
Preschool (Primary) program (2.5 years to 5 years): Offers a blend of academic readiness, practical life activities, and social development using Montessori materials
Elementary and beyond: Montessori school costs for elementary and middle school students average $12,000 to $28,000 per year, depending on grade level, location, and school reputation.
Additional Montessori daycare costs
While tuition covers the main cost of care and instruction at a Montessori daycare, families should also expect additional non-tuition fees, which can vary widely by school and location. Always ask each Montessori daycare for a detailed breakdown of all tuition and fees.
| Factor | Average cost per year |
|---|---|
| Annual tuition | $15,600 – $33,600 |
| Application fee | $25 – $100 |
| Annual registration | $100 – $400 |
| Supply fee | $75 – $300 |
| Tuition deposit | $300 – $500 (applied to the last month of attendance) |
| Total cost per year | $15,800 – $34,400 |
Registration fee: Most Montessori daycares charge a non-refundable registration fee of $100 to $400 to secure your child’s spot.
Application fee: Some daycares require a separate application fee of $25 to $100 to process enrollment paperwork. Many programs waive this fee for returning families.
Annual supply fee: Expect an annual fee of $75 to $300 or more for classroom materials and supplies. This covers items like art supplies, learning materials, and sometimes snacks.
Activity fees: Extra charges may apply for enrichment activities, field trips, or special classes such as music or movement.
Late payment fees: Daycares often charge $5 to $10 per day for late tuition payments and $25 to $30 for returned checks.
Overtime fees: If you pick up your child late, you may be charged $5 to $10 per hour, per child. Some programs charge $1 per minute for pickups more than an hour late.
What affects the cost of Montessori daycare?
Beyond tuition and enrollment fees, several other factors impact the cost of Montessori daycare programs:
Child’s age: Tuition is higher for infants and young toddlers due to the need for more staff and a lower teacher-to-child ratio.
Schedule type: Full-day programs cost more than half-day options. Programs with flexible or part-time attendance may offer lower rates.
Extended care: Programs offering before- or after-school care beyond the standard 8:30 am to 3:30 pm schedule charge extra fees for the additional hours.
Location: Tuition is higher in urban areas or regions with a higher cost of living, while rural or suburban programs may be less expensive.
Facilities and amenities: Daycares with updated facilities, outdoor play areas, and enrichment resources may charge higher tuition.
Class size: Smaller class sizes, which allow for more individualized attention, often result in higher costs.
Program reputation: Well-established and highly regarded Montessori programs may have higher tuition due to demand and perceived quality.
Montessori discounts
Ask your local Montessori daycare if they offer any of these discounts to help reduce your costs:
Tuition assistance: Many Montessori daycares offer financial aid or scholarships for qualifying families to help make care more affordable.
Sliding-scale fees: Some daycares offer sliding scale tuition, making programs more accessible for eligible families.
Sibling and referral discounts: Many daycares offer a 5% to 10% discount for additional children enrolled. Referral discounts for bringing in new families are also common.
Payment schedule discounts: Paying tuition in advance (such as by semester or annually) can sometimes save you 3% to 5% compared to monthly payments.
FAQs about Montessori daycare
What is a Montessori daycare?
A Montessori daycare is a childcare center that uses Maria Montessori's educational philosophy, focusing on self-directed learning, hands-on activities, and individualized instruction for young children. These programs create a nurturing environment where children are encouraged to explore, make choices, and develop independence at their own pace.
How is Montessori different from daycare?
Montessori daycare uses a structured curriculum with trained teachers and specialized materials to support self-directed learning and independence. Traditional daycare centers focus more on general supervision and play without a specific educational philosophy or individualized approach.
Is Montessori more expensive than daycare?
Montessori daycare is generally more expensive than traditional daycare, with tuition often running $1,300 to $2,500 per month for full-day programs, compared to center-based daycare costs of $500 to $1,800 per month for similar schedules. The higher price reflects Montessori’s specialized curriculum, trained teachers, and smaller class sizes.
Is Montessori daycare worth it?
Montessori daycare is worth it for many families who value a nurturing environment that promotes independence, confidence, and social skills in young children. While the cost is higher than traditional daycare, parents often find the benefits of individualized learning and a structured, hands-on curriculum justify the investment.
What to look for in a Montessori daycare
Choosing the right Montessori daycare involves more than just comparing costs. As you research, focus on the quality, safety, and authenticity of the Montessori program:
Montessori certification: Confirm the teachers hold Montessori credentials from a recognized organization.
Classroom environment: Look for well-organized, clean classrooms with authentic Montessori materials.
Teacher-to-child ratio: Smaller ratios allow for more individualized attention and better support for each child.
Daily schedule: A balanced schedule should include uninterrupted work periods, outdoor play, and time for meals and rest.
Parent communication: The school should provide regular updates on your child’s progress and be open to parents' questions.
Safety and cleanliness: Facilities must be secure, well-maintained, and follow strict hygiene practices.
Child engagement: Observe whether children are focused, engaged, and free to choose activities within a structured environment.
Community reputation: Seek feedback from other parents and review testimonials or references.
Flexibility and policies: Understand the school’s approach to discipline, inclusion, and support for children with different needs.
Questions to ask Montessori daycare directors
Before enrolling your child, ask these questions to ensure you understand the cost and value.
What is your monthly tuition cost, and what does it include?
Are there additional fees for registration, materials, or extended care?
Are your lead teachers certified by a Montessori organization?
What training do assistants have?
Are classrooms organized with authentic Montessori materials?
Can I observe a class?
What is the teacher-to-child ratio?
Can I see a sample daily schedule?
How do you update parents on progress?
What are your safety and hygiene protocols?
How do you keep children engaged?
What is your discipline policy?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.