Tuition & Fees
Since 1979, Desert Montessori has integrated Montessori philosophy with research-based educational practices, a rigorous academic curriculum with between a 5:1 and 8:1 student teacher ratio, and a strong extracurricular program that includes art, nature, Spanish, athletics, and community service.
Desert Montessori School is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
2025 – 2026 School Year
In addition to the hours listed below, we offer Aftercare every weekday from 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm, for additional fees (see table below).
Four Day Preschool ages 2 to 4
Monday – Thursday
8:00 am – 3:00 pm
Five Day Preschool ages 2 to 5
Monday – Friday
8:00 am – 3:00 pm
Elementary (1st to 6th grade)
Monday – Friday
8:00 am – 3:15 pm
| 25/26 Aftercare Rates (Drop-In Rate: $32/day) | ||
| Recurring Rates | Monthly Amount | Annual Amount |
| 1-Day Weekly Rate | $115.20 | $1,152.00 |
| 2-Day Weekly Rate | $191.52 | $1,915.20 |
| 3-Day Weekly Rate | $272.16 | $2,721.60 |
| 4-Day Weekly Rate | $342.72 | $3,427.20 |
| Full-Time Aftercare Rate | $403.20 | $4,032.00 |
apply for help
tuition assistance
If you would like to apply for financial aid for the 2025-2026 school year, please follow this procedure: Click on the button below to submit your Parent Financial Statement (PFS) to School & Student Services.
On the PFS, indicate that Desert Montessori School is selected and your information such as family size, total income, savings, investments, and expenses, will be collected. Desert Montessori will receive the results of the analysis as soon as the PFS is completed and the school director will be in touch.
Admission & Enrollment Dates
Admission applications are accepted on a rolling basis and spaces do open up from time to time.
However, many classrooms have a waiting list, and so we encourage you to apply as soon as you are interested.
Returning DMS Students
- February 9th – Re-enrollment & Summer Contracts Sent
- February 27th – Re-enrollment Contracts Due
- March 6th – Financial Aid Applications Due
Prospective DMS Students
- March 2nd – Enrollment Opens
- March 27th – Enrollment & Summer Contracts Due (for priority consideration)
- March 17th (no later than) – Notification of Financial Aid Awards
- May 15th – Summer Registration Closes (late fee for late applications)
Want to visit the school? Schedule a tour.