Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
HOW OLD DOES MY CHILD HAVE TO BE BEFORE S/HE CAN ATTEND SMMS?
Though families can begin the application process earlier, state regulations require children to be three years (36 months) old, prior to attending.
What is the application process?
You can schedule an observation time by calling the school at 971-266-0701. The Enrollment Application is available under the Admissions page. Limited scholarship funds are available to families needing financial assistance. A $25.00 non-refundable processing fee is due with each Enrollment Application. If/when your child is accepted into the school a non-refundable $150 Registration Fee, along with a filled out Registration Form, will be required to complete the enrollment process.
Is SMMS a religious school?
SMMS began as a Christian preschool over 30 years ago and is still a ministry of Portland Mennonite Church. However, the preschool today does not have a specific religious curriculum and is inclusive of other faiths. The children sing table graces before lunchtime, and during the Christmas season the Advent story is presented. Religious traditions of students’ families are shared as well.
What does it mean that SMMS is ‘Mennonite’?
At SMMS, we are Mennonite in the way we treat one another. Mennonite beliefs and practices vary widely, but following Jesus in daily life is a central value, along with peacemaking. At SMMS, the teachers, parents, and children are encouraged to treat one another with respect and grace.
If I start my child with 3 days, would I be able to add more days as s/he gets older?
Parents may choose a 3-day (Tues-Thurs) or 4-day (Tues- Fri) program for their child, with all kindergarten children attending 4 days.
Why does SMMS use a sliding scale tuition plan?
As a sponsored program of Portland Mennonite Church (PMC), the sliding scale tuition plan is consistent with the church’s commitment to “seek the peace of the city where I have sent you.” Our desire is to have a diverse mix of cultural as well as economic backgrounds represented in our school program.
Our goal with this program is to balance:
Our goal with this program is to balance:
- Cost of providing an outstanding preschool educational experience.
- Affordability for families of varying financial resources.
- Equitable pay for our talented teachers.
What time is school?
Children arrive to school between 9:00 and 9:05 AM. Children need to be picked up promptly at 12:30 PM
Do you prepare meals and snacks for the children or do we bring our own?
You are responsible to send a healthy lunch with your child to school. In addition, a healthy snack is also provided every day. Each family contributes a week’s worth of snacks throughout the year
How is discipline handled?
A big focus when working with the children is to give them the tools to live respectfully and peacefully with each other. This is done through grace and courtesy lessons, which model and invite role play for various social scenarios. We try to redirect behavior when possible, and we use a natural and logical consequence approach to discipline in the class. Frequent communication with parents is helpful to form a partnership to support the child with various behaviors.
What’s the average class size?
Because Montessori teaching philosophy fosters learning through the communal learning environment, we have a mix of children in the classroom between ages 3-6. Maximum class size is 20
Does the school have an outdoor space and how often is it used?
Yes. The children have time outside everyday, rain or shine. Children need to come dressed for the weather! There is an outdoor play structure onsite.
What are your policies on Immunization?
We encourage our students to be immunized in compliance with Multnomah County, and we also respect each family’s choice in regard to immunizations. Any medical and non-medical exemptions will require an education certificate from an online course or family doctor. Our current exemption rates are as follows:
Immunization Exemption Rates for SMMS
Immunization Exemption Rates for SMMS
- Diptheria/Tetanus/Pertussis – 1 exempted
- Polio – 1 exempted
- Varicella – 3 exempted
- Measles/ Mumps/Rubella – 1 exempted
- Hepatitis B – 1 exempted
- Hepatitis A – 1 exempted
- Haemophilus Influenza B – 1 exempted
More Questions?
Sunnyside Mennonite Montessori School provides high-quality, affordable Montessori education to children ages 3-6, informed by spiritual principles of peace, respect and grace.