Making Montessori More Accessible: Why We Offer Low Tuition

Montessori education has long been associated with high tuition and limited access, but that’s something we are actively working to change at Mid Cape Montessori.

Part of our mission is to make Montessori education more accessible to families who may not have traditionally seen it as an option. That means intentionally working to “de-gentrify” Montessori, expanding who it serves, and who feels welcome in these spaces.

In the past few decades, Montessori has more commonly been positioned in ways that limit access, despite being designed as an inclusive, child-centered method. At its core, Montessori is about meeting children where they are, honoring individuality, and supporting the whole child. We believe that should be available to more families. 

That’s one reason our tuition is intentionally set lower than many comparable programs - the average cost of a Montessori Elementary program in Massachusetts is nearly $25,000 a year, more than double our base tuition (according to Private School Review). By reducing financial barriers and offering financial aid, we aim to open our doors to a broader, more diverse community of learners.

Accessibility also means representation and belonging. With our current student body, 40% of students identify as non-white. We actively collaborate with families to support each child’s identity and experience, and we are committed to incorporating anti-racist teaching practices in our classrooms.

This includes:

• Reflecting diverse perspectives in classroom materials

• Supporting students in understanding identity and community 

• Creating an environment where all students feel seen and respected

We know that education is not one-size-fits-all, and access shouldn't be either. By rethinking tuition, representation, and classroom practices, we are building a Montessori environment that reflects the real world and prepares students to thrive in it.

Visit Mid Cape Montessori

The best way to understand Montessori is to see it. We welcome prospective families for tours and conversations about fit, tuition, and availability. Contact Cate Van Gelder at 774-363-2584 or email cate@midcapemontessori.org to schedule your visit!