PROSEPECTIVE PARENT FAQs
What is the student-to-teacher ratio?
- 1:4- Infant program
- 1:6- Toddler program
- 1:13- Primary program
- 1:13 Elementary Program
Do you offer before and after-school programs?
- Our school opens at 7 am for early care, and we provide extended care starting at 4 pm for an extra cost.
What are the school’s values?
- Connection, Diversity, Authenticity, Respect & Integrated Wellness
What are the school hours?
- Our regular school hours are 7:00-6:00 pm
How is communication handled between parents and faculty?
- We use tools such as Transparent Classroom, our DGM App, Take 2 videos, and emails.
What security measures are in place?
- Our campus is secure with gated entrances, visitor check-in, and trained staff on site.
How do we tour the school?
Use this link to schedule a tour. You can also find the schedule a tour button on our home page.
Is parent involvement encouraged?
Absolutely! We have plenty of opportunities for parents to get involved with the community.
What extracurricular activities are available?
We offer a variety of enrichment opportunities and sports. View our athletics page for sport opportunities. Contact our front desk manager for enrichment information.
Is Desert Garden Montessori accredited?
Yes, we are accredited by IMC, Cognia, and IB authorized for our Middle Year Program. Read more about our certifications on the about section of our website.
Where is the Parent Handbook?
Click here to view the parent handbook.
What is the average tuition for private schools in Arizona?
Tuition varies widely depending on the school type and location. On average:
Elementary (K–8): $7,000–$14,000/year
High School: $10,000–$18,000/year
Some specialized schools may charge $20,000+ annually.
Are there financial aid or scholarship options available?
Yes! We offer need-based financial aid as available through our Corporate donors. Additional resources for children age 5 and up, include:
School Tuition Organizations (STOs)
Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESA)
What are School Tuition Organizations (STOs)?
STOs are nonprofits that distribute scholarships funded by Arizona tax credit donations. Your friends and family members can reroute their Arizona tax liability and recommend your child.
What is the Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program?
The ESA program provides Arizona families with public funds to use for private school tuition and other educational expenses. As of 2022, it’s universal — any Arizona K–12 student is eligible.
How do Arizona tax credits work for private school tuition?
Arizona residents can donate to STOs and receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit (up to $2,609 for married couples in 2024). These donations fund scholarships for K–12 private school students.
Can my family use multiple funding sources (ESA + STO)?
No. Families must choose either the ESA program or STO scholarships for a given student, not both.
What other costs should I expect beyond tuition?
Additional fees may include:
Registration/application fees
Athletics and extracurriculars
Organic Lunch program (Lower Elementary and Up)
Is tuition tax-deductible in Arizona?
No. Private school tuition is not tax-deductible. However, donations to STOs are eligible for tax credits.
Are there discounts for siblings or upfront payment?
Yes!
We offer a 10% sibling discount.
We offer a 5% discount if you pay your students tuition in one payment.
We offer a $500 referral fee to current families who refer their friends and family.
What if I can’t afford tuition right now?
Start by:
Applying for financial aid
Exploring STO scholarships for children age K – 12
Checking ESA eligibility for children age K – 12
Asking the Finance Team about payment plans or hardship accommodations
Discussing creative solutions with the Executive Director.
If you have additional questions, please reach out to our Student Support Coordinator, Crystal Lindquist at studentsupport@desertgardenmontessori.org or visit our Student Support Team webpage.
Can Student Support create a 504 plan?
Yes
Can Student Support evaluate my child to see if they have a learning disability?
No, they do not have the ability to formally evaluate or diagnose any child with a learning disability or mental health disorder. However, they can help provide information on how to pursue evaluations and how to navigate the best option for your child.
Can Student Support Team help create a behavioral plan for my child?
Yes, they will work with the teacher and/or parent to create a strength-based behavioral plan.
Can Student Support Team help me navigate a psychoeducational evaluation for my child?
Yes, they can help any parent navigate the process.
Do you have speech therapists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, psychologists, and/or academic interventionists on campus?
- No, DGM does not have an in-house speech, OT, PT, psychologists, etc.
- At no cost, DGM does work alongside outside providers and can offer a space for these interventionists to work with students on campus.
- DGM does have one reading interventionist that can provide services at a cost. Due to having one in-house interventionist, the schedule can fill up quickly.
What services does Student Support provide? Are services included in the tuition cost?
- Student Support provides: parent education (mental health, child development, how to navigate evaluations, etc…), teacher consultation/training, case management, social/emotional learning, crisis intervention, conflict resolution, developmental screening (birth-5), academic screening (school aged children), brief counseling, and some reading services.
- Services that come at an additional cost to tuition include: all academic intervention (reading, written expression, and math), case management that involves multiple services/providers.
What is Student Support?
The Student Support Team is a core group of professionals who work alongside students, teachers, staff, parents, and outside service providers to meet the individualized needs of the students both academically and through social-emotional well-being. The Student Support Team continually aspires to provide services and support consistent with Montessori Philosophy and current scientific research-based practices. Desert Garden works within a framework that views the whole student within the context of their family, classroom and community.
What is DGM's Behavior Policy?
Click here to view the policy.
How to access the Student Support Team?
If a parent suspects that their child may require support from the Student Support Team, the parent may contact the student’s advisee teacher. The teacher will then forward the request to the Student Support Team during their weekly check-in.
Is the Student Support Team a special education program?
No, the Student Support Team is not a special education program, it is a core group of professionals who work alongside students, teachers, staff, parents, and outside service providers to meet the individualized needs of the students both academically and socially/emotionally.