Our Commitment
Amherst Montessori School offers financial assistance for families whose children may otherwise be unable to attend. More than 25% of AMS families receive some form of financial aid.

Amherst Montessori Scholarship
The Financial Assistance program is derived directly from our operating budget. Each year, the Finance Committee allocates a portion of the school's budget for financial aid. Awards are based on need and range between 20% and 50% of school costs. Award amounts vary with each year's budget and families must apply for financial assistance for each year of the child's enrollment.

The following must be submitted to apply for financial assistance:

• The AMS Financial Aid Application.
• A copy of the parents' most recent federal tax return(s).
• The Parents' Financial Statement (PFS), as provided by School and Student Services by the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS).

The priority filing date for fall 2010 is February 24; after this date, financial aid applications will be reviewed and packaged according to available funding. If the parents' projected income will change significantly or if there are extenuating financial circumstances, please feel free to submit a letter to AMS along with the application for admission to explain the situation. The PFS requires a $35 application fee (submitted online) or a $42 application fee (submitted by paper); if this fee constitutes a hardship, please contact us as we may be able to offer a fee waiver.  For application of the PFS, please use our school code 3585.

Community Funded Programs
Families with children between the ages of 18 months and five years (prior to September 1) may apply for funding through the Child Care Outlook Program provided by Community Action.  For information visit www.communityaction.us.  If you live in Franklin County, please contact the Greenfield office at 413-772-2177.  If you live in Hampshire County, please contact the Northampton Office at 413-387-1210.

University of Massachusetts Amherst Undergraduate and Graduate Tuition Assistance
For parents who are currently enrolled or are expected to be enroll at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, child care tuition assistance may be available.  For undergraduate tuition assistance information, please contact Joanne Levenson at 413-545-2129 or levenson@stuaf.umass.edu.  For graduate tuition assistance information, please visit the UMass Graduate Student Senate.

For additional financial assistance information, please contact:
Tamara Balis, Head of School
tsbalis@amherstmontessori.org
413-253-3101