Student-teacher ratios are kept as small as possible in order to allow individualization and close relationships. Our 2-year-old classrooms have a 5:1 ratio, with an average of 10 students together in the classroom with 2 teachers. Our older groups have a 10:1 ratio, although we typically have between 12-16 kids together with 2 or 3 teachers.

We do our best to accommodate each family’s scheduling needs. Please reference our tuition chart for schedule options and tuition rates. For our 2 and 3-year-olds, we require children to attend at least two days per week. Children enrolled in our Pre-K program are asked to attend at least three days per week. We do not offer half days as a scheduling option.

Yes! Each year, our generous families are given the option to contribute to the MCS scholarship fund, and in addition, the Board of Directors works hard to fundraise for this assistance program. Requests for information on the tuition assistance application process may be directed to the office. MCS also accepts the Best Beginnings Scholarship (administered through the State of Montana). To see if you are eligible and/or apply for this scholarship please contact Child Care Resources.

As a licensed childcare center, MCS is required to enroll children who have been immunized or have either a conditional enrollment form or exemption form completed in compliance with state regulations. Immunization records or exemptions are due before the first day of school. For more information, please visit the Montana Department of Human Health and Safety Immunizations page.

As per our licensing requirement, all children must be two-years-old to attend MCS. If your child’s second birthday falls after the first day of school but before October 31st, they may attend starting on their birthday. As this age group typically has a lengthy waitlist, families will need to pay tuition leading up to the child’s first day in order to hold their spot. Children turning 2 after Oct. 31st may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Our two-year-old classrooms are equipped to help children on their journey to becoming independent on the potty. Our three-year-old classrooms are better-suited for children who are already using the toilet on their own and can read their body's signals for when they need to go. We expect occasional accidents to happen in this age group, but mastering this important milestone in a child’s development is essential for the older classroom settings. If your child has not achieved independence in toileting before the new school year, we ask that you contact the office, and we will work with you to make the best decision for your child and the school.

No. Although MCS is not a parent co-op, parent involvement is a valued component of our school, and we invite families to connect to our school community in many ways. Parents may act as occasional visitors in the classroom, share a particular skill or interest with their child’s class, host or accompany field trips, participate in special activities or by serving on a committee or the Board of Directors itself.