We are a small, non-profit, independent Montessori school that promotes strong academic and critical thinking skills, encourages our students to contribute to the community and the world, helps our students develop as fair-minded, compassionate leaders, and supports their development in becoming self-directed decision makers. This happens through the guidance of teachers who care deeply about their students, strong family connections and partnership, and a sincere belief in the capacity of all children.
Quick Stats (2025)
- School Type: Montessori School
- Grades: Nursery/Preschool-6
- Enrollment: 67 students
- Acceptance rate: 90%
- Average class size: 16 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
School Overview
School Type
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Nursery/Preschool-6
Year Founded
1986
Student Body
Total Students
67 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
26%
State avg.: 37%
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
8 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
8:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
70%
Average Class Size
16 students
List of Courses Offered
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Tuition Notes
Half Day Primary:
$9,400.00
Full Day Primary:
$13,894.00
Elementary:
$15,373.00
% on Financial Aid
25%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$5,000
Acceptance Rate
90%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Alisa Anania, Head of School
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
2 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Arts and Music Programs:
Music classes and private lessons
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Physical Education
Music classes and private lessons
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Physical Education
School Notes
- We are a small, non-profit, independent Montessori school that is focused on preparing students to navigate middle and high school with strong academic, critical thinking, leadership, community service, and decision-making skills.. For over 30 years, our students have experienced learning in a compassionate and stimulating environment, respectful of individual learning styles and within a community of friends. Our Montessori program is a mixed-age, hands-on model with small teacher to student ratios and a collegial and nurturing atmosphere. The Montessori curriculum provides a platform for genuine mastery of math, language arts, the social and natural sciences as well as art, music, and physical education. Children also earn the freedom to make lots of choices within that structure and participate in caring for the indoor and outdoor class environments. All of our students, ages 3-12, study Spanish, environmental education, music, physical education, and engage in outdoor play daily. Our music teacher also offers private, on-site music lessons for children after school. We have before and aftercare programs and a dynamic parent education program.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
What schools are Tidewater School often compared to?
Tidewater School is often viewed alongside schools like The Calverton School by visitors of our site.
What is the acceptance rate of Tidewater School?
The acceptance rate of Tidewater School is 90%, which is higher than the national average of 81%.
When is the application deadline for Tidewater School?
The application deadline for Tidewater School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
School Reviews
Endorse Tidewater School. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
- Academic or athletic awards
Recent Articles

Social Emotional Learning: Education's Hidden Symphony
A musician's perspective on Social Emotional Learning reveals how this educational framework orchestrates success through five essential emotional competencies.

A Roadmap For Starting A Private School
Use this roadmap as a set of talking points with your trusted mentors and professionals to start the private school of your dreams. You're not alone. Over the years, hundreds of folks like you have had the same dream. From Quintilian to Maria Montessori to Lucy Madeira Wing, visionary educators have established schools to teach according to their beliefs and methodologies.

December 31, 2024
The Spectrum of Islamic Education: From Secular to OrthodoxThis article explores the importance of Islamic K-12 education in today's secular society, providing a roadmap for parents to nurture their children's faith and academic success. Through a question-and-answer format between a parent and an imam, it addresses key aspects such as the types of Islamic education available, when to start, and how to balance religious and secular learning. The essay emphasizes the spiritual and moral benefits of instilling Islamic values in young people, offering practical advice and inspiration for families seeking to raise well-rounded and faithful individuals.