FAQs
Find answers to common questions about our services and enrollment details.
Evviva is the first center-based Montessori infant and toddler program rooted directly in Jersey City’s West Side community. We combine authentic Montessori principles with responsive caregiving, carefully prepared environments, and a strong commitment to accessibility for local families.
“Evviva” is an Italian expression meaning “Long live!”, “Hooray!”, or “Let it thrive!” It reflects our commitment to celebrating childhood and nurturing every child’s unique potential.
Tuition at Evviva covers 7am to 6pm. We operate with a drop-off window from 7 to 9 AM. The pick-up window runs from 4 to 6 PM.
Evviva Montessori specializes in Montessori education for infants and toddlers during the critical first three years of life. Our environment is specifically designed to support the development of movement, language, independence, emotional regulation, and social understanding.
You can use the "Book a Tour" link at the top of the screen to set up your tour of Evviva. We will use the information you provide to reach out and get to know more about your child as well as personally guide you through the enrollment process.
We hope to open our doors to our founding children in mid-July. Tours can take place at Evviva starting now! Don't wait to visit the first Montessori on the West Side and experience all that our community has to offer!
We use Brightwheel as our primary communication platform. Families receive daily reports, photos, messages, meal and nap updates, announcements, billing information, and school reminders through the app.
Yes. Brightwheel provides secure messaging that allows families to communicate directly with staff regarding absences, late arrivals, questions, and important updates. At Evviva, we pride ourselves on building strong relationships with families. Your input, feedback, or just on-the-fly questions are always welcome.
Yes. Evviva Montessori can accommodate infants who are exclusively breastfed. Mothers are welcome to nurse on site, and properly labeled breastmilk may be stored at the school. Staff are trained in infant feeding practices, including bottle feeding and warming bottles safely to support each child's established feeding routine.
Toddler meals are family-provided but may be supplemented by Evviva-provided snacks such as fruits and vegetables and cold milk. Children bring ready-to-eat meals and snacks in clearly labeled containers, with all foods prepared in developmentally appropriate bite sizes. Unfortunately, we are unable to heat food on site. Evviva is a strictly nut-free program! To ensure a high degree of food safety and to establish proper hygeine habits, children wash hands before and after their meal. Sharing food is not allowed at Evviva. Finally, children are never pressured to eat or finish their food—we encourage them to listen to their own hunger and fullness cues.
No. Evviva is completely screen-free for children under age three. We do not use tablets, televisions, phones, videos, apps, or electronic toys for instruction, entertainment, transitions, or behavior management. Children engage in Montessori materials, practical life activities, language-rich conversations, outdoor experiences, movement, sensory exploration, and social interaction.
Montessori education is based on the work of Dr. Maria Montessori. Children learn through hands-on experiences, purposeful activity, movement, exploration, and independence within carefully prepared environments rather than through direct instruction alone. At Evviva, we like to think of Montessori as a living philosophy rather than a strict curriculum or even a rigid set of expectations. The core of Montessori is observing the child, being patient as the child learns by doing, and adapting the environment to support the child's interests and specific development timetable.