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United States, San Francisco
Let the school know you're thinking of applying — they can share their prerequisites and help you through the process.
It's best to ask — circumstances can change at any time.
1. FILL OUT THE INQUIRY FORM. The admission team responds to inquiries within 2-3 business days. Submitting the inquiry initiates consideration for your child's placement. You may then proceed to the Open House to learn more about AIM and the admissions process.
2. ATTEND OPEN HOUSE. Next open house is Friday, May 1, 2026. This is a great opportunity to see the classroom and speak with teachers, parent ambassadors and the admission team.
3. SUBMIT AN APPLICATION & SCHEDULE PARENT TOUR. You will receive a link to sign up for a private tour once you submit your application. The tour offers opportunities to see the classrooms in action.
4. RECEIVE INVITATION FOR IC OR CH. When a spot opens up, the admission team will contact you to arrange an expectation meeting with the teachers (IC) or a child visit (CH). Notifications are typically 4-6 months before the joining month. The admission decision will be emailed typically within 2-3 weeks.
5. ENROLLMENT COMMITMENT & WAITING POOL. AIM requires a minimum enrollment commitment through 6 years old for IC/CH, thereby completing the three-year CH program, and a similar three-year commitment for Elementary. Families who cannot commit will not be considered for enrollment. A Waiting Pool System is used; families are added to the waiting pool upon receipt of the completed application form and fee, and if more than two families are suitable for the program, the order of application submission is respected.
The school uses a Waiting Pool System rather than a traditional waiting list. Families are added to the waiting pool upon receipt of the completed application form and fee. The pool balances classroom composition; if more than two families are suitable for the program, the order of application submission is respected.
American International Montessori School (AIM) is a bilingual Montessori day school serving toddlers to elementary students on two Berkeley/Oakland–area campuses. Founded in 2009 by Ernest Mahr, AIM offers three Montessori programs: Infant Community (18–36 months), Children's House (3–6 years), and Elementary (1st–6th). Language immersion is embedded across all divisions, with toddler tracks in Japanese and Mandarin, and elementary bilingual options in English/Chinese or English/Japanese. Immersion is 100% in the target language for younger children, with English introduced in the afternoon for older students; elementary classrooms maintain all-day language immersion. Classrooms emphasize authentic Montessori materials and native-speaking teachers. Two campus sites host distinct language tracks, with Montessori-trained staff across every classroom. The campus features bright, natural-light rooms, child-sized furnishings, two large play yards, and abundant outdoor and garden activities. After-school enrichment includes sports, art, and dance—most notably Yosakoi Japanese dance—and annual cultural events like Setsubun, broadening students' world awareness and curiosity.
