Best Montessori programs in DC for early childhood?

[Anonymous]

OP again. Sorry, I overlooked the poster who recommended LAMB. Sorry. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

I've only heard positive things about Lamb and Logan, but without a sibling there already my understanding is that your chances of getting a spot are about 1/50.

[Anonymous]

OP, this is only the second school year that CFMS has been at its current location at St Paul's. It was in Mt Rainer Maryland for about 25 years before moving to Petworth.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I've only heard positive things about Lamb and Logan, but without a sibling there already my understanding is that your chances of getting a spot are about 1/50.

Logan is great through the primary level... elementary - not so much.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thanks for all the ideas, PPs. I'm going to check out Christian Family, Aiden sounds amazing but really not something we can afford. It's funny, we've lived in Petworth for 11 years and I have always loved the St. Paul's Episcopal grounds...that beautiful old cemetary, the church buildings up on the hill, etc. And we even try to attend the Strawberry Festival they have each year. How the heck did we miss that they have a school there?! So happy to know about it.

Also, I'm surprised that I haven't heard any endorsements for any of the charter montessori programs (ie: LAMB, Shining Stars)...anybody out there who would recommend those? Or not so much?

Aidan offers financial aid in some situations so please don't rule it out entirely.

[Anonymous]

Another thing to keep in mind is that some schools are Montessori-"inspired" and not as strict about adhering to the Montessori pedagogy. Others are more firm about Montessori method. Not saying one way is better than the other, just saying that you should ask a lot of questions about this and decide what you want.

May also want to check into whether the teachers have to be Montessori-certified. Also, after care programs -- a lot of Montessori schools offer after care, but only some have after care teachers/instructors who are Montessori-certified. Just another factor to throw into the mix.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Aidan is a model Montessori school.

Is there a difference between a model Montesorri school and others?

[Anonymous]

My DC is at LAMB, and loves it. We love the community, as well, and obviously the bilingual aspect is a huge plus.

[Anonymous]

I love the teachers at Aidan and it is evident to all parents here that the teachers truly care and educate the kids, the montessori method instills an amazing love for learning that all my kids (3) will have their entire lives because of the great teachers at Aidan.
I do however believe that the adminstration is extremely political and the adminstration often misrepresents itself to appease and placate the parents but in reality has no intentions of actually changing things. There have been continual promises of expanded discovery programs with each increase of tuition -- yet no noticable improvements (in fact 2011 basically was babysitting). The last example that, ultimately made me seek a traditional school with a much more dependable leader was the fact that they intentionally waited until commitments were binding before they announced that the Upper Elementary teacher was leaving after one year in the classroom. (This makes 3 teachers in 3 years...) What is truly disappointing is the fact that I had asked the head of school about the rumors before hand (in Apirl), and she played stupid and said she had no reason to believe they would be changing thier upper elementary teacher AGAIN. After the fact, I found that the head of school knew about the teacher's resignation months earlier... I love Aidan, but when the head of school flat out lies to you - that's a problem.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I love the teachers at Aidan and it is evident to all parents here that the teachers truly care and educate the kids, the montessori method instills an amazing love for learning that all my kids (3) will have their entire lives because of the great teachers at Aidan.
I do however believe that the adminstration is extremely political and the adminstration often misrepresents itself to appease and placate the parents but in reality has no intentions of actually changing things. There have been continual promises of expanded discovery programs with each increase of tuition -- yet no noticable improvements (in fact 2011 basically was babysitting). The last example that, ultimately made me seek a traditional school with a much more dependable leader was the fact that they intentionally waited until commitments were binding before they announced that the Upper Elementary teacher was leaving after one year in the classroom. (This makes 3 teachers in 3 years...) What is truly disappointing is the fact that I had asked the head of school about the rumors before hand (in Apirl), and she played stupid and said she had no reason to believe they would be changing thier upper elementary teacher AGAIN. After the fact, I found that the head of school knew about the teacher's resignation months earlier... I love Aidan, but when the head of school flat out lies to you - that's a problem.

How many old Aidan posts are you going to dig up in order to post this same exact message?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I love the teachers at Aidan and it is evident to all parents here that the teachers truly care and educate the kids, the montessori method instills an amazing love for learning that all my kids (3) will have their entire lives because of the great teachers at Aidan.
I do however believe that the adminstration is extremely political and the adminstration often misrepresents itself to appease and placate the parents but in reality has no intentions of actually changing things. There have been continual promises of expanded discovery programs with each increase of tuition -- yet no noticable improvements (in fact 2011 basically was babysitting). The last example that, ultimately made me seek a traditional school with a much more dependable leader was the fact that they intentionally waited until commitments were binding before they announced that the Upper Elementary teacher was leaving after one year in the classroom. (This makes 3 teachers in 3 years...) What is truly disappointing is the fact that I had asked the head of school about the rumors before hand (in Apirl), and she played stupid and said she had no reason to believe they would be changing thier upper elementary teacher AGAIN. After the fact, I found that the head of school knew about the teacher's resignation months earlier... I love Aidan, but when the head of school flat out lies to you - that's a problem.

How many old Aidan posts are you going to dig up in order to post this same exact message?

Is your problem that she continues to be dissatisfied, long after it's in your best interest for her to shut up?!

[Anonymous]

Our Montessori homeschool, located in Alexandria, is looking to add some students to our class! All are welcome, as prior Montessori experience is not necessary. Taught by a certified Montessori teacher, students receive one-on-one attention using the Montessori materials. A mixed-age group allows for socialization and leadership opportunities. The teacher has years of experience, with an M.A. in Advanced Montessori Education, and an M. Ed. specializing in Primary Montessori Education. Private tutoring is also available in the afternoons / on weekends for anyone interested (child doesn't need to be in homeschool class to participate in private tutoring sessions). Please contact [e-mail] for more details!

[Anonymous]

I would love some updated feedback on Montessori in DC. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

We are a Shining Stars family and have been happy, though the school has had some growing pains this year. But the school is very committed and passionate to the Montessori method and my DC is happy and learning. The parent network is growing and I think will only gain strength over the next year making SS even better.

[Anonymous]

LAMB is absolutely fantastic; however, the chances of getting a slot without a sibling already in the school is very slim. Some people do luck out- we did. If you're interested, definitely add that school to your lottery list. We've been floored by the hands-on certified Montessori approach at the school and how well our DD has adapted. There's also monthly Peace ceremonies, which praise kids for their acts of kindness through out the month. Really exciting environment and couldn't be happier. Best of luck, OP!