We have loved Rock Creek Montessori, just around the corner from Evergreen. Much cheaper but a great, small, warm school where my son has really thrived. They handled the Covid mess the best out of three childcare programs my kids are in.

Montessori schools will not be able to effectively operate under the COVID regulations of reduced class size, classes not mixing, etc.

People just choose what’s closest to them aNd has spots.

I don’t recommend woods facilities. Crestview is much better and truly focused on the little people!

I used to live around the corner from crestview and toured in many years ago. It was full day then for preschool and I wanted half day for my youngest, but that was my only reason for not sending her there from what I saw then. I highly recommend living near crestview. Great neighbors and a lot of young kids. The Halloween scene there is really fantastic and although we love our new bigger house in another neighborhood, we miss that area a lot! Buy a house there and walk to crestview.

Evergreen School in Silver Spring is an incredible place. Top notch faculty and administrators. It is a small school but offers a lot ( Art, PE, Spanish, Music and Library) . Has a strong board of trustees and we couldn’t be happier.

Anonymous wrote:Woods is catholic school. The others are not. You may also consider that.

The Montessori program at Woods is non-denominational.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Happy Evergreen parent here. Warm, diverse community and dedicated teachers and admin.

If you're going for Montessori, you want the same teacher for the 3 years and you won't get that at Evergreen. Their teacher turnover is high. Crestview much better in that regard

It’s true that some teachers have left Evergreen but there are others who have been there for more than 10 years.

Our child went to Fernwood and had a good experience. We left for our neighborhood public elementary this year for K, but no regrets about our time there. Liked our teacher a lot, felt a sense of community for kids and parent, and my kid was incredibly prepared for kindergarten. I also liked that they were officially accredited by AMI.

I toured the schools listed in this thread (except Fernwood) a year ago. This is my ranking from what I remember. In the end, we went public due to finances.

1) Woods
2) Crestview
3) Manor
4) Barrie
5) Paintbranch
6) Evergreen
7) Apple

Anonymous wrote:Happy Evergreen parent here. Warm, diverse community and dedicated teachers and admin.

If you're going for Montessori, you want the same teacher for the 3 years and you won't get that at Evergreen. Their teacher turnover is high. Crestview much better in that regard

You should definitely visit the schools if you have the opportunity before deciding, but that might not be an option with the virus. We looked at Manor Montessori, Fernwood (North Bethesda), the Bethesda Montessori school, and Woods and they were all so different. Bethesda Montessori seemed very strict. The kids seemed the most disciplined and it was oddly quiet walking into a 3-6 yr old classroom with no sounds. THe school is in a church basement that is older and darker. It was my least favorite but the kids did seem very smart. Manor was also in a church basement but more sunlight. The admissions person that gave us a tour was very passionate about the program. We liked that it also had a 2 yr old class but I didn’t get a great feeling about the school. I liked Fernwood. It’s also in a church basement but more sunlight. They also have a 2 yr old class too. The kids seemed to be having more fun and the director is passionate. Our favorite by a mile was Woods Academy. The school is beautiful, teachers were engaged, and the children seemed the happiest. The school is AMS certified and I liked that approach more than the AMI style. They seem to value outdoor time. The art program was especially impressive. Our 3 yr old will start at Woods in the fall.

Former parent of two kids at Crestview. Loved the small size and personalized attention my kids got there. They did great socially there. and academically after they left they were ready for 1st grade. Can’t say enough good things about them.

Is Manor Montessori School AMI or AMS accredited?

Anonymous wrote:Please avoid Barrie. We pulled our kids out after a year. Too many reasons to list.

ditto