If you’re considering a Montessori school for your child, you want to be sure you’re selecting one that will provide them with the best education and learning opportunity available. Utilizing the Montessori method, these schools substitute standardized testing and letter grades for a more hands-on approach that is individualized and free-flowing.
What is a Montessori school, you ask? A Montessori education is a child-centered approach that encourages independence, curiosity and hands-on learning. Developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, the philosophy emphasizes self-directed activity, where children learn at their own pace using specially designed materials that promote exploration and discovery.
Classrooms are multi-age, allowing younger students to learn from older peers and older students to develop leadership skills. Instead of traditional lectures, Montessori teachers act as guides — observing, supporting and tailoring lessons to each child’s interests and developmental stage. The result is a nurturing environment that helps children build confidence, focus and a lifelong love of learning.
What questions should you be asking when looking for a Montessori school?
Do they have proper accreditation?
To ensure your child is getting quality education, the baseline is to check that the school is accredited by the American Montessori Society (AMS). Not every school using the method has Montessori in the school’s name, and those that do might not implement it the same as another school. Having proper accreditation is one step toward providing you with the same trust you give a licensed doctor when treating your child.
Are the teachers certified?
Similarly to the school itself, you want to be sure that the educators have the requisite certifications and experience to really provide your child with the proper guidance. The Montessori method approaches the classroom differently, with the teacher taking on a more passive role. They’re there to provide tools as a helping hand and foster students’ independence so they can truly be a part of their own education and teaching.
What is parent involvement like?
Just as students’ peers are involved in their learning, the best Montessori schools act as a community and involve parents as much as possible. If you get the sense that your input and observations aren’t particularly welcome, this can be a sign that the school in question might not be the best fit for your kid. It might seem odd, but incorporating the student’s larger environment is part of the spirit of Montessori – and this includes their home environment.
What is class size like?
In Montessori classrooms, the student-to-teacher ratio plays a unique role in supporting each child’s independent, self-paced learning journey. For younger age groups (infants and toddlers), ratios are intentionally low — often around 1 adult to 3 infants or 1 to 6 toddlers. In primary and elementary levels, ratios may appear higher — for example, 24 to 35 students with two adults — because the mixed-age environment itself becomes a part of the learning structure: older children mentor younger ones, materials are self-correcting and the teacher acts more as a guide than a director.
What Montessori method is used?
Some educators use the modified Montessori method, which serves as a bridge between Montessori and traditional schooling. A common way this is done is by keeping some traditional elements, like standardized testing, while adding more hands-on approaches. Check the level of involvement that the method has at the specific school you’re interested in to know how much it will be playing a role in your child’s education.
Top Montessori Schools in the DMV
The DMV has many highly rated Montessori schools. We’ve included a quick list to help you find the perfect school for your child. In addition to all being winners and finalists of Washington Parent Picks 2025, they share the most important commonalities, including accreditation, quality educators and glowing reviews.
WASHINGTON, DC
TOTH Montessori – Washington Parent Picks winner
- Address: 1000 5th St. SE, Washington, DC
- Phone: (202) 748-5930
Little Flower Montessori – Washington Parent Picks finalist
- Address: 3029 16th St. NW, Washington, DC
- Phone: (202) 667-6803
Waterfront Academy – Washington Parent Picks finalist
- Address: 703 D St. SE, Washington, DC
- Phone: (202) 484-0044
MARYLAND
Parkside Community Montessori – Washington Parent Picks winner
- Address: 624 W Church Road, Sterling, VA
- Phone: (703) 232-1154
Barrie School – Washington Parent Picks finalist
- Address: 13500 Layhill Road, Silver Spring
- Phone: (301) 576-2800
Oneness-Family School – Washington Parent Picks finalist
- Address: 6701 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase
- Phone: (301) 652-7751
VIRGINIA
Sunset Hills Montessori School – Washington Parent Picks winner
- Address: 11180 Ridge Heights Road, Reston
- Phone: (703) 476-7477
Parkside Community Montessori – Washington Parent Picks finalist
- Address: 624 W Church Road, Sterling
- Phone: (703) 232-1154
Brooksfield School – Washington Parent Picks finalist
- Address: 1724 Chain Bridge Road, McLean
- Phone: (703) 356-5437
Seth Hagler is a freelance writer and an intern with Washington Parent. He holds a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and is currently pursuing an M.A. in Writing from Johns Hopkins University.
Seth Hagler is a freelance writer and an intern with Washington Parent. He holds a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and is currently pursuing an M.A. in Writing from Johns Hopkins University.
