What ages do you accept?
The Primary Montessori Day School serves children age 2 through Grade 3 (age 2 – 9). The youngest we will accept a child is age 2.
How many days a week is your program? Do you have a half-day program?
We offer 3-day or 5-day a week programs.
What kind of curriculum do you have for your Toddler (age 2), Primary (ages 3-6) and Lower Elementary (ages 6-9) classes?
Please visit our curriculum information page for more information regarding our extensive Montessori curriculum.
How many openings do you have?
This varies from year to year. In addition to openings anticipated during the admission season, currently enrolled students and accepted applicants sometimes change plans and an opening may occur.
Do you offer a summer program?
Yes! We offer an optional 4-week summer camp for those parents looking for summer-time enrichment.
What makes your Montessori school different than other schools?
Many parents want to know what makes us different than other Montessori schools in the area. The answer is everything that we think matters. Our school is a non-profit private school. The Primary Montessori Day School was founded and is headed by a teacher who taught for over 35 years in a Montessori school before deciding to open a school where she felt “Montessori would be done right.”
We are not a “chain” of Montessori schools. Our focus is on education – not business. This principle alone grounds our school culture in a very significant and unique way. We do not compare our tuition to other schools nor try to compete on price or convenience at the expense of our curriculum. Our school follows a more authentic approach… which may be considered more “structured” than perhaps other Montessori schools. Our focus is on Montessori education, and our school excels at it.
Be aware that the word “Montessori” is not patented. It is a philosophy of education and how it is implemented widely varies among schools. Anyone can use the word, so the word itself does not guarantee quality. When comparing Montessori schools, a wonderful “check-list” for parents is available here.
Is the school affiliated with a certain religion or group?
No. Primary Montessori Day School is an independent school accredited by the State of Maryland as well as other regional and educational organizations.
Do you wear uniforms?
Yes, and we love it! In Montessori, the child’s focus should be on the environment, classroom, and materials! We also find for most parents it eliminates two problems in the morning—deciding what to wear and getting dressed. It is also less expensive than purchasing other types of clothes. For the children, it also reinforces a sense of belonging. Children in “The Two’s” program do not wear uniforms to school.
What organizations is The Primary Montessori Day School affiliated with and/or accredited by?
The Primary Montessori Day School is accredited by the American Montessori Society (AMS). We also hold membership with the International Montessori Council (IMC) and North American Montessori Teachers Association (NAMTA). Our teachers maintain current membership in AMI, AMS, or any other organization that originates their Maryland state-approved Montessori teaching diploma credential. The School is approved by the Maryland State Board of Education.
What is your tuition?
Email or contact us at 301-309-9532 for current tuition info.
How can we enroll or be placed on your waiting list? What is your admissions process?
Please visit our application process page for detailed information regarding our admission process.