Aidan Montessori School

“These Children Will Change The World.”

At a Glance

Aidan Montessori School is an independent, co-educational private school serving children from 18 months through sixth grade in Northwest Washington, DC. Located in Ward 3 on 27th Street NW, the school follows the Montessori educational philosophy, which emphasizes hands-on learning, self-directed activity, and collaborative play. The age range spans from toddlers in the early childhood program through elementary students preparing for middle school.

As a private Montessori institution, Aidan serves families seeking an alternative to traditional public education with a developmental approach that allows children to progress at their own pace within mixed-age classrooms. The school's structure accommodates the full span of early childhood through upper elementary years, providing continuity for families who want to remain within one school community during the formative years.

What Parents Should Know

Private school admissions at Aidan Montessori operate outside the My School DC lottery system used by DC public and charter schools. Families interested in enrollment should plan to contact the school directly, typically well in advance of their desired start date, as private Montessori programs often have rolling admissions and may maintain waitlists for popular age groups. Early childhood spots, particularly for toddler and primary programs, can fill quickly.

The grade configuration ending at sixth grade means families will need to plan for a transition to a different school for seventh grade and beyond. This structure is common among Montessori schools, where the upper elementary years represent a natural completion point in the Montessori sequence. Parents should consider middle school options during their child's later elementary years, whether that means transitioning to a public, charter, or independent middle school.

The Ward 3 location places Aidan Montessori in a residential area of Northwest DC, which may be a significant factor for families considering commute times and neighborhood access. Parents will want to investigate whether the school offers transportation options or if they'll need to arrange drop-off and pick-up themselves. The school's website and admissions team can provide current details about carpool arrangements, parking, or other logistical considerations.

Tuition and financial aid availability are important considerations for any private school. Families should request current tuition rates for their child's age group and inquire about financial assistance programs during the admissions process. Private school costs in DC vary widely, and understanding the full financial commitment is essential to planning.

Programs and Approach

Montessori education is built on the principles developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, featuring prepared environments where children engage with specially designed materials that teach concepts through manipulation and discovery. Classrooms typically group children across multiple age levels, allowing younger students to learn from older peers and older students to reinforce their knowledge by helping others. Teachers serve as guides rather than lecturers, observing each child's readiness and interests to introduce appropriate lessons.

The approach emphasizes practical life skills, sensorial exploration, mathematics, language, and cultural studies, with children given extended work periods to focus deeply on activities of their choosing. Independence, concentration, and intrinsic motivation are core values in Montessori settings. The mixed-age configuration means children stay with the same teacher and peer group for multiple years, building strong community bonds.

As a private school, Aidan Montessori operates independently with its own curriculum, calendar, and policies. Families should review the school's specific implementation of Montessori principles, classroom compositions, and enrichment offerings during the admissions process. The school's website provides information about their particular approach and philosophy.

Visiting and Contact

Aidan Montessori School is located at 2700 27th Street NW in Northwest Washington, DC. Prospective families should visit https://www.aidanschool.org for information about tours, admissions timelines, and to contact the school at (202) 387-2700 with specific questions about enrollment and programs.