Christian Family Montessori School

At a Glance

Christian Family Montessori School (CFMS) is a parochial school located in Ward 4 at 201 Allison Street NW. As an independent Montessori school with a foundation in Christian values, CFMS combines the child-centered principles of Montessori education with a commitment to inclusivity, equity, and social justice. The school describes itself as an inclusive and affirming community, welcoming families who seek both a thoughtful Montessori approach and an environment grounded in progressive values.

The school serves students through a Montessori framework, which typically emphasizes mixed-age classrooms, hands-on learning materials, and student-directed exploration within a carefully prepared environment. As a parochial school, CFMS operates independently and families should contact the school directly regarding enrollment, tuition, and grade levels offered.

What Parents Should Know

As a private parochial school, Christian Family Montessori does not participate in the My School DC lottery system. Families interested in CFMS will need to contact the school directly at (202) 722-1520 or through their website to learn about the application process, availability, tuition rates, and any financial assistance that may be offered.

The school's explicitly stated commitment to inclusivity, equity, and social justice distinguishes it within the landscape of faith-based education options in DC. Families should understand that CFMS identifies as both Christian and affirming, which may reflect a particular theological approach that welcomes LGBTQ+ families and emphasizes progressive values alongside spiritual development. Parents considering this school will want to explore how the school integrates its faith identity with its Montessori philosophy during the visit and enrollment process.

The Ward 4 location places CFMS in upper northwest DC, and families should consider commute times and transportation options when evaluating whether this school is a practical choice. The neighborhood context and accessibility by public transit or car may be important factors depending on where your family lives in the District.

Because Montessori programs often use multi-year classroom cycles and mixed-age groupings, parents new to this educational approach should ask questions about how children progress through the program, how the school handles transitions between levels, and what the pathway looks like through the grades offered. Understanding the Montessori method's emphasis on self-directed learning and the role of the teacher as guide rather than traditional instructor will help families determine if this approach aligns with their educational values.

Programs and Approach

Montessori education is built on the philosophy developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, emphasizing respect for children's natural development and their innate desire to learn. In Montessori classrooms, students typically work with specially designed learning materials, choose their activities within limits, and learn at their own pace. Teachers act as guides, observing each child and introducing new concepts when the child is ready.

The parochial designation means CFMS operates as a private, religiously affiliated school with its own governance structure. Unlike DCPS schools and public charter schools, enrollment is managed independently by the school, and families can expect tuition costs as part of attendance. The school's Christian foundation provides a framework for values and community life, though families should contact CFMS directly to understand how faith is integrated into daily learning and school culture.

CFMS's emphasis on social justice and equity suggests an educational environment that may incorporate discussions of fairness, community responsibility, and awareness of diverse perspectives into its program. The school's description of itself as an inclusive and affirming community indicates that families from varied backgrounds are welcomed and that diversity is valued as part of the school experience.

Visiting and Contact

Christian Family Montessori School is located at 201 Allison Street NW in Ward 4. Families interested in learning more about CFMS, scheduling a tour, or beginning the application process should visit the school's website at https://www.cfmschool.org or call (202) 722-1520 for current information about enrollment and programs.