Estrellitas Montessori School

“With purpose and guided by respect.”

At a Glance

Estrellitas Montessori School is a private bilingual preschool located in the Sixteenth Street Heights neighborhood of Ward 4. The school focuses on early childhood development through Montessori principles, serving preschool-aged children in a Spanish-English immersion environment. As a specialized early learning program, Estrellitas provides families with an introduction to Montessori education while building bilingual language skills from the earliest years.

The school combines traditional Montessori methods with bilingual instruction, creating an environment where young learners develop foundational skills in both English and Spanish. Located on Colorado Avenue NW, the school serves families looking for a private preschool option in upper Northwest DC with an emphasis on language development and child-centered learning.

What Parents Should Know

As a private preschool, Estrellitas Montessori School operates independently from the My School DC lottery system used by public and public charter schools. Families interested in enrollment should contact the school directly to inquire about application procedures, available spaces, and tuition costs, which vary among private preschool programs in the District.

The school serves only preschool-age children, which means families will need to plan for a transition to another school for kindergarten and elementary grades. This is common among specialized early childhood programs in DC, and many families use these early years to build language skills and Montessori foundations before transitioning to public, charter, or private elementary schools. Parents should consider their longer-term school preferences when enrolling in a preschool-only program.

Bilingual education at the preschool level requires family consideration of how language learning will continue beyond these early years. Some families choose bilingual preschools specifically to maintain heritage languages or provide early Spanish exposure, while others value the cognitive benefits of early dual-language learning. Understanding how the program structures language use throughout the day can help families determine if the approach aligns with their goals.

The Sixteenth Street Heights location in Ward 4 places the school in an established residential neighborhood of Northwest DC, with access to Colorado Avenue's tree-lined streets. Families should visit the school to understand commute logistics, parking availability, and drop-off procedures, as these practical considerations matter significantly for daily preschool routines.

Programs and Approach

As a Montessori preschool, the school likely follows the child-centered educational approach developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, which emphasizes hands-on learning, self-directed activity, and mixed-age classrooms where children progress at their own pace. Montessori programs typically feature specially designed learning materials that help young children develop concentration, coordination, and independence through purposeful work.

The bilingual component adds a language immersion dimension to the Montessori framework, with instruction and communication happening in both English and Spanish. Bilingual preschools vary in their specific approach—some alternate languages by day or activity, while others have teachers who speak consistently in one language. Parents interested in this model should ask how the program balances the two languages and supports children from different linguistic backgrounds.

Private preschool families in DC should understand that tuition, schedule options, extended care availability, and enrollment policies differ significantly from one program to another. Contacting the school directly provides the most accurate and current information about costs, hours, and program specifics that affect family planning and budgeting.

Visiting and Contact

Estrellitas Montessori School is located at 5331 Colorado Avenue NW in the Sixteenth Street Heights neighborhood. Families interested in learning more about the program, scheduling a tour, or beginning the application process should visit the school's website at https://www.estrellitasdc.com or call (202) 248-7827 for current information about enrollment and availability.