Montessori School of Chevy Chase

“Wake a Genius in your Child”

At a Glance

The Montessori School of Chevy Chase is an independent private school located in Ward 3 at 5312 Connecticut Avenue NW, serving children from 18 months through age 12. The school follows authentic Montessori principles, offering a continuous educational path from toddlerhood through elementary years.

As a private Montessori institution in one of DC's established neighborhoods, the school provides families with an alternative to traditional public and charter school options. The age range means children can remain in the same school community from early toddlerhood through sixth grade, allowing for continuity in both educational philosophy and peer relationships across nearly a decade of formative years.

What Parents Should Know

As a private school, Montessori School of Chevy Chase operates outside the My School DC lottery system used by DC public and charter schools. Families interested in enrollment will need to contact the school directly to learn about application timelines, availability, and the admissions process, which typically involves tours, applications, and interviews common to independent schools.

The school's age span from 18 months to 12 years old represents the full range of traditional Montessori programming, from toddler communities through elementary levels. This configuration means families can potentially keep their children in one school environment from toddlerhood through what would typically be sixth grade in traditional schools. Parents should understand what comes next after age 12, as students will need to transition to a different school for middle and high school years.

The Connecticut Avenue NW location in Ward 3 places the school in upper northwest DC, a residential area with a mix of single-family homes and apartment buildings. Families should consider commute logistics, as private schools draw from across the city and beyond rather than from defined boundaries. Unlike DCPS schools, there is no automatic transportation provided, so parents need to plan for drop-off and pickup or coordinate carpools with other families.

Tuition and fees are considerations for any private school, and families should inquire directly about current costs, payment plans, and any financial aid programs that may be available. Private school tuition in DC varies widely, and understanding the full cost of attendance is essential for family planning.

Programs and Approach

Montessori education is based on the educational philosophy developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, emphasizing child-directed learning within carefully prepared environments. Students typically work with specialized Montessori materials that allow for hands-on exploration of concepts at their own pace, with teachers serving as guides rather than traditional lecturers. Multi-age classrooms are a hallmark of Montessori education, allowing younger children to learn from older peers and older children to reinforce their knowledge by helping younger ones.

The toddler program serves the youngest students, focusing on developing independence, language, and practical life skills during the crucial 18-month to 3-year period. As children grow, they move into primary (preschool and kindergarten-age) and then elementary programs, each designed around the developmental characteristics of those age groups. The Montessori approach emphasizes self-motivation, allowing children to choose their work within the structured environment and develop concentration and responsibility.

Private Montessori schools like this one are not bound by DC public school curriculum requirements, allowing them to maintain authentic Montessori practice throughout their programs. Families choosing this path are selecting a specific educational philosophy that differs significantly from conventional classroom structures, even at schools that may incorporate some Montessori-inspired elements.

Visiting and Contact

The Montessori School of Chevy Chase is located at 5312 Connecticut Avenue NW in upper northwest Washington, DC. Families interested in learning more about the school, scheduling a tour, or beginning the application process should visit https://www.chevychasemontessori.com or call (202) 362-6212 for current information about enrollment and visiting opportunities.