Small Savers Montessori

At a Glance

Small Savers Montessori is a private early childhood education center located in the heart of downtown Washington, DC, serving infants through pre-kindergarten aged children. Situated on G Street NW in Ward 2, the school has been providing Montessori-based care and education to DC families for over 35 years. The school operates as a full-time daycare and preschool, making it a practical option for working families who need consistent care throughout the year.

As a private Montessori program focused exclusively on early childhood, Small Savers specializes in the developmental years from infancy through age four or five, preparing children for their transition to elementary school. The downtown location makes it particularly accessible for families living or working in central DC neighborhoods.

What Parents Should Know

Private early childhood programs like Small Savers Montessori operate independently of the DC public and charter school systems, meaning families apply directly to the school rather than through the My School DC lottery. Parents interested in enrollment should contact the school well in advance, as infant and toddler spots at established programs often fill quickly, and many families begin their search before their child is even born.

The infant-through-PreK configuration means families can potentially keep their child enrolled in one consistent environment throughout the early years, which can provide continuity of care and eliminate the stress of multiple transitions during this formative period. However, families will need to plan for a transition to kindergarten, whether at a DC public school, charter school, or private elementary program, since Small Savers' program ends at the pre-kindergarten level.

The Ward 2 location places Small Savers in DC's central business district, which may be convenient for parents who work downtown or commute through the area. Families should consider logistics like drop-off and pick-up routines in an urban setting, parking availability, and how the location fits with their daily commute patterns.

As a private program, Small Savers Montessori charges tuition, and families are responsible for the full cost of enrollment unless they have access to childcare subsidies or employer benefits. DC families may be eligible for childcare subsidies through the DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education if they meet income requirements, though they would need to verify whether the school accepts subsidy payments.

The school's 35-plus-year history in DC suggests an established presence in the community, with systems and practices refined over decades of serving young children and their families.

Programs and Approach

Small Savers Montessori follows the Montessori educational philosophy, an approach that emphasizes child-directed learning, hands-on exploration, and mixed-age classrooms. Montessori programs typically feature specially designed learning materials, a prepared environment where children can move freely and make choices, and teachers who serve as guides rather than lecturers. This approach aims to foster independence, concentration, and a love of learning from the earliest ages.

For infants and toddlers, Montessori environments generally focus on supporting natural development, providing opportunities for movement and sensory exploration, and respecting each child's individual pace. Pre-K Montessori classrooms typically introduce more structured learning materials in areas like practical life skills, sensory development, language, mathematics, and cultural studies, all presented through concrete, manipulable materials rather than worksheets or screens.

As a private school, Small Savers Montessori operates outside the My School DC lottery system. Interested families should reach out directly to the school to learn about their specific application process, required paperwork, tour availability, and enrollment timeline. Private schools set their own admissions criteria and processes, which can vary significantly from one program to another.

Visiting and Contact

Small Savers Montessori is located at 1700 G Street NW in downtown Washington, DC. 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.smallsavers.org or call (202) 414-3085 for current information about availability and enrollment procedures.