The Children's House of Washington

“Discover What's Possible!”

At a Glance

The Children's House of Washington (CHOW) is a private Montessori school serving children ages 2–6 in the Georgetown neighborhood of Ward 2. Located on Dumbarton Street NW, the school provides early childhood education grounded in traditional Montessori principles, emphasizing child-centered and experiential learning during the crucial developmental years.

CHOW offers flexible scheduling options including half-day, full-day, and after-school care programs, designed to accommodate the varying needs of DC families while maintaining a consistent Montessori approach. The age range means families can keep their children enrolled from toddlerhood through kindergarten age, providing continuity during the early years of education.

What Parents Should Know

As a private school, The Children's House of Washington operates outside the My School DC lottery system, which means families apply directly to the school rather than through the citywide enrollment process. Private school admissions typically involve completing an application, potential classroom visits, and family interviews, with schools often operating on their own timelines that may differ from public school deadlines.

The 2–6 age range covers the early childhood Montessori cycle, which means parents should plan for a transition to another school for elementary grades. Families will need to consider whether they'll move to a DCPS or public charter school for first grade, continue with private education, or seek out a Montessori program that extends through elementary years. This transition typically happens when children are 5 or 6, depending on their birthdate and readiness.

Georgetown's Ward 2 location places the school in one of DC's most established neighborhoods, with cobblestone streets and historic architecture. Families should consider commute logistics, as Georgetown lacks Metro access—most families will need to drive, bike, or take bus routes to reach Dumbarton Street. Street parking in Georgetown can be challenging during drop-off and pickup times.

Private Montessori programs like CHOW operate on a tuition model, and families should inquire early about costs, payment schedules, and whether financial assistance or sliding scale options are available. Unlike DC's public schools, private institutions set their own tuition rates and financial aid policies.

The school's focus on the early childhood years means the program emphasizes foundational skills and independence rather than traditional academic benchmarks. Parents interested in Montessori education should understand this philosophy values self-directed learning, mixed-age classrooms, and hands-on materials over conventional preschool or pre-K approaches.

Programs and Approach

The Children's House of Washington centers its educational model on traditional Montessori principles, which prioritize child-centered learning where students have significant choice in their activities within a carefully prepared environment. This approach treats education as transformative and foundational, focusing on developing independence, concentration, and a love of learning during the early childhood years.

Montessori classrooms typically feature mixed-age groupings, allowing younger children to learn from observing older peers while older children reinforce their knowledge by mentoring. The method emphasizes hands-on, experiential learning with specialized Montessori materials designed to make abstract concepts concrete and allow children to learn through their senses and movement.

The school's flexible scheduling—half-day, full-day, and after-school care—allows families to choose the program structure that works best for their household while ensuring their child receives consistent Montessori instruction. This flexibility can be particularly valuable for working parents who need full-day care but want a Montessori educational foundation for their young children.

As a private institution, CHOW sets its own calendar, policies, and enrollment procedures independent of DC's public school systems. Families interested in enrollment should contact the school directly to learn about application procedures, visit classrooms in action, and discuss how the Montessori approach aligns with their educational goals for their children.

Visiting and Contact

The Children's House of Washington is located at 3133 Dumbarton Street NW in Georgetown. Families interested in learning more about the school's Montessori program, scheduling a visit, or beginning the application process can visit https://chowmontessori.com or call (202) 342-2551 for current information about enrollment and tours.