Testimonials

“We have loved our experience at Georgetown Montessori. This will be our 3rd child who has gone through the school from Toddler to the oldest, Primary. The teachers are so loving. It all comes from the laid-back leadership of the Head of School Lee Allard, who celebrated her 40th year- Amazing dedication to early childhood development, the Georgetown community, and she still teaches in the classroom. Concerning the transition to the next school, our two children were accepted to all 5 schools they applied to. They are both thriving at Beauvoir School. GMS has created so much independence in our children. Loved at age 2, they can put on their own jackets. So lucky to be part of this intimate special school.” — Ashley and William A., GMS Parents

“Georgetown Montessori School is undoubtedly one of the best early childhood schools in Washington, DC.  The GMS staff are an extremely gifted and kind-hearted team that are committed to working with children from all over the world, and they do so in the most attentive and nurturing manner. Enrolling our daughter at GMS was the best decision we made for her cognitive and motor skills development, and GMS has given her a safe space to develop and explore various lessons in a supportive environment. We appreciate that the teachers are compassionate and have an open door policy for both small and great concerns. The GMS family is multilingual which was extremely helpful for our child as she navigated bilingualism, she felt understood and this affirmed the strong inclusive culture of the school which goes beyond just languages. We will forever be grateful for Lee and her exceptional team for their dedication to the GMS school and children!” — Gertrude T., GMS Parent

“What I initially loved about Georgetown Montessori School was the beautiful setting the children have to learn. The primary room is in an old church room with vaulted ceilings, the space is filled with natural light, and the indoor and outdoor settings are relatively integrated (but safe, being one block from the Waterfront in Georgetown). All other things being equal, I would choose this space for my children (and for myself!) to learn in over almost any other. 4 of our children have now attended GMS over the last decade, so I also know that beyond the school setting, the principles and history that guide the school are much more meaningful than how the school looks. GMS is a classical Montessori school (I honestly didn't know what that was before). The toys/ kits/ projects that the kids work on are the same ones that were there 10 years ago. The kids are taught to listen to older kids and take care of younger kids rather than ignore everyone but the teachers. Nearly all the teachers either attended themselves or have had children who have attended. If you want your children to feel like part of a family, to have time-tested methods of play that inspire them to learn and to be independent and confident, to get excited about things like cleaning chairs and helping fold laundry, and to be good people, send them to GMS.” — Erin M., GMS Parent

“My first time at GMS was over two decades ago when I was a freshmen in college visiting my oldest sister in DC for winter break. I attended their annual holiday party in December and watched my niece, along with her classmates, excitingly recite English, French, and Spanish songs that they had been practicing the weeks before as their families watched with beaming pride and big smiles for their little ones. Fast forward to 2017, I am now living in DC and searching for a preschool for my oldest son, making lists of options and open house dates and all the pros and cons etc. As a first time mom, I was surprised at how extensive and tedious the process can be to find a suitable preschool. In the midst of it all, I recalled my experiences with my nieces at the Montessori in the church with the red door. I remember thinking, what a lovely, warm and welcoming community it was and wondered if it was still around. After inquiring about the name and location, details I couldn’t remember especially since I didn’t live here at the time, I reached out to Ms. Lee and arranged for a visit. To my surprise, Ms. Lee remembered me from my occasional visits, shared stories about my relatives’ time at GMS with great fondness, and welcomed us back to GMS with open arms. Our second son now attends GMS too, and we honestly couldn’t be happier. The atmosphere and learning environment is optimal. We are at ease knowing our children’s needs are addressed, they’re safe and cared for in an environment that facilitates their future success inside and outside the classroom. We feel extremely blessed to have found such a wonderful group of teachers, fellow parents, and staff.” — Jinane B., GMS Parent

“As a former preschooler at Georgetown Montessori School, I am proud to enthusiastically voice my support and appreciation for the institution and its Founder and Head of School, Ms. Lee Allard. For nearly four decades, the school has represented excellence in early childhood education while becoming a mainstay in the historic Georgetown neighborhood. During my formative years, I was enveloped in a nurturing environment that fostered my curiosity and ignited my passion for learning. The legacy of Georgetown Montessori School is not only rooted in its esteemed history but also in the countless success stories of its alumni. Having seen my younger sibling and two young children thrive at the school, I know that the school has maintained its prowess in shaping young minds. The integration of fundamental Montessori principles with modern educational techniques showcases the institution’s forward-thinking approach to shaping young minds for the challenges of the 21st century. Moreover, I commend the school for its unwavering dedication to fostering diversity and inclusivity. By embracing students from diverse backgrounds, Georgetown Montessori School not only enriches the educational experience but also instills a sense of empathy and global awareness in its students. Georgetown Montessori School’s continued dedication to nurturing young minds in a progressive and inclusive environment remains a testament to its unwavering commitment to excellence in education. As a former student and a parent of two students, I have seen firsthand the school’s profound impact on students and the community, and I am forever grateful for the role it has played in shaping my personal and professional journey.” — Kevin Chavous, Class of ‘89 and Current GMS Parent

“We chose Georgetown Montessori for our daughter when we were looking for a Montessori school for two year olds.  We never regretted our decision.  The toddler class was a warm and comforting environment where the generous teachers nurtured our daughter and instilled a love of learning.  After moving to the primary class, we watched our daughter grow from being one of the youngest in the class where the older children supported and guided her to where she was one of the older students in the class guiding the younger children.  At the same time, the primary class teachers provided hands on education that further strengthened our daughter's independence and continued desire to explore and learn.  We have now moved on to the next stage of our daughter's education but will always look back with fondness and appreciation for GMS, its teachers, and its students.  We recommend it highly to anyone considering a Montessori preschool education.”
— Former GMS Parent

“This little school operates out of a 150 year old church on lower Wisconsin Avenue just a few steps from the C&O canal. We visited other preschools before and after our children enrolled in Georgetown Montessori School and we have seen nothing else like it. This school feels like a boutique, the bigger schools like factories. An iron fence surrounds a lovely yard and gardens in front of the church, and the church's bright red door and stone facade greet us each time we visit the school. Some days our children play in the church yard after class. Just outside the fence is the veteran-operated Dog Tag bakery, a nice spot for a coffee after dropping off the kids, and a few yards up the street is a Paul bakery. The very cool Baked & Wired coffee shop is two blocks away. Behind the church is a private fenced playground for the school.GMS has a toddler class with around 16 two year olds and a primary class of about 35 three to five year olds. You can attend from just three mornings a week to five full days, 9 to 3. The afternoons seem to be mostly lunch, naps and playtime. Drop offs are easy for the primary class. The teachers and Lee, the director, lead children from cars at curbside into the school. For toddlers you can park in one of the 10-minute spaces reserved for the school and walk your child in.We meet other parents at school events and birthday parties and they have all been nice. There are a number of international families.The teachers are pleasant, effective, and have been with the school at least several years. It was a delight to observe a class once from the director's hidden bird's nest office above the primary classroom. The kids really do proceed through their "work" with little direction. Our eldest child is midway through his third year at the school and we have been thrilled with how he has developed. The Montessori method encourages self-direction, and we can see it in his activities at home. Enrolling in the school is straightforward -- no supervised play dates or parent interviews or questionnaires. Sign up early enough and there should be a space for your child. Some of the children in the toddler class begin a few months shy of their second birthdays. Georgetown Montessori is a wonderful little preschool.” — Former GMS Parent