This list is part of our larger Private School Guide.

Aidan Montessori School 2700 27th St., NW, Washington, DC, 20008;202-387-2700 Ages: 18 months old—6th grade. Tuition: $28,530 (half-day Young Children’s Community), $37,600 (full-day, 8:15 AM-3 PM, Young Children’s Community), $48,730 (all-day, 8:15-5, Young Children’s Community), $37,315 (primary), $38,180 (lower elementary), and $39,085 (upper elementary). Total number of students: 158. Mission statement: “Aidan’s mission is to help children realize their full potential and become independent, self-motivated, personally and socially responsible citizens of the world. We do this by following the principles of Montessori education and by cultivating a community centered on curiosity, respect, humanity, and peace. We embrace diversity, striving to maintain an inclusive, equitable environment, where every individual feels a genuine sense of belonging.” Also of note: Aidan has a strong Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging program and seeks to build a diverse community of students and faculty. Aidan values socio-economic diversity and offers financial support to 28 percent of its students. Student-to-teacher ratio: toddlers: 4 to 1;primary: 14 to 1;elementary: 10 to 1. Uniform? No.

Apple Montessori School 7210 Hidden Creek, Bethesda, MD, 20817;301-320-8832 Ages: 2 to 6 years. Tuition: $16,180-$24,081 (September-June, five days/week), $19,416-$28,897.20 (September-August, five days/week), tuition varies based on the chosen length of the school day and the student’s age. Total number of students: 44 students. Mission statement: “Apple Montessori is dedicated to nurturing each child’s natural love of learning within an inclusive and diverse community that fosters independence, confidence, and joy.​​​” Student-to-teacher ratio: 6 to 1. Uniform? No.

Aquinas &Old Town Montessori Schools Aquinas Montessori School: 8334 Mount Vernon Hwy., Alexandria, VA, 22309;703-780-8484. Old Town Montessori School: 112 South Columbus St., Alexandria, VA, 22314;703-684-7323. Ages: 2 ½ -12. Tuition: n/a. Total number of students: 130-140 (Aquinas);30 (Old Town). Mission statement: “At Aquinas and Old Town Montessori Schools, our mission is to provide high quality Montessori education in a nurturing, nature-rich environment, guiding children ages 2½ to 12 to become independent, collaborative, and creative lifelong learners. We are committed to honoring each child’s unique path through self-paced, experiential learning that fosters academic growth, social‑emotional development, and moral integrity—empowering them to contribute meaningfully to their community and the world.” Also of note: According to its website, the schools have multi-age classrooms that “afford us the luxury of adapting the curriculum to each individual child. Each child can work at his or her own pace, while remaining in community with his or her peers. In addition, the multi-age format allows all older children to be the leaders of the classroom community, even those children who may be shy or quiet.” Additionally, Aquinas has a heated swimming pool that it utilizes for PE class and summer camp. Student-to-teacher ratio: 9 to 1. Uniform? Yes.

Arlington Montessori House 3809 Washington Blvd., Arlington, VA, 22201;703-524-2511 Ages: 16 months-5 years. Tuition: $16,500-$28,300 (toddlers), $13,200-$26,800 (3-4 years old), $12,050-$18,250 (kindergarteners, 5 years old by September 30);tuition varies based on chosen length of school day. Total number of students: 60. Mission: The school’s website states that “as a pillar of the Arlington Montessori community for the last three decades, AMH continues to grow as we serve the children and families of the area in providing a high-quality Montessori education. In partnership with our board and parent cooperative, AMH is developing plans for its continued growth, paving the way to another thirty years of Montessori education.” Also of note: The school’s website states, “We are a non-profit Parent Co-Operative. As a Co-Operative there are many ways for parents to engage with the school and support our professional staff. AMH Parents are obligated to complete 20 hours of service over the school year that may include serving on parent committees, participating in Maintenance Days, and providing special skills or sharing special interests.” Student-to-teacher ratio: morning (8:30 AM-noon) 12 to 1, toddler: 5 to 1. Uniform? No.

Barrie School 13500 Layhill Rd., Silver Spring, MD, 20906;301-576-2800 Ages: 3 months- 12th grade. Tuition: $23,330 (3 months-2 years old), $27,145 (3-5 years old), $30,780 (1st-5th grade), $35,280 (6th-8th grade), $38,060 (9th-12th grade). Total number of students: 332. Mission statement: “Barrie School empowers individuals to expand their intellectual abilities, develop their creative talents, and discover their passions to make a positive impact in a rapidly changing world.” Also of note: More than 60 percent of students identify as students of color. Teachers have an average of 13 years of experience. The school makes the most of the educational opportunities in DC, running field trips to locations such as the Smithsonian and the Supreme Court. Fall Expeditions and Spring Extended Study Week give students opportunities to explore national or global communities;offerings include traveling to Uruguay” (9th-12th grade), and attending the Montessori model United Nations in New York (6th grade). Student-to-teacher ratio: 7 to 1.  Uniform? No.

Bethesda Montessori School 7611 Clarendon Rd., Bethesda, MD, 20814;301-986-1260 Ages: 3 to 6 years old. Tuition: $15,000-$20,000 (five-day week, tuition varies based on chosen length of school day). Total number of students: 80. Mission: According to the school’s website, “It has been proven that small children have a desire to learn and are capable of acquiring a great deal of knowledge.  The Montessori attitude toward education stresses the sensitive periods. These are times when children are interested in acquiring a particular skill or gaining knowledge in a certain area. The teacher or ‘directress’directs their learning and provides the needed stimulation for the children to work with the manipulative materials provided for them. They may use them freely, work at their own pace and repeat the activity for as long as they wish. The carefully prepared environment provides a stimulus for children to make new self-discoveries, and gain confidence, independence and a sense of order in a noncompetitive atmosphere. These are qualities that we hope will grow with the children and remain with them as they enter adulthood.” Student-to-teacher ratio: 27 to 1.  Uniform? No.

Brooksfield School 1830 Kirby Rd., McLean, VA, 22101;703-356-5437 Ages: toddler care, day care, pre-K, and kindergarten. Tuition: $20,541-$30,328 (toddlers), $19,275-$28,734 (ages 3-6), tuition varies based on chosen length of school day. Total number of students: 115. Mission statement: “The Brooksfield School was founded in 1987 as a unique Montessori School dedicated to providing a loving, stimulating and creative environment with a focus on the arts. We strive to nurture the social, physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual development of our students.” Also of note: Students engage in programs such as Handwriting Without Tears, a curriculum designed to teach students cursive, and Jane Goodall’s Roots &Shoots, a foundation that promotes youth activism through community projects, particularly related to the environment. Student-to-teacher ratio: 6 to 1.  Uniform? No.

Butler Montessori School 15951 Germantown Rd., Darnestown, MD, 20874;301-977-6600 Ages: 6 weeks–12th grade. Tuition: $26,500 (ages 6 weeks-18 months), $13,400-$19,500 (18 months-3 years), $13,400-$19,500 (3 years-6 years), $19,500 (1st-6th grade), tuition varies based on chosen length of school day. Total number of students: 214. Mission statement: “Our mission is to guide children to be independent, resilient, compassionate, socially aware, global thinkers ready to navigate this changing world.” Also of note: According to its website, “Butler Montessori’s 22-acre ‘Green School’ borders Seneca Creek Park, creating a learning wonderland. Students explore organic farms, pollinator gardens, and miles of trails. We believe fresh air and nature are essential, making our campus an extension of the classroom—fostering independence, community, and eco-conscious minds ready to change the world.” Student-to-teacher ratio: 9 to 1.  Uniform? No.

Casa de Montessori 14015 New Hampshire Ave., Silver Spring, MD, 20904;301-384-8404 Ages: preschool and kindergarten. Tuition: $8,500 (preschool), $10,750 (kindergarten). Total number of students: 50. Mission: According to the school’s website, “Casa de Montessori offers an enlightening and nurturing Montessori environment to educate and support each individual child in building a foundation for life-long learning.” Student-to-teacher ratio: 25 to 1.  Uniform? No.