Locations, Hours & Schedule

We offer two classrooms for older toddlers and preschool-aged children: Pre-Primary (ages 2.5-4) and a traditional Montessori Primary classroom (ages 3-6). Both classrooms operate on an academic year schedule starting in late August and going through July. All of our programs are five-day-a-week programs. We do not offer the option of partial week schedules.

Pre-Primary Classroom

The Pre-Primary classroom is designed for children who are still navigating the transition from being a toddler to being a preschooler (approximately for ages 2.5-4 years.) The Pre-Primary curriculum will meet the specific developmental needs of children in this in-between stage, placing emphasis on the early practical life, sensorial and grace and courtesy lessons that lay the foundation for a smooth transition into the Primary classroom. We recommend applying for the Pre-Primary classroom if: your child will be turning three between October 1 and March 1; this will be their first time in a classroom setting; or if they are not yet independent with toileting.

• Location: Potomac Ave. campus (929 Potomac Ave. SE)
• Program hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Early dismissal at 3:30 p.m.
• Class size: 10-12 children with a lead guide and assistant teacher
  

Primary Classroom

Our Primary classroom offers a traditional, 3-year Montessori early childhood experience for children ages 3 to 6, including the kindergarten year. We recommend applying for the Primary classroom if your child will turn three by October 1 and they have previous experience in a classroom or daycare setting.

• Location: 5th St. SE campus (1000 5th St. SE)
• Program hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Early dismissal at 3:30 p.m.
• Class size: 24-28 children with a lead guide and two assistant teachers

The curriculum in the Primary classroom is focused on five key-areas of learning:

• Practical Life – activities that build concentration, coordination, and independence through everyday tasks.
• Sensorial – materials that refine the senses and lay foundations for abstract thought.
• Language – hands-on tools that foster vocabulary, writing, and early reading.
• Mathematics – concrete materials that help children grasp numbers, quantity, and relationships.
• Cultural Studies – geography, science, art, and music that spark wonder about the world.
  

A Child Centered Approach

Unlike conventional classrooms, where all children are expected to pay close attention to the teacher, our program does the opposite – the teacher is trained to closely observe your child’s interests, tendencies and needs. You won’t see the teacher standing at the front of the classroom at a smart board, but rather down at your child’s level, engaged with them or a small group using hands-on materials. Trained Montessori guides observe and gently guide, introducing new lessons when each child is ready.

Mixed-Age Classrooms

Because the curriculum is individualized, your child can work at his or her own pace while participating in a mixed age classroom community. Your younger child learns by observing the behavior and activities of the older children. Your older child gains self-confidence, leadership skills and responsibility by setting an example for their younger friends. Mixed-age groupings encourage cooperation, leadership, and empathy.

The Gift of Choice

Your child will be introduced to a broad range of concepts and activities in individual and small group lessons. The real learning, however, occurs through independent activity by choosing to explore it, repeat it and perfect it. Children move freely throughout the classroom, choosing work that interests them and engaging at their own pace.

Beautiful Hands-on Materials

The scientifically designed Montessori materials help your child learn through hands-on use and exploration. Through continued use, he develops as a concrete understanding of abstract concepts, such as mathematics, providing a solid foundation for learning into the future.

Group Activities and Play

While most of the day is spent in self-directed work, there are also times for group activity and play. The community gathers daily as a group for songs, movement, stories or lessons.  At ToTH we also place particular emphasis on social emotional learning and character development themes, such as responsibility, kindness, empathy and compassion. Ample time is also given to run, dig, explore and play with friends outdoors. The Primary community uses the onsite playground and gym, but also takes regular neighborhood walks and outings to nearby parks and playgrounds.

One Size Does Not Fit All

Instead of a top down curriculum based upon age, the teacher is trained to respect your child’s unique potential and connects him with the lesson best suited at that precise moment of development. Your child will be challenged according to her ability, not to a generic standard.

Kindergarten: The Leadership Year

Montessori is a continuum of education that allows your child to build upon experiences each year. Your child will stay in the Primary classroom for 3 years, including the traditional “kindergarten year” – when the seeds of learning come to fruition. Reading and writing come to life from sounds and symbols. She is introduced to numbers and the decimal system. She learns about geometric figures and the political countries of our world. She leaves the program with a strong set of academic skills; but, far more importantly, with the attitude that learning is fun, exciting and boundless.