THE BETHESDA
MONTESSORI SCHOOL
42 years
WELCOME TO BMS - OUR 42nd YEAR
Visit the News & Events page for updates.
Dec 5, 1:30pm -- "2025-2026 Kindergarten Round-up" for current families whose children turn 5 prior to Sept 1, 2025
Dec 18, 10 - 11:30 HOLIDAY PROGRAM FOR ALL, EXTENDED FAMILY INVITED TOO!
Interested in our Primary Montessori Program, offering individualized curriculum, advanced math, language, fine and gross motor skills, and handwriting? We are now
accepting applications and scheduling personal tours for 2025-2026.
Submit your application along with the $75 application fee prior to November 1 and you will be eligible for priority enrollment!
Contact us at 301.986.1260 OR admissions@bethesdamontessori.com
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We've done it again -- BMS is the 2023 winner of Washington Family's "BEST MONTESSORI SCHOOL"
2023 Washington Family's BEST MONTESSORI SCHOOL
2022 Washington Parent Finalist BEST MONTESSORI SCHOOL
2021 Washington Family's BEST MONTESSORI SCHOOL
ABOUT US
The Bethesda Montessori School, established 42 years ago, in 1983, by our founder Mrs. Gertrude A. Burr, and still family owned, cooperates with the Washington Montessori Institute and is staffed by AMI (Association Montessori Internationale) trained teachers. The AMI degree is a rigorous two-year masters level course of study, which also requires a related undergraduate degree for admittance. Our lead and assistant teacher credentials are outstanding and their experience in the field is unparalleled. Several staff members have been with us for more than 25 years. The Bethesda Montessori School is fully licensed by the Maryland State Department of Education, and Montessori Schools of Maryland, and is a member of the North American Montessori Teachers Association and other educational organizations. It maintains an accredited Kindergarten Program. It leases its facility from the Bethesda Presbyterian Church, but it has no religious affiliation with the church. It is centrally located in the heart of the Bethesda business district on Wilson Lane near the intersection of Old Georgetown and Arlington Roads, three blocks from the Bethesda Metro station.
The Bethesda Montessori School offers a robust day care program, opening at 8am and closing at 6pm to accommodate the needs of all families. On-site sports and after school activities occur both inside and out, utilizing our spacious facilities, playground and lawn. These options provide children 3 - 6 years old with a variety of experiences; academic, physical and creative.
A traditional Montessori school, BMS adheres to the teachings and principles of Dr. Maria Montessori. The school is fully equipped with the Montessori materials as well as many handmade items to stimulate the child's mind and creativity. Music, Art and French instruction, taught by professional instructors and native speakers, are integral parts of the Montessori program. Our rooms are bright and cheerful. The long-term, experienced staff is dedicated and caring. It is the hope of the school that each student will grow in knowledge, self-reliance, confidence and social graces.
AT A GLANCE
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The primary Montessori program admits children from 3 to 6 years of age (children must be 3 by the first day of school of their start year, and fully potty-trained). Our three classes are made up of mixed ages of children, 3, 4 and 5 yrs old. For the child entering at 3 years old, the complete program is three years in duration (2 yrs Pre-K & 1 yr accredited Kindergarten). Children are strongly encouraged to complete the cycle through their kindergarten year in order to derive the maximum benefit from their learning experience. Compare our Kindergarten class sizes to your local elementary school - learn about our 1/4 teacher student ratio.
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All children will take part in our weekly Art class. Children 4 years and older will participate in French Instruction twice a week, and Music Instruction once a week. Our french class is taught by a native speaker, Madame Marie Faissat, and our music class is taught by a professional music instructor, Mrs. Yustina Park.
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We offer care for your children from 8am to 6pm each day. All children attend our academic program from 9am to 12 noon, at the minimum, Monday through Friday, from September to June. 3 year old children who stay with us past 12 noon will join our lunch, recess and nap time in the afternoon. Prekindergarten-age children (4 year olds) and children entering their kindergarten year (5 years old) have advanced Montessori studies until 3pm.
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An after-school / after care program is offered until 6pm, for children of all ages. We also offer after-school activities such as soccer, music, yoga, tae kwon do, jump bunch, language programs, and other great physical and creative opportunities from the 3-4pm hour for an additional fee. Before-school care is available from 8am to 9am upon request. We have summer camp for our students only, run by BMS Montessori teachers, that begins immediately following the final day of the school year and continues through the end of June each year.
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There is no discrimination made in the selection of students or staff on the basis of race, color, religion, sex or national origin. Our student body is extremely diverse, serving families and employing staff, from around the world.
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Application and fee schedules are available on this Web site, or you may request them by email or phone. Enrollment is completed on a first come first serve basis, after careful consideration by the Head of School and Director of Curriculum. Preference is given to 3-year-old siblings of current or alumni students. Applications may be submitted no earlier than one year in advance of requested enrollment, and we will begin offering spaces as early as mid-December for enrollment the following September. After that date, applications are considered as space allows and classroom balance necessitates.