Question 1

What ages do you enroll at The Baltimore Montessori, and which program is the right fit for my child?

Accepted Answer

At our school, we welcome children ages 18 months to 6 years old. Our Toddler Program supports younger children as they begin to build independence, language, coordination, and self-confidence. They do this in carefully prepared Montessori classrooms filled with child-sized furniture, open shelves, and hands-on materials. In our Primary Program, children explore authentic Montessori materials such as sandpaper letters, the pink tower, and practical life activities that help them learn through movement, repetition, and discovery. Our Kindergarten Program deepens that learning experience with advanced language, math, science, and cultural studies while still honoring each learner and their own pace.

Whether your child is entering early childhood education for the first time or continuing their Montessori journey, our guides help every family feel welcomed and supported from the very beginning.

Question 2

How does the enrollment process work, and what can my family expect along the way?

Accepted Answer

The admissions process at our Baltimore Montessori school begins with connection, not paperwork. We always encourage your family to schedule a tour so you can experience our Montessori environment firsthand, observe children working independently, and see how the classroom feels throughout the day.

During your visit, our team will walk you through our Montessori programs, explain the Montessori philosophy, and answer every question you may have about your child's early education journey. Families often tell us that visiting the school in person immediately feels different from touring traditional schools because the calm, warmth, and independence inside the classrooms are something you truly sense the moment you walk in. Our goal is to make enrollment supportive, personal, and manageable for your family every step of the way.

Question 3

What is the difference between the Canton and Locust Point campuses?

Accepted Answer

Both of our Baltimore Montessori Campuses share the same authentic Montessori approach, the same commitment to child development, and the same belief that children are naturally eager to learn when placed inside a prepared Montessori environment. Our Canton Campus serves families seeking a calm, beautifully organized Montessori school close to downtown Baltimore, while our Locust Point Campus is known for its especially close-knit community and strong neighborhood connections. Aliciana Slagenweit, School Leader at Locust Point, explains it beautifully, "The community of teachers and families here at Locust Point is something truly special, and they go out of their way to show up for one another in ways that never stop inspiring me." Families often visit both locations before deciding which one feels most like home.

Question 4

Is The Baltimore Montessori an accredited Montessori school, and why does that matter?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our school was the first private Montessori school in Baltimore City to receive certification from both the Maryland State Department of Education and Montessori Schools of Maryland. This distinction matters because not all schools using the Montessori name actually follow the authentic Montessori method developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, the Italian medical doctor who created this educational style after studying human development and how children naturally learn.

Authentic Montessori schools adhere to specific standards for Montessori training, mixed-age classes, Montessori materials, uninterrupted work cycles, and prepared classroom environments designed for independence. Aliciana Slagenweit, School Leader at Locust Point, explains it this way, "There are schools that use the Montessori name, and then there are schools that actually practice what Dr. Maria Montessori intended, and that distinction matters enormously." Our school remains deeply committed to the Montessori philosophy and to creating the kind of learning process Dr. Maria Montessori believed children deserved.

Question 5

What should I look for when choosing a Montessori preschool in Baltimore for my child?

Accepted Answer

When visiting Montessori schools, look beyond marketing language and pay attention to how the Montessori approach actually appears inside the classroom. Authentic Montessori classrooms should include child-sized furniture, open shelves, Montessori materials such as sandpaper letters and the pink tower, mixed-age groups, uninterrupted blocks of work time, and trained Montessori teachers who guide rather than constantly direct children. Ask whether children are allowed to move at their own pace, whether younger students learn alongside older students in multi-age classes, and whether the school follows authentic principles connected to organizations like the Association Montessori Internationale or American Montessori Society member schools. Notice whether children seem calm, focused, and genuinely engaged in their own learning rather than passively waiting for instructions.

At The Baltimore Montessori, every detail of the Montessori environment is intentionally designed to support independence, self-confidence, concentration, and a lifelong love of learning.

Question 6

What is the Montessori method, and how is it different from how most traditional schools teach?

Accepted Answer

The Montessori method is an educational style built around the belief that children are naturally eager to learn when given freedom, structure, and meaningful work. Dr. Maria Montessori believed children learn best through hands-on materials, self-directed exploration, and uninterrupted opportunities to follow their own learning interests rather than constantly moving together as a group. Unlike many traditional schools or even a public Montessori school model that may adapt only parts of the philosophy, authentic Montessori education allows individual learners to progress at their own pace while guides carefully observe and introduce lessons at the right developmental moment.

Question 7

What subjects does my child explore at The Baltimore Montessori?

Accepted Answer

We provide a rich, fully connected curriculum that supports the whole child across all areas of development. Through Montessori materials such as sandpaper letters, number rods, the pink tower, cultural maps, and practical life tools, children build a strong foundation in math, language, science, geography, art, and social development. Our Montessori kindergarten and Montessori preschool programs also include Spanish enrichment, practical life exercises, movement, music, and collaborative activities that strengthen both academic and emotional growth. Because the Montessori learning process follows your child rather than a rigid curriculum timeline, they move through concepts at their own pace while developing independence, focus, and problem-solving skills. This approach to early childhood education allows learning to feel deeply personal, meaningful, and engaging for every child.

Question 8

What are Practical Life activities, and why are they so important in Montessori education?

Accepted Answer

Practical life is one of the most powerful parts of the Montessori approach because it teaches your child that they are capable contributors to their environment and community. In our Montessori classrooms, children practice meaningful, real-world tasks such as pouring water, sweeping, slicing fruit, washing tables, caring for plants, and preparing snacks, using child-sized furniture and carefully designed hands-on materials. These experiences strengthen concentration, coordination, independence, classroom management skills, and self-confidence while also supporting later academic learning in math, reading, and writing. Dr. Maria Montessori believed that practical life work was essential for healthy human development because it helps children feel purposeful and competent from an early age. Our School Leader, Aliciana Slagenweit, School Leader at Locust Point, explains beautifully that, "When a child can pour their own water, resolve a disagreement with tools they have been given, or return a material to its place without being reminded, that is not just a classroom skill but the foundation of a capable and confident person."

Question 9

How does a Montessori education prepare my child for kindergarten and future learning?

Accepted Answer

A strong Montessori education supports far more than academic readiness. It helps children develop confidence, focus, resilience, communication skills, independence, and the ability to think critically and solve problems creatively. Studies connected to American Montessori research have shown that children in authentic Montessori programs often demonstrate strong executive functioning, social understanding, reading readiness, and self-regulation by the end of kindergarten. Because children in Montessori programs spend years working independently inside mixed-age classroom communities, they learn how to collaborate, persist through challenges, and trust their own thinking in ways that extend far beyond early childhood. Venus Thomas, School Leader at Canton, explains it this way, "These early years are when children begin to develop their sense of self, confidence, and their ability to build relationships." Whether your child eventually transitions into middle school, private schools, or other educational environments, the inner foundation they build here stays with them.

Question 10

What is the three-hour work cycle, and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

The uninterrupted three-hour work cycle is one of the defining features of authentic Montessori education and a core part of how children develop concentration and independence. Rather than constantly interrupting your child with transitions and group activities, Montessori classrooms provide long stretches of uninterrupted blocks of time during which they can choose work, revisit lessons, and settle deeply into their own learning. During this time, younger children observe older students, older students naturally become role models, and children experience the satisfaction of completing meaningful work independently. Venus Thomas, School Leader at Canton, describes perfectly that, "This uninterrupted time allows them to build concentration, confidence, and a love for learning." Parents visiting our Montessori environment often notice how calm and purposeful the classroom feels, and much of that peace comes directly from protecting children's ability to learn at their own pace without constant interruption.

Question 11

What does a typical day look like for my child at The Baltimore Montessori?

Accepted Answer

Each day at our Baltimore Montessori school follows a calm, predictable rhythm that helps your child feel secure, connected, and ready to explore.

They begin their morning by greeting guides, settling into the Montessori environment, and participating in a short community gathering filled with movement, songs, stories, and connection. The morning then flows into the uninterrupted work cycle, where children choose activities from open shelves stocked with Montessori materials that support math, language, practical life, science, and creative exploration. Throughout the day, your little one will experience outdoor play, Spanish enrichment, lunch, rest time, collaborative activities, and opportunities to work independently across mixed-age groups.

Question 12

How do your Montessori guides get to know my child as an individual learner?

Accepted Answer

At The Baltimore Montessori, relationship-building is at the center of everything we do. Our trained Montessori guides spend time carefully observing each child's interests, developmental needs, learning style, personality, and emotional rhythms before introducing new lessons or stepping into challenges. Because your little one remains in multi-age classroom communities for several years, guides develop an incredibly deep understanding of each individual learner over time.

Aliciana Slagenweit, School Leader at Locust Point, explains, "Relationship is the entire foundation of how we teach." This relational Montessori approach helps children feel emotionally safe enough to take risks, ask questions, and move confidently through their own learning journey.

Question 13

My child has never been in a classroom before. How do you help younger children feel comfortable?

Accepted Answer

We understand how emotional those first school transitions can be for both children and parents, especially during early childhood. Our Montessori classrooms are intentionally designed to help younger children feel calm, secure, and capable from the very beginning through consistent routines, child-sized furniture, gentle transitions, and welcoming guides who move at each child's own pace.

The prepared Montessori environment itself sends children a powerful message that this is a space built for them, where everything is accessible, manageable, and thoughtfully organized around their needs. Venus Thomas, School Leader at Canton, shares, "Consistent routines establish trust and a sense of security. We also prioritize small group and one-on-one moments throughout the day." Most families quickly see their child settle into the classroom community with growing confidence and independence.

Question 14

What does outdoor play and movement look like at your school?

Accepted Answer

Outdoor play is an essential part of the learning experience at The Baltimore Montessori because physical movement directly supports healthy child development, emotional regulation, and cognitive growth. Your little one will spend time outside each day running, climbing, exploring, socializing, and engaging in active play that supports both physical health and emotional well-being. Our guides understand that movement is not separate from learning but deeply connected to how children process information, build coordination, and regulate their bodies.

Outdoor time also gives your little one opportunities to strengthen friendships, build social confidence, and experience freedom in a safe, supervised environment. These moments of movement and exploration are woven intentionally into the rhythm of each school day.

Question 15

What health and safety measures are in place for my child?

Accepted Answer

The safety and well-being of every child is deeply important to our entire school community. Both Campuses meet Maryland State Department of Education licensing requirements and adhere to clear standards for supervision, classroom management, staff-to-child ratios, health protocols, and emergency preparedness. All guides complete CPR and First Aid certification, background checks, and ongoing teacher training connected to early childhood education and child safety. The Montessori environment itself also naturally supports safety because classrooms are calm, orderly, and accessible, intentionally designed for children with child-sized furniture, open shelves, and carefully organized Montessori materials. Everything in the room is designed to help your child feel secure, capable, and supported throughout the day.

Question 16

What happens if my child becomes sick during the school day?

Accepted Answer

If your child begins showing signs of illness during the school day, our guides will contact your family promptly so we can work together to support your child's comfort and well-being. We follow Maryland health and licensing guidelines carefully while also communicating compassionately and proactively with your family.

Our goal is always to care for your child thoughtfully while helping maintain a healthy classroom environment for the wider school community. Families are never left wondering what is happening because communication is always handled personally and clearly.

Question 17

What qualifications and Montessori training do your guides complete?

Accepted Answer

Our guides hold qualifications including Child Development Associate (CDA) credentials, Montessori training certifications, 90-hour Child Care Certificates, or bachelor's degrees in early childhood education and child development. In line with Maryland State Department of Education requirements, our lead guides also complete a minimum of 12 hours of professional development each year, while assistant guides and aides complete at least 6 hours annually. Beyond formal education, our trained Montessori guides complete ongoing professional development every year in classroom management, Montessori philosophy, child development, and best practices for supporting individual variations in learning.

Many of our educators continue their independent Montessori training because they genuinely believe in the Montessori method and its long-term impact on children's lives. Aliciana Slagenweit, School Leader at Locust Point, explains, "What sets us apart is that our team completes Montessori-specific training not because they are required to, but because they care deeply about doing this work well." Our guides approach teaching as both a profession and a calling rooted in deep respect for children.

Question 18

How will I know what my child is doing each day at school?

Accepted Answer

At The Baltimore Montessori, we believe families should feel genuinely connected to their child's learning experience and daily life inside the classroom. Through the Procare app, your family will receive photos, updates, and personalized communication about what their child explored, practiced, and experienced throughout the day. These moments often include practical life activities, Montessori materials your child worked with, social milestones, or glimpses into collaborative classroom experiences.

Venus Thomas, School Leader at Canton, explains, "This helps parents stay connected to their child's day in a real and personal way." We also prioritize ongoing conversations during drop-off, pick-up, conferences, and whenever additional support or celebration is needed.

Question 19

How can my family become part of the wider Baltimore Montessori community?

Accepted Answer

Our school community is built on relationships between children, families, and guides who genuinely care for one another. Families are invited to participate in classroom events, seasonal celebrations, special gatherings, and opportunities to connect with other parents throughout the year.

Aliciana Slagenweit, School Leader at Locust Point, shares, "When families and teachers rally around one another with real generosity and good spirit, it is a constant reminder that what we have built together is something truly special." Whether you are attending an event, volunteering in small ways, or simply building friendships during pick-up time, we want your family to feel fully welcomed into the life of the school. Many families tell us this sense of belonging becomes one of the most meaningful parts of their Montessori experience.

Question 20

What makes The Baltimore Montessori feel different from other early education schools?

Accepted Answer

Families often tell us that our Montessori school feels calmer, more connected, and more deeply respectful than many traditional schools or early education programs they have visited. That feeling comes from the intentional way our Montessori philosophy shapes every part of the environment, from the mixed-age classroom structure to the relationships guides build with each learner.

Your child will never be rushed, compared, or pressured to move through the learning process at the same speed as everyone else. Instead, they are supported as capable human beings at their own pace, with their own interests, strengths, and developmental timelines.

Question 21

How does the school support children who may need extra guidance or support?

Accepted Answer

Because our Montessori approach centers around careful observation and individualized learning, guides often notice developmental, emotional, or social needs very early. Rather than forcing every child into the same structure, we adapt lessons, pacing, and support around the individual learner while partnering closely with families throughout the process. Venus Thomas, School Leader at Canton, explains, "To support children who learn differently, our classrooms are designed to meet children where they are, allowing them to progress at their own pace." When needed, we also collaborate with outside specialists and local support resources to ensure children receive the care and guidance they need to thrive. Our goal is always to help every child feel seen, understood, and capable inside the classroom community.

Question 22

How do I know if The Baltimore Montessori is the right school for my family?

Accepted Answer

The truth is that the best way to know is to experience the school for yourself. Visit the classrooms. Watch children working independently with Montessori materials. Notice the calm rhythm of our Montessori environment, the warmth between guides and students, and the confidence children carry as they move through the day. You will likely notice something very quickly when you walk through the doors, because authentic Montessori education feels different when it is lived fully and intentionally. We would love to welcome your family to either our Canton Campus or Locust Point Campus and help you experience that feeling firsthand.

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Baltimore Montessori School

Admissions & Enrollment

Curriculum

Daily Routines & Children's Experiences

Health & Safety

Communication & Community

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