The Lee Montessori Difference is Equity and Innovation.
Why Lee Montessori?
Innovative
Lee Montessori operates two of only six tuition-free and public Montessori schools in Washington D.C. and the only public elementary school fully-recognized in D.C. by the Association Montessori Internationale — USA (AMI-USA). We innovate by blending conventional educational practices with progressive Montessori principles that release a child’s innate eagerness to learn.
Committed to Equity
Lee Montessori provides a high-quality experience for a racially and socio-economically diverse community with the goal of empowering each child we serve to transform society. We are committed to an anti-bias, anti-racist framework that addresses social inequity through the lenses of race, class, immigration, gender, neurodiversity, and LGBTQ+ identity.
Our network of schools is named after Tahiira Lee, a Montessori teacher born and raised in Washington, DC who advocated for more public Montessori opportunities, especially in low-income communities and for students of color.
Mission Driven
Lee Montessori operates two free, public charter schools that exist to create a more just, liberated world. We are diverse and interconnected communities that redefine high-quality education by pairing Montessori with Anti-Bias/Anti-Racist practices. We create joyful learning environments where children and families flourish and can show up authentically as their true selves.
Why Montessori?
Promoting Independence
Inside our classrooms, children as young as age 3 move around a beautiful room and work with hands-on, manipulative materials. In this manner, learning and well-being are improved as children gain a stronger sense of control over their lives.
Freedom with Limits
Classroom environments foster a child’s innate curiosity and desire to learn. Children have the freedom to learn at their own pace and absorb information through exploration of the world around them.
Personalized Instruction
Lee Montessori’s highly trained teachers develop individual learning paths for each child and present most lessons individually to respond to the child’s unique interests and abilities. All students, including those with different needs or different learning abilities, receive interventions and support if they are struggling to succeed.
Evidence-Based Outcomes
Dr. Maria Montessori developed her method through scientific observation and pedagogical experimentation. Modern research confirms that children are thriving under this method compared to traditional, teacher-driven instruction.