A Montessori nature school where children have the freedom to discover who they are.

Children from 12 weeks to kindergarten on 5 beautiful acres in Kensington, Maryland — where nature is the classroom, real work builds real confidence, and every child is loved for who they are.

Already enrolled? Visit the Family Portal.

Maryland's highest quality rating for child care

35+ years

Serving families since 1990


5 acres

Nature woven into every day


12 weeks

Montessori from the very beginning


OUR PROGRAMS

The first six years are the most developmentally important of our lives.

We designed each environment around what neuroscience and Montessori pedagogy tell us children actually need.

12 weeks — 18 months

The Nido

Each child follows their own natural rhythm, with freedom of movement, experienced guides, daily time outdoors, and a calm, orderly environment designed around what the infant brain and body actually need.


18 months — 3 years

Young Children’s Community

Children choose purposeful work based on their individual interests, building concentration, self-confidence, and independence through hands-on exploration and caring for their indoor and outdoor environments.


3 — 6 years

Children’s House

A classic Montessori environment where literacy, numeracy, art, music, and practical life are not separate subjects, but a single world a child moves through at their own pace — all within a mixed-age community.

“Free the child's potential,
and you will transform him into the world.”

— Maria Montessori

What do you want your child's days to feel like?

WHAT SETS US APART

Your child will spend between 1,200 and 1,600 hours in school this year. What happens during this time builds the foundation that follows them for life.

Traditional programs
The Nature School
One standardized schedule for all children
Each child follows their own pace and curiosity, building real independence daily
Children assigned to classes by birth year
Mixed ages cohorts based on each child's unique development
Recess is separate from learning
Outdoor classrooms foster deep connection with nature
New teacher every year with frequent turnover
Half of our guides have been here over a decade
Colorful, stimulating spaces designed to entertain
Calm, beautiful environments designed for concentration

LIFE AT THE SCHOOL

What your child actually does here

The ability to focus deeply — to choose something, stay with it, and finish — is one of the most important skills a child can develop. It builds self-confidence, resilience, and a foundation that will serve them for life.

DEEP CONCENTRATION


Children go outside every day, in all types of weather, developing a deep relationship with the natural world. Research shows that daily time outdoors improves physical health, reduces stress, sharpens attention, and fosters creativity.

CONNECTION WITH NATURE


We build children's confidence through real contribution — learning to prepare a meal, care for their environment, and take responsibility for themselves and others. Parents notice it at home within weeks.

REAL CONTRIBUTION

IN THEIR WORDS

What our families say

"When we saw our daughter choose her own work and stay focused for 40 minutes straight, we knew we'd found something different. She's more confident at home now. She asks to help with everything."

Children's House parent
Silver Spring, MD

"We left our previous daycare because we had no idea what he was doing all day. Here we know what he's doing actually matters. Now he wants to set the table, pour his own water, do things himself."

YCC parent
Kensington, MD

"I was nervous about my daughter starting when she was just 12 weeks, but within two weeks I could see how calm and secure she was. She wasn't anxious. It really felt like her second home."

Nido parent
Rockville, MD

We’d love to show you around.

VISIT US

Walk 5 beautiful acres of gardens and outdoor learning spaces, step into a classroom where children are free to follow their own curiosity, and meet the experienced guides who will love and care for your little one every single day.

Bring your child if you’d like!

CONTACT US

Send us a note