Paint Branch Montessori School, Silver Spring

Children are encouraged to explore an environment that is best suited to their needs, so that they may blossom. Each classroom offers a prepared environment in which a child’s potential can unfold spontaneously. Each self-correcting material isolates one quality to help the child gain confidence, inner discipline, analytical thinking and the satisfaction that comes from accomplishment in a free environment. Grace and Courtesy is an important part of our curriculum. Our children learn polite manners and the social norms of interacting with their peers and teachers. The hidden curriculum of the school is based largely on teaching kindness, empathy, respect and responsibility. We also teach children to be empathetic to their surroundings, the Earth and the Universe. Our curriculum is based on extending the intelligence, imagination and abstraction of our children, so they may occupy their rightful place as leaders. A diverse staff and student population reflect our commitment to nurturing successful citizens of the world