Capitol Hill Montessori @ Logan

Posted: March 1, 2023

Posted: March 1, 2023

The staff work very hard but the expectations of them from administration seem unreasonable. There always seem to be staffing issues- high teacher turnover, unfilled teacher positions, staff out/ resigning.

In the primary classrooms, the class sizes are more reasonable than lower elementary and upper elementary. In primary, there are also 2 adults in the classroom and only 1 in the upper grades where the class sizes are over 25 students in most classes.

Supervision of students during non-academic times seems to be a challenge due to the staffing issues.

Behavior issues are not addressed consistently which results in undesirable behaviors increasing instead of decreasing and ultimately disrupting learning. There don't seem to be any consequences in elementary for misbehavior.

There are also issues with communication from administration to both families and staff. Do not expect to receive prompt responses from administration unless you have an important role in the school community.

I think that this school could improve significantly if administration was more open to disclosing the problems within the school and working with families and staff to create and implement a plan to address the problems.

Posted: August 23, 2020

This school is a really great school. Love the principal. LOVE CHM@L, instead of a 7/10 it should be a 8/10 or a 9/10.

Posted: August 23, 2020

Posted: August 23, 2020

Posted: August 23, 2020

Posted: August 23, 2020

Posted: August 23, 2020

Posted: August 23, 2020

Posted: March 12, 2019

Because the school was so tolerant, students will behavior issues may not respect the teachers approach. It was a very loose environment which to me was more focused on self confidence and individuality than education and order.

Posted: March 12, 2019

The school was great for free minds but if you have a child who is really impressionable it can be worrisome. There isn't a lot of interference or structure which is good for being building character, individuality, and spirit.

Posted: March 12, 2019

I enjoyed the freedom the school allowed for students. They allowed students, parents, and facility to roam the halls pretty much unsupervised in the morning and afternoons. In a perfect word it's great to allowed the children to make decision of how they wanted to spend there morning hours rather in the hallways, cafeteria, or at the playground. It was great for student who needed confidences and build social skills. It also left opportunities for predatory behavior because there's so many nooks and crannies students were allowed to roam. That freedom in the morning is what really set this school up differently than others that had a stricter structure.

Posted: April 13, 2017

My child experienced an incident and the school dealt with it immediately

Posted: April 13, 2017

Montessori doesn't teach in one way (like most schools), but allows for children who learn differently to not have their differences ignored, written off, or dismissed.

Posted: April 13, 2017

The Principal is experienced and has the ability to work well with people. His laissez faire style may not be appealing to some, but is effective.

Posted: April 13, 2017

This is the basis of what Montessori education is.

Posted: April 13, 2017

The biggest challenge these teachers (particularly lower and upper elementary) face is having to apply a dual approach to teaching. They must be well trained not only in Montessori methodology (Which is the mission and method of the school), but they must also figure out how to "train" students to take a public school standardized test. The teachers do an admirable job in this dichotomy

Posted: April 13, 2017

"Homework" in Montessori education isn't photocopied pages or workbooks assignments. If you choose to engage in a Montessori education, Home work is done by engaging your child in all of the things that we do in life. There is math in cooking. Have your child read. Go to museums with your child. YOU will find real world situations to have your child do homework.

Posted: April 13, 2017

Before you apply to this school, be sure to do your homework on what MONTESSORI education is. Then know that this school is a PUBLIC MONTESSORI, meaning they must (unfortunately) adhere to public school tomfoolery (test taking). So, if you care about test scores, and you measurement of a 'good education' is based on test scores, don't send them here. Period. You should send your child to a school that is good at "teaching to the test" (and teaching to the test is NOT what Montessori is about). Also as you read any review of Montessori or other specialized school and that person mentions "test", or "test scores" as criteria for why a school is "good" or "bad" be aware that the person didn't do any research into the school or their education philosophy. There are plenty of good test taking schools out there.

As the parent of two children in Capitol Hill Montessori at Logan I can tell you that the challenges that the school has is not due to staff or the parent community, those challenges are due to the failures of DCPS which has blatantly neglected the school. DCPS should be ashamed that it doesn't try to honor non-traditional methods of learning, instead it chooses to ignore those schools, providing minimal resources. Yet despite the utter disrespect that DCPS has for this school, the staff and parent community has done an outstanding job of growing this school from a "school within a school" to an educational campus that goes up to 8th grade.

So while the school doesn't specialize in turning out students who score high on whatever test the education system deems worthy of applying in any given year (the standardized tests change about every 4 years. Ask yourself if standardized testing is working so well, why would the tests change so often? How often has the SAT, ACT, LSAT, etc. changed?) the school does work on a child-centered approach that allows your child to develop a high level of academic achievement through a different learning experience.

Unless we move, my children will continue on with Capitol Hill Montessori through Middle School and we know they will get into the High School of their choice because they came up in a supportive environment that this school provides.

Posted: January 11, 2017

Most of the teachers are deeply committed to the Montessori Method. With the exception of 1 really bad experience with a teacher that is no longer there; during my daughters 4 years at the school the teachers are dedicated and qualified. The leadership however, is horrible! The principal does not have a clear vision for the school nor the courage to lead. He tells you what you want to hear and follows meetings with 0 follow up and 0 action. This directly impacts the teachers ability to work to their full potential. There is always some kind if issue with the school because the principal is not proactive but rather reactive when parents make a fuss. The school overall is very disorganized. Additionally, the office is a mess. The woman who runs the office is very disrespectful. If she decides she doesn't like you expect to be disrespected and gossiped about. ( I wasn't disliked she often gossiped to me.) She is negative, dishonest and generally sets a horrible energy in the school. Do not send your child to this school. They are getting by on an old reputation and a decent location. Check the scores!

Posted: September 21, 2016

Posted: September 21, 2016

Posted: September 21, 2016

Posted: September 21, 2016

Posted: September 21, 2016

Posted: September 21, 2016

No homework is given during the primary program (till first grade), which I personally prefer.

Posted: September 21, 2016

My son has just begun his second year at the school. He's very happy, seems to enjoy most every aspect of school and has made good friendships over the past year. He's grown in independence, self-confidence and social and emotional skills.

I have been consistently impressed by his teacher, and the other teachers that I've encountered in the primary program. Mr. Eatman, the principal has always seemed to be very present. The administrative support staff are friendly and helpful.

Admittedly, I'm not at all pushy about academic goals at the moment, but if you're the kind who is, it may feel frustrating as the course of study is student-led and the concept of "sensitive periods" means that you wait till the kid decides they are ready. It's not for everyone, and prepare to immerse yourself in a whole new language of Montessori materials and ideas.

The only thing I can point to lets the school down are the issues that the facility itself has had. Much of the building has been worked on over summer 2016, and is improved, but it is a work in progress.

The PTA (which here is the PTSO parent-teacher-student-organization) is very active and involved and has been key in much of the improvements. The atmosphere of the school and the community in general is very warm, inviting, friendly and safe.

Posted: November 6, 2015

Messy matters the principal is a staff pleaser ... Parents go through hell in getting situations resolved there is no confidentiality the staff will be abreast of everything you discuss with the principal

Posted: November 6, 2015

Posted: November 6, 2015

Posted: November 6, 2015

Posted: March 5, 2015

There is more to a good education than test taking proficiency. "Good education is not what fills your head with facts but what stimulates curiosity. You then learn for the rest of your life." -- Neil DeGrasse Tyson

Posted: February 11, 2015

I disagree with the previous poster. We are "educated" parents and have kids in 2nd and 4th grade. We love both of their teachers and feel confident that our kids are learning and they test well. There were definitely some growing pains in the last couple of years but overall we love the school. There is something great about kids who enjoy learning for learning sake and actively research their interests in great depth.

Posted: January 24, 2015

Good for pre-school years, then leave by first grade or risk poor math (50% failure) and writing (75% cannot write) skills for your child that will leave your child completely unprepared for Middle School. All the well educated parents have done this over the years and we are following their advice. Low test scores for fifteen plus years. Located in Washington, DC with many resources yet very few intellectual field trips due to historic, systemic failure of leadership at the top and old "DC crony" hiring of friends. No STEM, no real art classes, no real music classes. Leave by first grade as we are and be certain to have a balanced normal education in a school that fosters community spirit and intellectual love of learning (seek out Brent or Maury as top schools).

Posted: August 25, 2013

Capitol Hill Montessori School at Logan is a great school. Not only is it unique in its offering of the montessori methodology in an urban setting, it's the only one in the entire public or charter school system. The primary teachers are incredible! My son had a difficult time adjusting to school at 3 but his teacher invested loads of time nurturing him. Once a trust relationship was established, he exploded academically. It truly is the best of both worlds. The elementary school is expanding and top-notch Montessori teachers have been recruited and with the new independent building - the school has so much potential. The Parent Teacher Student Organization is super committed, talented and diverse. I expect spectacular results as the school adjusts to its new location and expands. DCPS has been more accommodating and becoming well versed on the unique needs of the Montessori tradition. Although not compatible with they style of learning, the DC test scores should soar like the school this year. The administration, parents and students are working hard to ensure that they will. Go CHM@L.

Posted: August 25, 2013

Capital Hill Montessori @ Logan - This is my daughters third year here. She woke up at 7:00am this morning and the first thing she said is "Mommy, I am ready for school!!" That is the attitude you get then you send your child to CHM@L. It all starts at the head and trickles down. Mr. Eatman is exceptional as well as his entire staff. They treat you like family and truly accept your family as theirs. I pray this school extends to the eighth grade. Thumbs up CHM@L keep up the good work.

Posted: August 22, 2013

Capitol Hill Montessori at Logan is a DCPS school that focuses on Montessori. The teachers and other staff are wonderful. Every time I go in the school I am greeted by students who are happy and considerate. It has a great French program, kid friendly gardens and about to get a new playground. I love having my girls in this school.

Posted: August 22, 2013

My kids love school and the whole montessori approach. They have been lucky to have such great teachers and such a great community to learn in. They love the hands on approach and multi-age learning environment.

Posted: August 19, 2013

We have three children at CHM@L. The school provides a diverse, nurturing environment and the Montessori method compliments our parenting philosophy. We are very happy here.