Paint Branch Montessori School in Silver Spring

Posted: April 29, 2026

Weve had such a positive experience at PBMS so far!

1. Nature-first environment we love: The 63-acre campus full of beautiful trees and landscapes is a huge plus. My son is naturally curious about nature, and here he gets to explore it daily. In this high-tech era, its so refreshing to find a school that prioritizes outdoor learning and being nature-friendly.
2. Hands-on learning that actually engages kids: My son comes home excited every day. The Montessori approach lets him learn by doing not just sitting. Hes more independent and confident since starting.
3. Great parent communication: The school uses a reliable app that keeps us updated on his daily activities, photos, and milestones. As a working parents, knowing what he did each day gives us real peace of mind.

If you want a school that balances academics, independence, and a genuine connection to the natural world, we cant recommend PBMS enough.

Posted: April 29, 2026

Posted: July 1, 2025

PBMS has a wonderful mission of guiding children to become independent, loving, kind, and intelligent individuals. We feel so blessed to have been part of PBMS and want to share our experience with parents who value Montessori principles or are curious to explore them.

Posted: July 1, 2025

Posted: June 4, 2025

We want to sincerely thank the incredible team at PBMS for the dedication, kindness, and care youve shown Jonah over the years. The lessons, friendships, and memories hes gained here have been truly meaningful, and we are grateful for everything this school community has given him.

Posted: June 4, 2025

Posted: May 29, 2025

My daughter has been at PBMS since she was 2 (she is now 4.5) and experienced both pre-primary and primary classes. Her main teacher throughout, Ms. Diana, is incredible. When I ask my daughter if someone made her feel special that day - the answer is usually Ms. Diana. My daughter has learned so many practical skills like buttering bread, putting on her jacket, counting, and sounding out letters. She treats school events with the same excitement as holidays like Christmas. The other skill that she has gained is kindness/consideration and community. For example, this week it was the school groundskeeper's birthday and they all worked together to make him a puppet and cards. The school fosters pride and independence as well. She is always excited to tell me about her job (i.e. line leader, hallway helper) and she is now able to self-direct/entertain herself at home. For example, I caught her trying to plant a bean in a sippy cup and fill it with dirt and water to help it grow - all of her own accord. In terms of discipline, they don't yell or shame children and do work with the parents to reiterate skills like listening when they are having a hard time doing so. I love getting pictures of what my daughter is up to at school - they do a good job of communicating weekly and daily activities via brightwheel so I can prompt conversations about what she did that day.

Posted: May 29, 2025

Posted: November 11, 2023

A Traumatic Experience!!!

I must express my deep disappointment with this school. My family's first encounter with a Montessori school turned out to be a traumatic experience. Unfortunately, the issues were not reflective of the Montessori philosophy but rather the specific practices of this particular institution. The Head of School is a significant obstacle to effective communication. Her controlling nature hindered any direct interaction with our child's teachers, resulting in a lack of transparency and understanding about our child's progress. Furthermore, her aggressive and rude communication style was distressing, and the threat of expulsion for minor incidents seemed disproportionate.

Financial matters only added to our frustration, as we discovered inconsistent and overcharged fees. The Head of School's response was far from reassuring, with an initial dismissal followed by an admission of impending fee hikes. Only after our insistence on contractual amounts did they adjust the fees, highlighting a lack of transparency and honesty in their business practices. The treatment our 2 year old daughter received was deeply troubling. Constant false accusations, manufacturing issues, and ultimately unjust expulsion created an environment of distrust. The subsequent dishonesty about the expulsion further soured our experience. Legal intervention was necessary to secure a refund, showcasing the school's lack of integrity.

While the teaching staff demonstrated competence, their fear of repercussions from the Head of School compromised their ability to advocate for the students. Discovering that other parents shared similar negative experiences reinforced our decision to leave.We are at a better AMI Montessori school where our daughter is thriving, highlighting the importance of a school's focus on the welfare of students rather than financial interests. This particular AMS school failed to uphold Montessori principles, and it's disheartening to see such a departure from Maria Montessori's vision. It is crucial for prospective parents to thoroughly research and consider alternative options before entrusting their children to this institution.

I will not recommend this place!

Posted: November 11, 2023

Posted: March 19, 2022

PBMS will forever be a part of our family! The love and care Ms. Grover gives to all the children is at the heart of the success in developing future leaders. My granddaughter Zoie attended from age 2-9. The foundation they provided has been fundamental to the amazing interests she has in learning. Zoie is compassionate, kind, creative, and a true leader. She was always excited about going to school and has made wonderful friends that she continues to socialize with. She continues to excel academically from the Montessori method of learning. We as a family enjoyed Grandparents and Friends Day, the Holiday Potluck, Field Day, Reading with the children, and all the wonderful performances that we attended!

I'm so delighted that they are continuing to build future leaders! I highly recommend PBMS for your children!

Posted: March 13, 2022

My now 4.5 year old child has been at PBMS for the past year, as well as my 6 year old enjoying some summer fun with her sibling during 'summer camp.' Our family has had a wonderful experience and our 4.5 year old has thrived in the mixed age classroom setting. The loving, culturally inclusive environment has been a great school family to be a part of. PBMS campus is located on 60 acres, which include a lovely nature walk through beautiful woods, meadows, and a solar farm. As a naturalist myself, I appreciate the additional care with which PBMS uses their amazing campus as a learning experience - we here a lot about "visiting the chickens." PBMS puts the safety of our children first, and our family has appreciated the pandemic precautions put into place and continued consistency of those precautions throughout the past year.

Posted: March 13, 2022

Posted: January 5, 2022

My family had a wonderful experience with the caring, smart, accessible staff and program at PBMS. My 2 kids enjoyed the fun, stimulating programs, engaging and dedicated educators, and cultural and academic variety offered.

Posted: October 30, 2021

We love Paint Branch Montessori School! We have been a part of the PBMS family since 2017 with one child enrolled and this year were overjoyed to enroll our second child. We could not be happier with our experience. The teachers and staff are incredibly loving, attentive, and talented. Lead teachers are Montessori certified and bring outstanding skills in delivering a Montessori curriculum. Each childs strengths and needs are attended to and supported as they grow in amazing ways. This school has provided the foundation for my children to be lifelong learners who are curious about the world, love and respect their peers, elders, and communities, and celebrate diversity. PBMS provides an outstanding education and phenomenal environment to grow in.

Posted: April 1, 2021

Were so happy to have our son join PBMS. Im an alumna who went in the early eighties. I love that my son is playing with literally some of the same learning materials that I used. My favorite part is that being a kind, polite person is still a huge emphasis, even with the change of directors and teaches, that vibe is still completely alive.

Posted: April 1, 2021

Posted: January 19, 2020

Teachers treat the children as a family.

Posted: January 19, 2020

Parents,school staff have the role to play in preventing bullying. they tell kids bullying is unacceptable and how to get help.

Model how to treat others with kindness and respect.

Posted: January 19, 2020

My daughter attends PBMS and we love the staff and all the special things they do for her.She is learning Spanish,art, music and she does not want to come home! It is great diversity and the fabulous staff.

Posted: January 19, 2020

They reviewing the lesson learned that day

Posted: January 19, 2020

All staff are loving and caring with all the children

Posted: January 19, 2020

all the time is very important the good values.

Posted: January 19, 2020

the principal is very demanding always looking for the excellence.

Posted: October 7, 2019

Homework is assigned so that student can get it done within a reasonable time, say half an hour. Reviewing the lesson learned that day but also a little challenging for learning something new.

Posted: October 7, 2019

All staff and teachers are loving and caring.

Posted: October 7, 2019

What my son learned in the school have laid a solid foundation for his future pursuits.

Posted: October 7, 2019

Mrs. Grover is the Head of the school and a teacher for upper elementary. She is loving but sets up high expectations.

Posted: October 7, 2019

Teachers treat kids as their own and meet each theirs unique needs

Posted: October 7, 2019

PBMS is a Fabulous school we love. My son had blossomed over the years he had been there. We highly recommend and encourage parents to go to check it out.

Posted: January 14, 2019

My experience with this school was shortcoming. My son spent 2 years in this school. The first year seemed like he was doing well he was still very small. But the last year, it seemed like the head of the school had already labeled my son as a trouble kid. Multiple instances she commented that my son was aggresive and that maybe she should get checked or check his diet or something else? I listened to her he first times, but then it sounded more like she had a vendetta against my son. I commented all those issues with family, friends and even the pediatrician and those closest to us couldnt believe what the head of the school wa say aint about my son. The pediatrician even mentioned that it was time to move on. That there was nothing wrong with my son. That he was an active boy like any and if the head of school was making such comments about his hyper energy and other aggressor begaviours then it was time to move on. Multiple times I tried to get to the bottom of the issue to help my son, and the teachers understand when my son was getting handy, but the head of the school always took charge of the situation and was never able to explain to me how things started, what evidence she had of everything she was saying when she wasnt present. I would ask the teachers and they would look at me like I was crazy because they would say that whatever the head of the school told me My son did wasnt true. It came clear that the teachers cared and understood my son. But it seemed more like the head of the school had another agenda. This is a montessori school, my son was taken to the administrative office multiple times for not listening and hurting others? I do not condone bullying but I felt like the administration didnt know how to handle kids fighting? Multiple times I tried to meet up with the administration to fix what was going on about my son acting out but in one occasion my husband and I made it 5 min late to the parent/admin meeting. The teacher was ok with us being late but the head of the school said no bag they were now busy even though we were 5 min late. I asked if we could make it after work hours around 5 pm? The head of the school said no because at that time we want to go home and there is not time to have such meetings it was then that I realized that the head of the school no longer cared to help my child.

Posted: April 20, 2018

Our son has been at Paint Branch Montessori joined in kindergarten and has been there three years now. The teachers have been great, and he absolutely loves Ms. Dana, who teaches elementary students. He also interacts with other teachers, especially those who work in the aftercare program, and he loves them as well. The school has music and Spanish lessons for the children. Our child has a weekly work plan, and comes home on Fridays with a report that he and his teacher go over to review the things he learned and how he did - both academically and in his school citizenship. In addition to doing daily homework assignments, elementary students do longer-term research projects such as a report on a country they choose on the continent the class is studying during the year. And our son can write in cursive! While many public schools have abandoned cursive lessons, it is still a useful skill. Being able to write is important to being able to take notes, and research shows that we learn better and retain more when we take notes by hand rather than typing them directly on a keyboard. The school does mentoring as well, older students help walk their younger colleagues back to their classrooms in the morning. And each elementary student has a job for the week to help with the class. We love the family atmosphere, and we are confident PBMS is helping to set our son up for future success!

Posted: April 20, 2018

Posted: April 10, 2018

Each child is given the proper tools needed to succeed.

Posted: April 10, 2018

The child is taken aside and helped with the need for behavior change. The diversity seen among the students minimizes bullying because there is an acceptance of differences from day #1.

Posted: April 10, 2018

The individual child is considered not moulded to a curriculum.

Posted: April 10, 2018

It is obvious from the children's behavior and actions toward each other.

Posted: April 10, 2018

The Director is actively involved, not lost behind a desk somewhere.

Posted: April 10, 2018

I have 31 years experience with public education.
Paint Branch Montessori provides a better environment and promotes better academics, fine arts and citizenship than I have seen in any other school.

Posted: November 16, 2017

I am the parent of three PBMS alumni. The years my children spent at PBMS were invaluable in helping to instill in them a love of learning. The school has a strong sense of community and very caring and nurturing staff. My family has many memorable experiences from our years spent at PBMS. The time my children spent there contributed greatly to helping shape them into the strong and confident individuals they have become.

Posted: August 18, 2017

We observed zero bullying, which we believe is a result of the care and attention of the teachers and staff.

Posted: August 18, 2017

What a delightful school! The first time we drove up to the school, our first impression was of the charming shaded playground with wooden structures and surrounding fence. Ms. Sudarma, Ms. Hamdi, Mrs. Grover, Rebecca, and everyone there is so kind, so sweet, and so devoted to the individual development of each child, both psychological and also academic. We were amazed at our much our LO learned in that year and deeply valued the diversity and community of the teachers, staff, and students and the wealth of experience of the teachers. He also learned manners and the importance of picking up (makes a 2yo easier to live with!), and both teamwork and independent play. They have integrated Spanish into their program, and offer after care special programs such as dance and soccer. We cannot recommend this school highly enough.

Posted: January 21, 2015

I am so pleased with PBMS! I enrolled my daughter when she turned 2. She will be 3 in 4 months. Last night she sorted a bunch of miniatures onto their respective word cards, she rolled out pizza dough, and she put on her own PJs!! For all of these things, I give primary credit to PBMS. They relieve my working-mom guilt!!!! I know she is learning and thriving and cared for there!

Posted: December 8, 2013

My son enrolled in PBMS just after he turned 2. He didn't speak much, but within a few months at the school, he started having conversations. Now in his 3rd year, he is a social, compassionate, and curious little boy. He is inquisitive about the world around him and applies the lessons he learns in school to his daily life. He is also very well behaved and respectful. We are always complimented on his consistently calm demeanor, something we contribute to PBMS and the Montessori style of teaching. The teachers and staff are caring, knowledgeable, and make us feel like part of an extended family. We love being involved in our son's education and it's great to see all of the students learn from all of the parents' talents. I feel confident that my son has learned how to learn, which was paramount when considering his early childhood education options.

Posted: November 29, 2013

I am a part time music teacher at Paint Branch Montessori School and I have to say how wonderful the environment is there for the children. The staff is knowledgeable, warm and engaging and understands both the theory as well as the humanity of the Montessori approach. It is true Montessori with each child encouraged to make the best of their individuality and at the same time taught their place in community with others. At Paint Branch, the parents are welcomed to participate as they are able and to the extent that they want. Parent informational meetings supplement regular parent conferences. I have even had parents come to the music classes to showcase their instruments and play music for the children. I heartily recommend Paint Branch Montessori school to all who are seeking quality education for their children.

Posted: November 23, 2013

Our three children attend PBMS, and we have been a part of the school community and family since 2006. This is a wonderful, nurturing, and supportive school, and our children have all thrived here. We always work in partnership with the teachers, staff, and administrators and know that we can always count on them to do what's best for our children. The Montessori environment is a wonderful one, and the teachers are well trained and experienced in implementing Dr. Montessori's philosophies. The children are able to progress at their own pace, and the pleasure and interest that the children show in their work make the classroom environment such a joy to watch! Every day, getting them to come home is a challenge because they don't want to leave school. PBMS is a home away from home for our children (and us too!), and I can't imagine wanting them to be anywhere else!

Posted: November 18, 2013

We consider PBMS as our extended family. My son has been in this school since he was two and a half years old. He loves his school and enjoys going to school. We feel happy and would like him to continue his learning there. PBMS has the most fantastic, knowledgeable, loving and caring staff we ve ever known. The whole school is like a big family. They have great competitive academic curriculum; wonderful art & craft programs, excellent music teacher and fun-learning aftercare with lots of dancing & singing. Over the past few years, we see our little boy and his friends have blossomed beautifully, each in their unique way in a family oriented, loving & caring learning environment. We love them as they re part of our extended family!

Posted: November 10, 2013

Ms. Joan and Ms. Sudarma are wonderful teachers! The preschool program is fantastic for starting your kids' education, and children can start as early as age 2, which is a year earlier than most Montessori schools. The parents are really involved, and we've made some really good friends over the years.

Posted: November 7, 2013

PBMS is such a wonderfuI place. I consider myself in the attachment parenting camp and was having trouble finding a daycare provider that had similar philosophies on learning. My daughter started at PBMS at 2 years old and LOVES it. We were having difficulty with crying at drop off and acting out at home at her previous childcare center, but the transition to Montessori was seemless. She genuinely enjoys going to school, is learning new things every day and her teachers talk to her and treat her the same way I do (as a smaller human being who is learning instead of a child that needs to be controlled).

Posted: November 7, 2013

We are so happy with the decision we made to send our daughter to PBMS. Our daughter is two and started over the summer for camp. From the very beginning we knew this was the place we would be sending her. The teachers and staff are so welcoming and inclusive; they make you feel like you are a part of the family from day one. When my daughter started we had just moved her from a day care center in SS which was nothing more than, survival of the fittest. Now that she is here she has learned and grown so much. From grace and courtesy, knowing how to identify each letter of the alphabet with a coordinating object, counting to twenty, and singing constantly. Parental involvement is top notch. The opportunities are vast if you like being involved in your child s school.They have already had a back to school picnic, parent and child breakfast, coffee mornings, grandparent days, fall festival, cultural night, language night.

Posted: November 6, 2013

What a pleasure to see my daughter thrive and blossom and grow. The staff and the parent community is absolutely brilliant. They nurture and help my daughter with learning not just academics but also the lessons of grace and courtesy. The children are happy and so busy and learning all the time. The learning is amazing!! There are so many things they do for families. Grandparents day, coffee mornings, field trips, art exhibitions and so much more. I love this place. Such a treasure. Come and see for yourself!!

Posted: November 6, 2013

Paint Branch Montessori School is the most wonderful place. My son has gone there for two years and the whole time we have all felt so safe and loved. He has learned shapes, colors, courtesy, manners, counting numbers, seasons, bones in his body... so many things. He loves going to school and has several best friends. Families at the school are very involved and I have made some lasting friendships with other parents. The montessori environment is so beneficial. They learn without realizing they are even learning, and have amazing hands on experiences. I would recommend this school very highly.

#	Name	Type	City	State	Distance
1	Hillandale	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Silver Spring	MD	0.2 mi
2	DuMont Oaks	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Silver Spring	MD	1.6 mi
3	Forest Knolls	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Silver Spring	MD	2 mi
4	Iverly	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Silver Spring	MD	2.5 mi
5	Takoma Park	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Takoma Park	MD	3.1 mi
6	White Flint	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Rockville	MD	7.2 mi
7	The Willoughby	Condominium/Townhouse	Chevy Chase	MD	7.3 mi
8	Norwood	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Olney	MD	7.4 mi
9	Old Farm	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Rockville	MD	8.9 mi
10	Maple Lawn	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Fulton	MD	9.9 mi
11	The VIO	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Washington SW	DC	9.9 mi
12	Leeway Overlee - N Arlington	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Arlington	VA	13.2 mi
13	Midway Common	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Fort Meade	MD	13.3 mi
14	Twenty400	Apartment Complex	Arlington	VA	13.3 mi
15	Reserve at Potomac Yard	Apartment Complex	Alexandria	VA	13.5 mi
16	Beverly Hills	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Alexandria	VA	13.8 mi

#	Name	City	State	Distance
1	White Oak	Silver Spring	MD	0.2 mi
2	Silver Spring	Silver Spring	MD	3.4 mi
3	Georgetown	Washington	DC	8.8 mi
4	Laurel	Laurel	MD	8.9 mi
5	Washington DC	Washington D.C.	DC	9.3 mi
6	Capitol Hill	Washington	DC	9.4 mi
7	Hammond Hills	Laurel	MD	9.6 mi
8	Arlington	Arlington	VA	10.9 mi
9	Pentagon City	Arlington	VA	12.5 mi

Base	Distance
Walter Reed Medical Center	6.3 mi.
Marine Barracks Washington	10.1 mi.
Washington Navy Yard	10.4 mi.
Fort McNair	10.9 mi.
Coast Guard Headquarters DC	11.2 mi.
Fort Myer	11.3 mi.
Pentagon	11.4 mi.
Henderson Hall	11.9 mi.
Bolling AFB Joint Base Anacostia	12.9 mi.
Fort Meade NSA	13.9 mi.
Mark Center Alexandria	15.3 mi.
Andrews AFB	15.9 mi.
Defense Health Headquarters Falls Church	16.5 mi.
Fort Belvoir	23.5 mi.
Coast Guard Curtis Bay	25.1 mi.
US Naval Academy	26.7 mi.
NRO Chantilly	27.1 mi.
Annapolis Naval Station	27.5 mi.
Indian Head Naval Base	31.9 mi.
Fort Detrick	37.3 mi.
Quantico Marine Base	42.2 mi.
Dahlgren NSWC	47.2 mi.

Paint Branch Montessori School

Silver Spring, MD 20903

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Paint Branch Montessori School

Silver Spring, MD 20903

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