A school built around your child.
We are a family-run Montessori childcare center on Capitol Hill, founded on the belief that every child deserves a place where they are deeply known.
Fabienne Deaton, Founder.
Fabienne Deaton holds the AMI Diploma in Primary (2.5–6) and the AMI Diploma in Elementary (6–12) — among the most rigorous credentials in the Montessori field. She holds an M.Ed. in Montessori Education and a Master's in International Education.
After more than 10 years guiding D.C. families, Fabienne founded Starling to build the kind of small, intentional Montessori community she had always believed children deserved.
She personally meets every family who walks through our door.
What Starling parents say.
“We have been so grateful for our experiences at Starling, since enrolling our now 2 year old in December 2025. Since joining the community we’ve since such positive growth in our daughter in so many areas of her development. The potty training journey for example was met with such patience, enthusiasm and consistency.…”
“Starling Montessori is an exceptional school. Choosing childcare was difficult, especially since we had previously had a negative experience at a daycare. As soon as we took a tour of Starling and met Fabienne, we knew that our childcare search had come to an end. The outstanding quality of the care, the curriculum,…”
“Starling Montessori has been a gift to our family! I initially looked at ten options for our child and immediately knew there was something different about Starling. Mrs. Fabienne’s background and training in authentic Montessori education is evident in all aspects of the school. Every detail from the selection of…”
“Our daughter attended Starling Montessori when she was two and three years old, and we truly could not have asked for a better first educational experience for her. From the very beginning, Mrs. Fabienne and her staff created such a nurturing, caring, and welcoming environment that immediately gave my wife and me…”
“We are proud to be one of the founding families at Starling Montessori! When we found them, they were just starting out. Our son has thrived there for the past two years from when he was 16 months to when he graduates to PreK-3! We love the Montessori model and especially how Starling allows our son to explore in a…”
Building a small, intentional community of families.
Honoring each child's pace and dignity, every day.
Cultivating curiosity that lasts beyond the classroom.
Education shaped to each unique child.
