FAQ
Common questions, gentle answers.
QUESTIONS PARENTS ASK
Browse by topic.
About Starling
Who founded Starling? +
Fabienne Deaton, an AMI-certified guide with two AMI Diplomas (Primary 2.5–6 and Elementary 6–12), an M.Ed. in Montessori Education, and a Master's in International Education. She founded Starling to build the kind of small, family-run school she believes children deserve.
Are you part of a chain? +
No. Starling is family-run. We have one Toddler Community at 201 4th St SE, Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church, and a Primary Classroom opening at 301 A St SE, Saint Mark Episcopal Church, in August 2026.
Where is the school located? +
Toddler: 201 4th St SE, Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church. Primary (opening Aug 2026): 301 A St SE, Saint Mark Episcopal Church, Capitol Hill.
The Montessori method
What does AMI mean? +
Association Montessori Internationale — the organization founded by Maria Montessori herself. AMI training is the most rigorous Montessori credential and the closest to the original method.
How is AMI different from AMS or other Montessori? +
AMI training is anchored directly in Maria Montessori's curriculum. Other certifications (AMS, MACTE) vary in fidelity. AMI is widely considered the strictest standard.
Why mixed-age classrooms? +
Maria Montessori designed Primary as a three-year experience. Younger children are inspired by older ones; older children consolidate knowledge by mentoring. The result is a community of learners, not a lockstep grade.
Programs
What ages do you accept? +
Toddler: 16–36 months. Primary (opening Aug 2026): ages 3–6, including the kindergarten year.
What is the daily schedule? +
All days start at 8:00 AM. Toddler offers half-day (8:00–12:00), school-day (8:00–3:00), and full-day (8:00–5:00). Primary offers half-day (8:00–12:30) and full-day (8:00–3:30). Extended care options are listed below.
Will the Primary continue through kindergarten? +
Yes. The AMI Primary cycle is a three-year experience, and children stay in the same classroom from age 3 through 6.
Admissions & Tuition
How do admissions work? +
Inquire → tour → apply → reserve. Every family meets Fabienne directly. See the Admissions page for the full process.
What does tuition cost? +
Tuition rates vary based on our program schedules. Please reach out to us directly and indicate the programs you are interested in to receive more information regarding rates & pricing.
Do you accept DC vouchers or financial aid? +
We accept military subsidies through Child Care Aware of America. For other situations, please reach out — we'll discuss what's possible.
Daily life
What should my child wear? +
Comfortable, layerable clothing they can manage themselves — independence is built into every detail of the day.
Do you offer extended hours? +
Yes. Most of our families are dual-income with demanding jobs, so we offer extended care: Toddler 3:00–4:30 PM or 3:00–5:00 PM (added to the school-day schedule). Primary 3:30–4:30 PM or 3:30–5:30 PM (subject to enrollment numbers).
How small is the classroom? +
Toddler runs at a 1:4 ratio (one guide for every four children). Primary runs at a 1:8 ratio. Both are well below the licensed maximum and a deliberate part of how we work — every child is genuinely known.