Starling Montessori School
Schedule a tour
OPEN ENROLLMENT · TODDLER COMMUNITY

Not a chain. Not a lottery. The small Montessori on Capitol Hill.

Family-run, with AMI-trained guides. A single toddler classroom. Two blocks from Eastern Market — a place where every child is known by name.

Schedule a tour →How is this different?
📍 201 4th St SE · Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church · Ages 16–36 months
Fabienne, founder of Starling Montessori, welcoming a toddler at the school's front door on Capitol Hill
✓ AMI-trained team
✓ Founder: 2 Master's + 2 AMI Diplomas
✓ Founded 2024
✓ Single classroom, low ratio
WHY PARENTS CHOOSE STARLING

If you've toured the alternatives, you know.

CORPORATE DAYCARE
Many classrooms. Standardized care.
Your child is a number on a roster.
PUBLIC MONTESSORI LOTTERY
Free, but uncertain.
Placement isn't guaranteed, year after year.
★ STARLING MONTESSORI
One classroom. Family-run. AMI-trained team.
Authentic Montessori, just minutes from your door.
FAMILIES

From Starling parents.

“Our son started at Starling Montessori when he was just 18 months old, and now, at 2½, he absolutely loves going to school each day.”
— Jennifer, Starling Parent (2024–25)
“When we found Starling Montessori and took a tour, we knew immediately that it was a special place.”
— Hannah, Current Starling Parent
Fabienne Deaton
MEET THE FOUNDER

I personally meet every family who walks through our door.

— Fabienne Deaton, Founder. AMI Diploma in Primary (2.5–6) and AMI Diploma in Elementary (6–12). M.Ed. in Montessori Education. Master's in International Education. 10+ years guiding D.C. families.

A NOTE ON TUITION

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.

Get in touch →
SCHEDULE YOUR VISIT

Come see the classroom.
30 minutes, in person.

Tell us a little about your family — Fabienne will personally reach out within a day to set a time.

Pick a time directly →

Or fill the form below — useful if you want to share context first (relocating, transferring from another Montessori, special schedule needs).

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QUESTIONS PARENTS ASK

Before you tour.

What does AMI mean — and why does it matter? +
AMI (Association Montessori Internationale) is the organization founded by Maria Montessori herself. AMI-trained guides have completed a rigorous, multi-year diploma program directly anchored in her curriculum and child-development research. AMI is the strictest standard in the field.
Are you part of a chain? +
No. Starling is family-run, with one toddler classroom on Capitol Hill and a Primary classroom opening at Saint Mark Episcopal Church, 301 A St SE, Capitol Hill, Washington D.C. in August 2026. Fabienne meets every family personally.
How small is the classroom? +
Toddler runs at a 1:4 ratio (one guide for every four children) — well below the licensed maximum and a deliberate part of how we work. Every child is genuinely known.
How does this compare to public Montessori? +
Public Montessori options on Capitol Hill (e.g. Logan, Lee) are lottery-based and free. Starling is private and tour-to-enroll — placement is certain when you reserve a seat.
What ages do you accept? +
Our Toddler Community welcomes children from 16 to 36 months. Our Primary Classroom (opening August 2026) is for ages 3 to 6.
When is the next open enrollment cycle? +
Enrollment is open now for the 2026–2027 year. Tours are running through August. We encourage families to schedule early — seats are limited.
SCHEDULE A TOUR

Pick a time that works for your family.

30-minute tour with Fabienne, in person at the Toddler classroom on Capitol Hill. Saint Mark Episcopal (Primary) tours are by virtual walkthrough until the build-out completes.

Open booking calendar →

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