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.
📍 201 4th St SE · Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church · Ages 16–36 months
✓ 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.
5.08reviews on Google
pam morris
a week ago
★★★★★
“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.…”
Hannah Yellin
2 weeks ago
★★★★★
“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,…”
Ruth Blidar Byrnes
2 weeks ago
★★★★★
“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…”
Sterling Adonis
3 weeks ago
★★★★★
“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…”
Cathleen Owen
3 weeks ago
★★★★★
“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…”
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.
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.
Or fill the form below — useful if you want to share context first (relocating, transferring from another Montessori, special schedule needs).
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.