Frequently Asked Questions

Q : What is a Montessori School?

A : Montessori programs focus on child-led learning. Children discover opportunities to be directors of their own education. They identify and pursue what interests them, with their teacher serving as a guide to learning.

Q : What makes Montessori different?

A : Montessori promotes a hands-on approach when it comes to learning versus doing assignments from a desk seat. Students work at their own pace, collaboratively, or individually. They get to decide and experiment with what works best for them!

Q : What are the benefits of my child being in a Montessori program?

A : There is freedom within limits. We have a range of ages in our classrooms where younger students can learn from slightly older ones. This methodology works great because it gives older students the opportunity to reinforce their skills. With students getting a choice in their education, there is an early development of independence.

Q : Is Montessori a religious school?

A : Montessori is like a public school, where it is a secular education system. There is no particular religion that takes part in the curriculum, but all children from all religions are respected and welcomed.
If a Montessori education sounds like it would best benefit your child’s development, give us a call at Norbeck Montessori at 301-924-4233 or contact us online for more information.

Q : What ages do you accept?

A : We accept children ranging from 2 to 6 years old.

Q : Do you offer 2 or 3 days a week programs?

A : No. While we do offer several program options, all of our programs are 5 days a week and vary depending on the hours you need.

Q : Does my child have to be potty trained?

A : Not at the toddler level. Simply send in diapers and wipes with your child. When they are well on their way to being independent at home, we will happily work with their training here, as well. However, if your child is three or older, they must be fully potty trained in order to enter our Primary Program.

Q : Do you take the children on field trips?

A : The only children who leave the property are the kindergarteners. Otherwise, we bring fun and excitement to school throughout the year. We have hay rides at Halloween, puppet shows, musicians, magicians, animals from the Catoctin Zoo, etc. All activities are in the morning, so all of the children get to participate.

Q : Do you provide lunch?

A : No. However, we do offer hot lunches every day for a nominal fee.

Q : I have multiple children; will they be in the same class?

A : Typically, we try to separate siblings; however, we will evaluate your individual needs and address them accordingly.

Q : Can my child start a program mid-academic year?

A : Yes. Your child may start anytime throughout the year as long as there is an opening available.

Q : What type of payment methods are accepted?

A : Cash, check, and credit card.

Q : Are Yours Hours Flexible?

A : Yes! The written program hours are there as a guideline. If you need to come early or stay later, you can do so at any time. We bill you by the hour for any additional time you use.

Q : Do I have to pay all of the tuition upfront?

A : You may certainly pay the full tuition upfront if you choose, or you may pay on a monthly basis.

Q : Do you offer a kindergarten program?

A : Yes, our Big-K program is fully accredited by the Maryland State Board of Education.

Q : Does your Montessori program run all year long?

A : No, our Montessori program follows the Montgomery County school calendar. For parents who are seeking a yearlong schedule, we offer a wonderful summer camp program.

Q : Do I have to bring my child in, or will you take him from my car?

A : We have carpool drop-off from 8:45am-9:00am and carpool pick-up from 12:15pm-12:30pm. All other times you will need to escort your child to and from the classroom.

Q : What are your hours of operation?

A : Norbeck is open 7am-6pm, Monday through Friday.

Q : When are you closed throughout the year?

A : We are closed for all federal holidays, a few predetermined special activities throughout the year, and the week prior to the fall semester.

Q : Do you provide snacks?

A : Parents are requested to contribute to the morning snack for their child’s class for two separate weeks during the school year. We provide an afternoon snack to those students who are enrolled in full-day programs.

Q : What if my child still takes naps?

A : Although we do not require naps, for those children who still need naps, we offer an afternoon naptime.

Q : What if my child has allergies?

A : This is not an issue; we address each child’s needs on a case-by-case basis.

Q : Are you affiliated with a religious group or organization?

A : No. While we are co-located with a church, we are not affiliated with any religious group or organization.

Q : Are you accredited?

A : Yes, we are accredited by the Maryland State Board of Education and licensed by the Maryland Office of Child Care.

Q : Who can pick up my child?

A : Only those people for whom you provide written or verbal authorization. We will not allow your child to leave the property without your prior authorization and we ALWAYS verify the identification of these individuals.

Q : What is your inclement weather policy?

A : For closures, we follow Montgomery County Public Schools. For delays, please see our Snow and Delayed Opening Policy.

“Are you ready to see us in action? Or do you just have a few more questions? Either way, we would love to speak with you. Contact us at 301-924-4233 or online for more information”

Preschool Tours & Applications for Norbeck Montessori

Are you ready to see us in action? Or do you just have a few more questions? Either way, we would love to speak with you. Visit our Info and Tours page to contact us or schedule a tour.

Norbeck Admission-Process image

Enrollment opens every January for the upcoming summer and fall sessions and we take applicants on a first come first served basis.

Is Norbeck Montessori Near Me?

Although our Montessori school is located in Rockville, we have kindergarten students who come from surrounding areas, including Aspen Hill, Colesville, Gaithersburg, Glenmont, Norbeck, Olney, Shady Grove, Silver Spring, Wheaton, and nearby areas of Montgomery County.

Stop by and see our Norbeck Montessori school in action.

Schedule a Tour