Academics
our approach
Cultivating independence, diversity, and spanish fluency
Our community is dedicated to nurturing diversity and respect for others and oneself while learning the spanish language.
We’re also proud of the true Spanish immersion environment we provide. D.C. is an international city, home to diplomats and natives of other countries. We are pleased to offer a way for parents to expose children to a language and cultural experience, allowing them to grow to be citizens of a larger community and the world.
Montessori Method
Empowering Independence Through Thoughtful Design and Learning
As the Montessori philosophy outlines, children at Estrellitas have extended work periods in which they are free to choose from lessons previously presented by teachers. We believe this empowers the child to joyfully discover new skills while allowing teachers to shepherd the unique strengths of each student more effectively.
Students are offered lessons, tools, and furniture that encourage children to care for themselves, their classmates, and their environment. Instead of intruding in the learning process, we foster students’ independence. By knowing when to engage, we let the child’s inherent curiosity flourish as they develop into independent, responsible learners. This practice encourages greater concentration, along with coordinated physical movements.
Every aspect of Estrellitas has been designed to serve children. Furniture is sized just for them so that there is nothing they cannot access on their own. Classrooms are orderly and calm, allowing children to concentrate and develop greater focus on their projects. Snacks are available throughout the day so that children can serve themselves, and get to know their own personal needs.
Each day includes creative activities for the class, including art, music, dance, and yoga, storytelling, and time spent with friends learning about the day.
Spanish immersion model
Immersed in Spanish, Naturally and Effectively
At Estrellitas, we practice a Spanish Immersion education model. This means we provide a 100% Spanish immersive environment, which is different than a bilingual program where both English and Spanish are spoken.
It has been proven that children are most easily taught a second language at a time when they are developing early language skills. Consistent exposure reinforces the practice of new words, making learning less something they are taught and more something they absorb.
Children at Estrellitas are hearing Spanish spoken by native Spanish speakers, from Latin America and Europe. This allows for grammar patterns to develop naturally as children are already learning the language and grammar patterns of the language (or languages!) spoken at home.
Ninety percent of our families speak English at home. Built upon Montessori principles for learning, the Spanish language is picked up quite quickly by our students—including those who have never heard Spanish spoken before. For some of our students, since most of them spend the majority of their day with us, their first spoken word may be in Spanish.
Daily Routine
A Gentle, Consistent Rhythm for Growth and Connection
Children thrive on routine to feel safe and understand expectations. Upon arrival, they change their shoes, marking the transition from outdoor to indoor activities. The day begins with breakfast and social time, followed by circle time to connect and prepare for the day ahead, leading into the first work period.
Children enjoy outdoor time twice daily (weather permitting), naps, and access to snacks and water throughout the day, allowing their needs to guide them.
Each day includes creative activities for the class, including art, music, dance, and yoga, and storytelling.
Through the lessons and time together, students are immersed in the Spanish language and are exposed to the warmth of Spanish culture. The natural language learning process comes more easily to children at these early ages as they are already seeking to learn to communicate with their community.
This schedule is gentle and lead by the community instead of by the clock, but it is consistent.
Outdoor Time
Children go outside twice a day, as weather allows. Aside from our own outdoor play area on school grounds, we take trips to Hamilton Park or nearby Rock Creek Park while walking on a rope for security. If weather allows, we stay out for an hour at a time.
When weather does not allow for outdoor play time, students are still able to play indoors in one of our two indoor playgrounds.
Movement & Physical
Movement is an important part of each day at Estrellitas. We incorporate movement into the day through songs that involve movement and intentional movement activities.
Students also occasionally take part in yoga, provided by Montessori Yoga—a local yoga studio specializing in Montessori-inspired yoga for children and their families in a Spanish immersion environment.
Practical life skills
Learning practical life skills is a core part of the Montessori education curriculum. Through activities, children learn how to care for themselves and the environment around them. These activities are designed to help children become more independent, self-confident, and unafraid to face new challenges.
Examples of practical life exercises include food preparation, watering plants, cleaning, brushing their hair, and learning to tie their shoes.
Sensory & sensorial
Sensory activities allow children to explore the world around them through the senses, encouraging curiosity and creativity. Slightly different from sensory activities, Sensorial is one of the key Montessori curriculum areas. Each classroom has a dedicated Sensorial area where kids learn using Montessori Sensorial materials, such as cylinder blocks and towers. These materials are specifically designed for students to check their own work, promoting independence and problem-solving.
Art & Music
Music is a key part of the day at Estrellitas. We use music to help the little ones learn Spanish, and to help guide the students through their day. Whether it’s time to clean up or go outside, we have a song to help guide the students through it.
Art has its own dedicated area in the classroom. Each art area features age-appropriate supplies, allowing the students to choose what interests them.
Mathematics
The Montessori method introduces children to math concepts using sensory materials and activities designed to help them understand basic math concepts, such as number recognition, counting, and shapes.
classrooms
Experts in giving your children best start
Class placement is based upon available space and child development, and are rough guidelines. It is tradition in Montessori classes to have children of mixed ages so that they may learn and teach each other.
Nido
6 – 18 MONTHS
A nurturing beginning rooted in trust, exploration, and discovery.
Classrooms are thoughtfully equipped with structures that promote motor development and reflex integration—laying the foundation for crawling, pulling up, standing, and eventually walking. Low mirrors, soft mats, climbing structures, and sensory materials encourage free movement and natural development.
As infants begin to grow, our environment evolves with them: cribs are gradually replaced by low cots, and instead of high chairs, we use small tables and chairs to foster autonomy. We transition from bottles to cups as the child shows readiness, while also fully supporting nursing mothers by serving expressed breast milk with care and respect.
We introduce routines gently, empowering children to begin practicing skills such as putting away materials after use, choosing activities independently, and engaging in peaceful transitions. Our caregivers provide consistent, individualized attention, forming strong bonds that build trust and emotional security. These relationships are the heart of our Nido program.
Our Montessori-trained guides offer toddlers freedom within a carefully prepared environment that encourages exploration while maintaining structure. Each child is invited to choose from three developmentally appropriate activities at a time. These options provide just the right balance of challenge and comfort, allowing children to make decisions and experience success.
As the child demonstrates readiness, more complex activities are introduced. This dynamic, responsive approach honors each child’s unique pace and interests. It is common at this stage to witness toddlers spontaneously helping their peers—demonstrating the beginnings of leadership, empathy, and collaboration.
The Orugas classroom also nurtures emotional development, providing consistency and support as children learn to name their feelings, navigate frustrations, and build trusting relationships. Every moment is a learning opportunity—whether through movement, language, or play.
Orugas
18 – 24 MONTHS
An age of movement, language, social discovery, and growing independence.
Mariposas
24 – 36 MONTHS
Confidence, curiosity, and social connection flourish in this transformative stage.
Children begin to show interest in pre-academic concepts—such as counting, letter recognition, and sequencing—and we introduce these ideas through games, songs, and interactive storytelling. However, true to the Montessori approach, there is no pressure to achieve milestones according to age. Instead, we follow the child, encouraging them to move forward only when they are ready and interested.
Social development is especially important at this age. Children start to form more consistent friendships, practice sharing, and engage in cooperative play. Our guides support them in resolving conflicts peacefully, expressing emotions appropriately, and developing compassion for others.
Potty learning is also supported gently and respectfully in the Mariposas classroom. We observe each child for signs of readiness and provide positive encouragement throughout the process, making it a natural and empowering part of their development.
This stage emphasizes deeper concentration, responsibility, and academic exploration. Children engage in extended work cycles—periods of uninterrupted activity where they focus on chosen tasks, practice problem-solving, and develop perseverance. The classroom is rich with hands-on Montessori materials in areas such as language, math, science, geography, art, and cultural studies.
Guides support each child’s curiosity and provide individualized lessons when the child is ready. This allows students to progress academically without stress or comparison. Children are empowered to take responsibility for their learning, care for their environment, and contribute to their classroom community.
Pre-K students emerge with a strong sense of self, intrinsic motivation, and respect for others. By the time they transition to kindergarten or other programs, they are confident, kind, and eager to continue learning—hallmarks of a Montessori education.
PRE-K/PKEEP
36 – 60 MONTHS
An enriched mixed-age community fostering leadership, academic growth, and independence.