Montessori Early Education
Opens The Door To The World
Empower Your Child To Pursue Their Goals & Find Fulfillment
Montessori Early Education Opens The Door To The World
Empower Your Child To Pursue Their Goals & Find Fulfillment
Preschool & Child Care Center Serving Columbia, Whittier, Frederick, Urbana, New Market, Brunswick, Ellicott City, Laurel, Elkridge, Fulton, Maple Lawn, Clarksville, MD
Join Us For Our Open House Events!
Explore our facilities and meet our dedicated team:
Discover what makes Greater Montessori School the perfect place for your child’s growth and learning!
Proudly Recognized as Columbia's Best Montessori School in 2024 By the Quality Business Awards!
Winter Enrollment is Here!
Our winter programs are full of exciting activities to keep your little one engaged and developing. Spaces are limited!
Take A Peek At Your Child’s Beautiful Learning Spaces!
The Montessori Prepared Environment offers your child everything they need for natural, self-led discovery and exploration that instills lifelong curiosity, confidence, and independence.
Experienced, Credentialed Staff Guide Your Child’s Formative Years
Your little learner explores their world with guidance from degreed and credentialed Montessori educators. With experience, a passion for early childhood education, and certification from the American Montessori Society (AMS), you know your child’s teachers are top-notch.
An Authentic Montessori Education For School-Readiness
We are an AMS-member, authentic Montessori school with a focus on nature, science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM), literacy, and social-emotional learning. We provide an environment that fosters independence, helping to prepare your child for school.
Spacious Playgrounds Give Your Child Room To Discover Nature
Your child goes outdoors every day to run, climb, and explore the great outdoors. They work on gross motor development while building healthy muscles in the fresh air. Gardens help them connect with nature and learn responsibility and practical skills.
In-Room Reading Corners To Support Early Literacy Skills
Reading nooks in every Prepared Environment put books in your child’s hands every day. They begin to associate reading with feeling safe and comfortable, giving them a lifelong love and appreciation of the written word.
Peace Corners Foster Mindfulness, Reflection, & Better Self-Regulation
Your child’s classroom offers a Peace Corner, where they can head to get some quiet time to themselves. They learn to self-regulate when they’re feeling overstimulated and have a cozy spot to reflect and be mindful of their emotions.
Included Specialty Classes Boost Their Communication & Creativity
An in-house Spanish teacher works with your child to gain valuable language skills that boost cognition and communication. A visiting music instructor gets them up and moving with fun songs that educate while they energize.
Enrichments Like Yoga & Art To Expand Already Bright Horizons
Yoga, music, art, and gardening—all included in tuition—introduce them to new interests, build crucial mind-body connections, and encourage creativity. For a nominal fee, add Soccer Shots® to their routine to teach discipline, leadership, and teamwork in a fun, athletic setting.
An Incredible Indoor Playroom For Movement In Any Weather
A little rain can’t stop your little learner from getting much-needed exercise and gross motor skills practice. An indoor playroom fosters healthy physical development and gives them the space to play games and burn energy for better focus.
Healthy, Nut-Free Daily Snacks, At No Extra Cost
Your child receives fresh fruit, healthy snacks, and cold milk daily to keep them full between meals. In a nut-free environment, worry less about exposure to allergens. Simply pack a lunch each day; snacks are always on the house.
Reliable Communication Via Two Convenient Smartphone Apps
For children under 2, you receive adorable daily photos and updates on diapering, meals, naps, and activities on the Procare® Connect app. Teachers use Montessori Compass to inform you of your older child’s weekly progress with photos and activity reports.
Owned & Operated By Family & Friends To Welcome Your Family
Enjoy a warm welcome that feels like home for you and your child. Experience the loving care and dedication of a family and friends-owned and operated center that focuses on fulfilling your family’s educational needs.
Learn More About The Montessori Method With Parent Education Classes
FAQs
How do you ensure that children stay safe in your care?
We keep the doors locked at all times and ask that parents transition their child(ren) with the Procare® Connect touchless check-in station. We also have an internal-use security camera system for added safety. Fenced playgrounds keep children secure and shielded from street view while outdoors.
What are your cleaning and sanitization protocols?
Staff keep classrooms and common areas sparkling clean with thorough daily cleaning and sanitization.
Hear What Parents Have To Say...
"We love receiving weekly updates from their teachers, the cute pictures uploaded to the online parent portal, and how easy it is to communicate via the app!"
We enrolled our first child at GMS in May 2016, and she loves going to school. Her ability to remember things has improved significantly, and the curriculum is outstanding. We never have any issues with the teachers or the management. They have a nice space for kids to play inside when the weather outside is not suitable. All the teachers are Montessori-certified and take good care of the children.
- Manoj Bavikati
"Our daughter is thriving at Great Montessori School. I would highly recommend the GMS to any parents looking for a great place to care for their child!"
Our daughter started going to GMS in March. She was homegrown before joining this school, so I was worried about how she would adjust to the new environment. Thankfully, she adapted quite well, given the hospitality and care of GMS’s loving teachers. She would run and hug her teachers when we stepped into her class. We have also seen tremendous changes in her skills and her ability to learn new things.
- Emi K Henley
"The involvement, activities, curriculum, and atmosphere are exactly what we were looking for when deciding on childcare!"
We started our first child at GMS in June 2018 when she was just 2 years old, and she has flourished! She has learned so much over the years, and the teachers genuinely care for children like their own. Now she’s almost 5 and gets mad if I pick her up too early because she enjoys being at school! We started our second child there in August 2019 at 3.5 months old, she loves being around her friends and LOVES all of her amazing teachers.
- Amanda Harman
"We researched a lot before joining this childcare, but couldn't find any better school regarding cleanliness and infrastructure in this area!"
Our daughter started going to GMS in March. She was homegrown before joining this school, so I was worried about how she would adjust to the new environment. Thankfully, she adapted quite well, given the hospitality and care of GMS’s loving teachers. She would run and hug her teachers when we stepped into her class. We have also seen tremendous changes in her skills and her ability to learn new things.
- Sravya Vellanki
"In a nutshell, if you are looking for a school with warm, loving teachers who will help your children grow into their own individuals, this is a place!"
We were looking for a Montessori preschool for our 2-year-old twins and were very happy to find this lovely school in Columbia, MD. We love the cozy house setting where teachers give lots of attention to the children. The staff is well-versed in the Montessori method, and at the same time, they incorporate fun and art into the learning process. They loved it so much!
- Sumeet A