Montessori on the Move

Like any 20-something it’s time for the Montessori program at Watkins Elementary to move on and out. That’s right, the Montessori program, which turned 20 this year, is moving into its own building – the old Logan School at 215 G Street NE – whose large space will allow for a much needed expansion. (The Montessori program at Watkins Elementary has been bursting at the seams for years – getting hundreds of applications each spring for about 20 open slots.) The move is planned for the 2011-2012 school year.
But the move is not only a good thing for Montessorians. The space left by the vacating program will allow Watkins Elementary to bring back 5th grade, which is now housed in Stuart-Hobson Middle School. This in turn will provide space for rising 6th graders from Ludlow-Taylor Elementary School to feed into Stuart Hobson – all part of the school system’s goal of strengthening Ward 6 middle schools.

Speaking of which, there is a chance that the Montessori move and expansion will include a middle school, also known as an Erdkinder program. An announcement on this is expected in the early part of 2011. In the meantime, cheers to turning 20 and moving on and out!

To learn more about the Montessori program, please visit www.watkinsmontessorischool.org.