About Manor Montessori School
Why Choose Manor?
Our Story
The Manor Montessori School was founded over sixty years ago in a small house which resembled a miniature English Manor; hence the name “Manor Montessori.”
Our school was the first Montessori school to be founded in the State of Maryland. We are also one of the few Montessori schools to have constructed a facility which was specifically designed for children learning in a Montessori environment. The Manor Montessori School is a member of the American Montessori Society.
Our school motto, “Learn to love to do well and you shall,” exemplifies the attitude of our children, parents, and teachers. Given this ideal learning environment, children will develop a lifelong love of learning and will strive to reach their fullest potential.
Our Philosophy
Our staff’s dedication to the philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori, along with strict adherence to her principles and practices, has been the reason for our success over a sixty year period. Our enrollment and our facilities have both seen steady growth throughout the years. Our staff members regularly attend local and national Montessori workshops. In monthly meetings we discuss topics such as Montessori philosophy, different learning styles, positive language and discipline, as well as other important issues such as emergency preparedness. The Manor Montessori School is committed to supporting the professional growth of all staff members in order to benefit our students.
Ms. Marie Monahan is the founder of the school and a consultant for the Montessori program. She graduated from the University of Illinois, received her primary training at the Washington Montessori Institute, and her elementary training at the International Center of Advanced Montessori Studies in Bergamo, Italy. For eleven years, prior to founding the school, Mrs. Olson taught in the Montgomery County Public Schools, specializing in programs for gifted children.
Mrs. Katherine Damico is the Head of School. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and received her primary training at the Washington Montessori Institute. Mrs. Damico taught at the primary level for ten years at The Manor Montessori School and served as co-director for four years. She has served as Director for over twenty years. As a child, Katherine attended elementary Montessori classes at Manor and in Bergamo, Italy.
Ms. Christine Feinstein is the Director of the school. She holds a B.A. Degree in English Literature from Vassar College, an M.A. in English Literature from Boston University, an AMI Primary Montessori diploma from the Washington Montessori Institute and an M.Ed. from Loyola University. A former literary agent specializing in children’s literature, Ms. Feinstein fell in love with the Montessori method when her own daughter enrolled at The Manor Montessori School. She taught at Manor for seven years before taking the position of Director.