The work period
Montessori gives children time to choose work, concentrate, and follow it deeply. AMI/USA’s published standards describe an uninterrupted three-hour morning work period at Primary and Elementary levels.
Parents report that CHML’s morning work period was shortened this fall, to two hours in some classrooms. Their concern is the effect on the sustained, independent work at the center of Montessori education.
The curriculum
The campaign’s account describes the addition of district curricula, including Eureka Math Squared and Heggerty. Families are asking how those requirements can be reconciled with the Montessori schedule, materials, and teaching practice they chose.
The notice
According to the parent campaign, families learned of the changes after the school year began, through word of mouth and a September 8 community meeting. Questions submitted in writing remain part of the campaign’s request for a clear response.
What DCPS has said
The campaign’s account of the September 8 meeting records DCPS saying there is “no effort to dismantle, eliminate, reduce, or diminish Montessori programming.” Families are asking for written commitments and dates that explain how that assurance will translate into classroom practice.
Our ask is straightforward.
Restore the Montessori work periods and materials, and stop the excessing of credentialed Montessori staff while these concerns are worked out.
Put the program back to the way it operated at the end of the 2025–26 school year, then work with the community on what comes next.
Support the petitionQuestions & answers
DCPS says it is not eliminating Montessori. Why are parents concerned?
The concern is about classroom practice: uninterrupted work time, Montessori materials, and appropriately trained educators. Families are asking how the reported changes preserve those elements, and want the answer in writing.
Doesn’t a school district need a consistent curriculum?
Districts also create specialized programs that families deliberately choose. Parents are asking DCPS to honor CHML’s Montessori model and involve its community in decisions that affect it.
Is CHML closing?
No. This campaign is about preserving the Montessori program, not a school closure.
Are you telling families not to apply?
No. We want families to apply, and to understand the program they are choosing. Our page for prospective families offers three questions to ask.
Where can I read the supporting documents?
The record links to the modernization specifications, curriculum contract, and Montessori standards. Campaign accounts and outside reporting are labeled separately.
Who is Montessori Advocates of CHML?
Parents at the school, organized to make sure the community’s concerns are heard. We are not affiliated with DCPS and speak for ourselves.