Student Life "All other factors however sink into insignificance beside the importance of feeding the hungry intelligence, and opening vast fields of knowledge to eager exploration ." - Maria Montessori Sunrise and Sunset Clubs At Mater Amoris we believe that Montessori is a way of life. Therefore, we strive to make all of your child’s time on campus enriching and purposeful. The activities offered before and after the academic portion of the day during the Sunrise and Sunset Clubs are planned and led by Montessori trained guides. They are implemented with the same care and attention that lessons are given with. ​ During the Sunrise Club, children work on individual or collaborative activities outdoors. These may include gardening, crafts, sports, or reading. ​ Offerings during the Sunset Club include Field Hockey, yoga, and music. Children are able to spend more time with their peers while developing their interests and skills and having fun! ​ Nature Education Our nature education program is led by a Montessori trained guide. The entire breadth of our 13-acre campus is utilized as children work in the woods, care for animals, garden, and examine the flora and fauna which make up our environment. Children learn about the natural world that surrounds them, and they develop a love and appreciation for the earth while becoming stewards of nature. Performing Arts The performing arts program at Mater Amoris helps children develop a wide range of skills as well as an appreciation for a variety of musical styles from different cultures and time periods. Our rich program includes singing, dancing, theater, poetry and instrumental music. ​ We host two student performances per year - a holiday program in December and a musical production in the Spring. In addition to being onstage, children have opportunities to participate in behind-the-scenes experiences, such as set design and costume development, providing them with a comprehensive view of the many elements of performing arts. Athletics Physical education at Mater Amoris promotes personal health and fitness while also exposing children to a wide range of sports and games. Physical education activities are woven into the classroom curriculum each day. These activities include individual skill-building activities such as stretching, endurance training, throwing and catching, hula hoop, and jump rope. A variety of sports are incorporated throughout the school year, including soccer, volleyball, kickball, and baseball. ​ Field hockey is offered during the Sunset Club. This sport gives students an opportunity to develop hand-eye coordination, improve balance and stamina, and develop an understanding of team play. They also develop focus and gain a higher level of skill and confidence, which helps them on and off the field. Many field hockey skills are also transferable to other sports, such as golf, tennis, soccer, and lacrosse. A number of Mater Amoris graduates have gone on to receive athletic scholarships to play field hockey at the collegiate level and a few have earned a place on the United States Olympic Field Hockey team. Community Service Our children learn the importance of service through practical life activities, grace and courtesy lessons, and outreach projects. Children are encouraged to volunteer their time and energy for causes of import to them, such as supporting our neighbors in need, caring for our environment, and advocating for social justice.

​GIVING Support Mater Amoris ​ Mater Amoris is committed to maintaining an affordable tuition for families and to manage campus improvements, enriching opportunities for students, professional development for staff and financial assistance additional revenue is needed. We pursue many grants and depend on donations from our community. Donations in kind ​ Not all donations are money! We welcome donations of time, expertise, or materials that help our growing community. Please reach out to Beryl if you are interested in donating services, goods, or time. GuideStar Gold Seal of Transparency We are happy to announce that we have received the Gold Star of Transparency from Guidestar, the world's largest directory for nonprofit organizations! The Gold Star represents our dedication to building confidence and an academic foundation for our students to position them for success, as well as our ongoing support for Mater Amoris families and alumni . Check out our profile at this link to see our achievements and the great work we do for our community! Make a Gift FOR MORE INFORMATION Alicia Davis Enright Head of School 18501 Mink Hollow Rd Ashton, MD 20861 301-774-7468 Phone development@materamoris.org

​CONTACT US ​ Mater Amoris Montessori School ​ Address : 18501 Mink Hollow Rd Highland, MD 20777 ​ Phone: 301-774-7468 ​ Email: info@materamoris.org ​ ​ ​ ​ Schedule a call Schedule a tour ​VISIT US ​ When you arrive.... ​Please park in the lot at the front of the property and walk down the driveway to the white building on the left at the end of the driveway. The brick walkway leads you to our front door!

Board of Trustees David Jaffe is Associate Dean for Student Affairs at American University Washington College of Law. In his work on wellness issues among law students over the last two decades, he has served on the D.C. Bar Lawyer Assistance Program including as its chair and continues to serve on the ABA Commission on Lawyer Assistance Programs (CoLAP) as co-chair of the Law School Assistance Committee. Jaffe co-authored “Suffering in Silence: The Survey of Law Student Well-Being and the Reluctance of Law Students to Seek Help for Substance Use and Mental Health Concerns”, reporting the results of the national survey he co-piloted in 2014, and was lead author for the Updated Survey, published as “It Is Okay to Not Be Okay”. He was lead author for the Law School section of “The Path to Lawyer Well-Being: Practical Recommendations for Positive Change” released in August 2017. Jaffe also authored “The Key to Law Student Well-Being? We Have to Love Our Law Students” in the NALP PD (National Association of Law Placement Professional Development) Quarterly, and co-authored “Conduct Yourselves Accordingly: Amending Bar Character and Fitness Questions to Promote Lawyer Well-Being” in The Professional Lawyer magazine of the American Bar Association Center for Professional Responsibility. This latter article focus on the importance of stats removing their mental health questions from the character and fitness portion of the bar exam application. David says he practices mindfulness by being in the moment with his daughters whenever he can. David Jaffe

​ADMISSIONS ​ Welcome to Mater Amoris, BERYL'S SECTION TO WRITE Sincerely, Beryl Chafin Director of Admission and Community Engagement Online Application TOUR Wednesdays at 3:45 PM Sign up for a Tour ​ADMISSIONS ​ Welcome! ​ At Mater Amoris, we serve children from age 2 through grade 8, providing an authentic Montessori education utilizing nature to capture children’s innate wonder and curiosity. ​ The diverse range of families who have chosen Mater Amoris appreciate the unique experiences, holistic approach of our teachers, and the opportunities a small independent school offers. We cherish the independence, initiative, and individuality our children display each day of their educational journey with us. ​ Our admission process offers opportunities to understand the principles and values we share with our dedicated families, experience one of our classroom environments, and explore our vibrant campus. I encourage you to peruse our website and to reach out to start a conversation to discover if our school is a right fit for your family! Sincerely, Beryl Chafin Director of Admission and Community Engagement Best Montessori School Apply Now Currrently accepting applications for the 2023-24 School Year for classes that still have space, and our application is open for the 2023-24 School Year. We will begin to process 2023-24 applications in late October. To get started, please complete our online application and pay the $100 application fee by check or Venmo . Initial Consult Scheduled by phone or by Google Meet, this is an opportunity to learn more about Mater Amoris and Montessori, share what your family s looking for in a school, and for us to begin getting to know your child through you. Visit with a Guide Children of all ages are invited for a one on one visit with one of our guides. During the pandemic we are scheduling these after school at 3:45pm. Your child will have the opportunity to explore a classroom, share their interests, and be introduced to Montessori work at an age appropriate level Supplemental Documents For all elementary applicants and Children’s House applicants when applicable, we request a teacher recommendation and transcripts for the past two years. Recommendations are confidential and should be sent from the teacher directly to Mater Amoris at admission@materamoris.org . Recommendation Forms: Preschool – Grade 1 Grades 2 – 6 Transcript Request Form Want to learn more about Mater Amoris? INQUIRY FORM WHAT PEOPLE SAY Joyce, Primary parent Mater Amoris has been a phenomenal experience for my four year old daughter. The school staff exudes warmth, kindness, professionalism and dedication. It is a school that promotes creativity, independence, and both intellectual and emotional growth. My daughter is excited to go to school everyday! Sarah, Elementary parent A community that is honest and dependable; I’m so grateful to have a school that has taken extra steps to not only reinvent the idea of school but do it in a way that keeps even the most cautious parents comfortable. Carrie and Todd, Alum parents We were welcomed and encouraged to participate in activities, sports, and experiences that reinforce the true nature of the Montessori philosophy. Our children have flourished in an environment with experienced teachers who teach to the whole child. Our daughter and son have become independent, confident, and creative thinkers.

Tuition and Fees What does it cost? 2024-25 Tuition Tuition covers the 10 month school year from September through mid June. ​ Young Children's Community: $16,075 Children's House: $14,115 Lower Elementary: $14,985 Upper Elementary: $15,275 Adolescent: $16,925 Apply Now Financial Assistance PTA Fee per Family: $50 YCC Student Supply Fee: $100 Children's House Student Supply Fee: $100 Elementary Student Supply Fee: $150 Adolescent Student Supply Fee: $500 ​ 2024-25 Optional Fees Sunrise Club (Age 3- Grade 6): 1 day/week = $485/year 2 days/week = $940/year 3 days/week = $1,400/year 4 days/week = $1,775/year 5 days/week = $2,165/year Drop-in = $35/day Sunset Club (YCC age 2-3) 1 day/week = $975/year 2 days/week = $1,825/year 3 days/week = $2,695/year 4 days/week = $3,580/year 5 days/week = $4,275/year Drop-In = $40/day Sunset Club (Age 3- Grade 6) 1 day/week = $970/year 2 days/week = $1,800/year 3 days/week = $2,500/year 4 days/week = $3,260/year 5 days/week = $4,000/year Drop-In = $40/day 2024-25 Required fees

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