The Journey School opens the doors to a unique, warm and inclusive education that is far from traditional school: hiking, gardening, cooking, bee- and chicken-keeping, and reading to our certified therapy dog are among the many ways we incorporate life into learning.
The Journey School, a private Montessori Elementary and Middle School located in Spencerville, MD enrolling students in grades 1-8.
We serve students and families from Ashton, Sandy Spring, Brookeville, Silver Spring, Columbia, Laytonsville, Laurel, Olney, Cloverly, Spencerville, Burtonsville, Fulton, Highland, Clarksville, and Ellicott City and the surrounding area.
For the child completing pre-school at one of the fine Montessori schools in our area, the transition will be a natural and seamless one.
For the child seeking a better alternative to other private or public schools, students will find a warm, supportive, and caring environment that focuses on the child and on learning.
Our classrooms are filled with activities designed to peak curiosity and encourage excellence in academics, while promoting social interaction, self-expression and self-knowledge.
Our curriculum uses the integrated, project-based program built upon the Montessori method, founded by Dr. Maria Montessori over 100 years ago.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Top Ranked MD School
- School Type: Montessori School
- Grades: 1-8
- Enrollment: 15 students
- Yearly Tuition: $15,500
- Average class size: 20 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
The Journey School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Maryland for:
Category
Attribute
Advanced Degrees
School Overview
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 1-8
Year Founded
2015
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
15 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
3 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
5:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
99%
Average Class Size
20 students
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$15,500
Tuition Notes
Payment Plans available
School Notes
- The Journey School provides instruction in English and language arts; mathematics; history; science; art; music; physical education; the environment; the economy; and, civics using the integrated, project-based adolescent program design of Dr. Montessori.
- We have a unique outdoor education component, incuding a garden, bee-keeping, chicken care, hiking trails, and more.
- TJS employs Montessori trained guides to lead a multi-age classroom of students grades 1 to 8. The Montessori adolescent curriculum fosters critical and analytical thinking. The curriculum provides students with the experiences and skills that they will need in order to build a foundation of life-long learning and to be successful in any secondary school setting and beyond. The learning environment in the adolescent community reflects the developmental need for social interaction, self-expression, and self-knowledge.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does The Journey School cost?
The Journey School's tuition is approximately $15,500 for private students.
What is The Journey School's ranking?
The Journey School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Maryland for: Highest percentage of faculty with advanced degrees.
When is the application deadline for The Journey School?
The application deadline for The Journey School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
Nearby Private Schools
The nearest high school and elementary school to The Journey School is Spencerville Adventist Academy (0.1 miles away)
The nearest preschool is Paint Branch Montessori School (0.1 miles away)
Show me:
School
Location
Miles
Grades
Students
Grades: NS-K | 38 students 0.1 miles 2410 Spencerville Road
Spencerville, MD 20868
(301) 434-0373
Spencerville, MD 20868
(301) 434-0373
0.1
NS-K
38
Grades: PK-12 | 391 students 0.1 miles 2502 Spencerville Road
Spencerville, MD 20868
(301) 421-9101
Spencerville, MD 20868
(301) 421-9101
0.1
PK-12
391
Childway
Daycare / Preschool
Grades: K | 10 students 1.9 miles 4058 Blackburn Ln
Burtonsville, MD 20866
(301) 384-5753
Burtonsville, MD 20866
(301) 384-5753
1.9
K
10
Grades: PK-K | 50 students 2.9 miles 14015 New Hampshire Ave
Silver Spring, MD 20904
(301) 384-8404
Silver Spring, MD 20904
(301) 384-8404
2.9
PK-K
50
Augsburg Academy
(Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (formerly AELC, ALC, or LCA))
Grades: PK-9 | 30 students 3.4 miles 13800 Old Gunpowder Rd
Laurel, MD 20707
(240) 786-0283
Laurel, MD 20707
(240) 786-0283
3.4
PK-9
30
School Reviews
5 10/6/2018
This was the perfect environment for my son who struggled in the public school setting. The Journey School provided small group interaction and one on one attention. My son was allowed to work at a pace that worked for him. Hands on projects and interactive teaching helped him to fully engage in the learning process. The wonderful and caring teachers at The Journey School encouraged my son to discover his interests and understand his learning styles so that he could be successful. Our experience was exactly what my son needed and what we needed as parents.!
5 10/6/2018
TJS renewed my son's confidence in himself and those around him. TJS rekindled his love of learning and enhanced his opportunites to develop meaningful relationships with peers, adults, and his environment. Teachers provided unwaivering support as the students navigated the journey through the middle school age. He enjoyed the variety of ways he could be active each day; walking the grounds each morning with peers, working in the garden or other groups, and many off-campus outings. He really enjoyed working with scientists at the Smithsonian. The in-depth projects allowed him to be creative and collaborative. If your child is looking for a place to be valued and encrouaged in a positive way, each and every day, set up a tour!
5 8/12/2018
Academically top rate but more importantly, renewed my daughter's enthusiasm for learning. Small, warm community so learning is at each student's own pace and focused on strengths not deficits. At a time when a lot of kids lose their way from peer pressure, my daughter found firm footing in herself and I attribute that to The Journey School.
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