Frequently Asked Questions

We know choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions you will make for your child. Below you will find answers to the questions families ask us most often. If you do not see what you are looking for, please schedule a tour or call any of our campuses — we are always happy to help.

Enrollment & Admissions

What age groups does Montessori School of Downtown accept?
Montessori School of Downtown accepts children from 6 weeks of age through 10 years old. Our Infants & Toddlers program serves children ages 6 weeks to 3 years, our Preschool program is for ages 3 to 6, and our Elementary program welcomes children ages 6 to 10. All four of our Houston-area campuses offer the full range of programs.
How do I enroll my child at Montessori School of Downtown?
Enrollment begins with scheduling a campus tour so you can see our classrooms and meet our teachers. After the tour, our admissions team will walk you through the enrollment paperwork and help you select the campus and program that best fits your family. We accept applications on a rolling basis throughout the year, so you do not need to wait for a specific enrollment window.
Do you accept mid-year enrollment?
Yes, Montessori School of Downtown accepts enrollment year-round on a rolling basis, subject to availability at each campus. Families are welcome to join us at any point during the school year. We recommend scheduling a tour to check current openings at your preferred campus.
Is there a waitlist?
Availability varies by campus, age group, and time of year. Some programs at certain campuses may have a waitlist during peak enrollment periods. We encourage families to inquire early, especially for our infant program, which tends to fill quickly. Contact your preferred campus directly for the most current availability.
Do you offer employer-sponsored childcare benefits?
Yes. Many employers in the Houston area now offer childcare and education benefits as part of their employee support programs. Montessori School of Downtown works with employers to help families take advantage of these programs. If you are unsure whether your employer offers this benefit, our team can help you find out or guide you on what to ask your HR department.

Programs & Curriculum

What is the Montessori method, and how does MSD implement it?
The Montessori method is an educational approach developed by Dr. Maria Montessori that encourages self-directed learning in a prepared environment. At Montessori School of Downtown, we implement this philosophy by creating calm, organized classrooms where children choose meaningful work, learn at their own pace, and develop independence. Our teachers serve as guides, observing each child and introducing new concepts during sensitive periods of developmental readiness.
What does the Infants & Toddlers program include?
Our Infants & Toddlers program serves children ages 6 weeks to 3 years in a peaceful, nurturing environment. Through gentle guidance, we nurture each child's innate curiosity, allowing learning to unfold naturally. The program is flexible enough that nursing parents can visit during the day. Teachers are attuned to each child's unique needs and individual developmental timeline.
What does the Preschool program cover?
Our Preschool program is designed for children ages 3 to 6 years. It provides a carefully prepared environment where children explore practical life skills, sensorial activities, language, mathematics, and cultural studies. Children are free to choose meaningful work, build confidence, and develop independence at their own pace through hands-on Montessori materials and guided classroom experiences.
What is included in the Elementary program?
The Elementary program at Montessori School of Downtown serves children ages 6 to 10 years. The curriculum builds on the Montessori foundation with deeper exploration of language, mathematics, science, geography, and the arts. Children are encouraged to follow their questions, test ideas, and develop critical thinking skills in a calm, supportive environment that fosters both independence and collaboration.
Do you offer before-school and after-school care?
Yes, Montessori School of Downtown offers a Before & After School program for children ages 6 to 10 years. Before school, children arrive to a prepared space where breakfast is offered and the morning begins without rush. After school, children are picked up from their elementary school and transported to our campus for homework support, skill practice, a healthy snack, and time to play.
What enrichment activities are available?
Montessori School of Downtown offers a range of enrichment programs that complement the core Montessori curriculum. These include Sports & Play (basketball, soccer, flag football, T-ball), Little Spanish Brains (Spanish language through music and games), Art Camp (drawing, painting, sculpting, STEAM), SmartCore Labs (computer science and STEM), dance, and music. Enrichment programs are integrated into the school day across our campuses.
How is Montessori School of Downtown different from other Montessori schools in Houston?
Montessori School of Downtown has served Houston families since 1982, making it one of the longest-running Montessori programs in the area. Founded by Ms. Rita and Mr. Hersh Kumar, the school has grown from a small in-home program to five campuses across Greater Houston. What sets us apart is our combination of over four decades of experience, a full age range from 6 weeks to 10 years, integrated enrichment programs, employer-sponsored enrollment options, and a strong community-centered approach to education.

Campuses & Locations

How many campuses does Montessori School of Downtown have?
Montessori School of Downtown currently operates four campuses across Greater Houston: Medical Center Campus (4510 Caroline Street, Houston), Clear Lake Campus (15625 Space Center Blvd, Houston), Shadow Creek Campus (11203 Shadow Creek Pkwy, Pearland), and Silverlake Campus (2525 Country Road 90, Pearland). A fifth campus in Aliana, Richmond is coming soon.
Which campus is closest to the Texas Medical Center?
Our Medical Center Campus at 4510 Caroline Street is located near the heart of Houston's Texas Medical Center. It is the most convenient campus for families who work in the Medical Center, Midtown, Museum District, or Third Ward areas. You can reach the campus at (832) 346-8488.
Do you serve families in Pearland?
Yes, Montessori School of Downtown has two campuses in Pearland. The Shadow Creek Campus is located at 11203 Shadow Creek Pkwy, and the Silverlake Campus is at 2525 Country Road 90. Both campuses offer the full range of programs from Infants & Toddlers through Elementary and are convenient for families in Pearland, Manvel, Friendswood, and surrounding communities.
Do you have a campus near NASA or Clear Lake?
Yes, our Clear Lake Campus at 15625 Space Center Blvd is located in the Clear Lake area of Houston, near NASA Johnson Space Center. It serves families in Clear Lake, Webster, League City, Friendswood, and surrounding neighborhoods. You can reach this campus at (832) 966-7626.
When is the Aliana campus opening?
The Aliana campus at 11520 FM 1464, Richmond is currently listed as coming soon. For the latest updates on the opening timeline and enrollment for the Aliana location, please contact us at info@montessoridowntown.com or call any of our existing campuses.

Daily Life & Practical Information

What are the school hours?
Montessori School of Downtown is open Monday through Friday, 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM, at all campuses. This schedule is designed to support working families, with extended hours that allow comfortable drop-off and pick-up times.
What is the student-to-teacher ratio?
Montessori School of Downtown maintains low student-to-teacher ratios to ensure each child receives individualized attention. Ratios vary by age group and program, with the smallest ratios in the infant and toddler classrooms. Please contact your preferred campus for specific ratio details for the age group you are interested in.
What does a typical day look like?
A typical day at Montessori School of Downtown includes a balance of classroom work, hands-on lessons, creative activities, and time for movement and outdoor play. Children work individually, with classmates, or in small groups, guided by teachers who help the day flow with steadiness and care. The pace is unhurried, allowing children to stay focused, engaged, and comfortable throughout the day.
Can parents visit during the day?
Yes, Montessori School of Downtown welcomes parent involvement. Our infant program is especially designed to allow nursing parents to visit their child during the day. We believe strong family connections support each child's learning and wellbeing, and we encourage families to stay engaged with school life.
How do you handle the transition for new children?
We understand that starting school is a significant step for both children and families. Our teachers are experienced in helping new children feel safe and comfortable during the transition. The Montessori environment is intentionally calm and welcoming, which helps children settle in naturally. We work closely with each family to ensure the transition is as smooth as possible.

Summer & Seasonal Programs

Do you offer summer camp?
Yes, Montessori School of Downtown offers seasonal camp programs during summer, winter, and spring breaks. These programs provide a thoughtful extension of the Montessori experience with purposeful, hands-on activities that support growth, curiosity, and connection. Summer camps are available at all our campuses across Greater Houston.
Does my child need to be enrolled to attend summer camp?
Camp programs at Montessori School of Downtown are open to both currently enrolled families and new families who would like to experience our school for the first time. It is a great way to introduce your child to the Montessori environment before making a full enrollment decision.
What ages are summer camps available for?
Our seasonal camp programs are designed for children across the age ranges we serve, from toddlers through elementary-age children. Activities are tailored to each age group, ensuring that the experience is developmentally appropriate and engaging. Contact your preferred campus for specific age group details and availability.

About Montessori School of Downtown

When was Montessori School of Downtown founded?
Montessori School of Downtown was founded in 1982 by Ms. Rita Kumar and Mr. Hersh Kumar. What began as a small in-home childcare program has grown over four decades into one of Houston's established Montessori education providers, now serving families across five campus locations in Greater Houston and Pearland.
How do I schedule a tour?
You can schedule a tour by visiting our Schedule a Tour page on our website, or by calling any of our campuses directly: Clear Lake (832) 966-7626, Medical Center (832) 346-8488, Shadow Creek (832) 688-6612, or Silverlake (832) 471-8177. Tours give you the opportunity to see our classrooms, meet our teachers, and experience the Montessori environment firsthand.
How do I contact Montessori School of Downtown?
You can reach Montessori School of Downtown by phone at any campus: Clear Lake (832) 966-7626, Medical Center (832) 346-8488, Shadow Creek (832) 688-6612, or Silverlake (832) 471-8177. You can also email us at info@montessoridowntown.com or visit our website at montessoridowntown.com. Our school hours are Monday through Friday, 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM.

"The goal of early childhood
education should be to activate the
child’s own natural desire to learn."

Maria Montessori