OUR HISTORY
ABOUT US
WE ARE PRIME—Prekindergarten, Kindergarten, and Elementary Montessori programs with high academic standards, small classes, and Montessori educational pedagogy guided by individualized student attention and adherence to the Montessori Formula. We have a magnified focus on diversity, partnerships with families, global stewardship, and learning through nature.
Prime Foundation Montessori offers private, non-sectarian, and co-educational programs for children ages 24 months through 12 years old (Toddlerhood – Grade 6) and is licensed by the Maryland State Department of Education and Montessori Validated by the Montessori Schools of Maryland.
Our staff is carefully vetted and well-qualified to care for children. Moreover, Prime Foundation Montessori exceeds the State of Maryland's requirements and licensing regulations and participates in the Maryland Child Care Credential Program. We are Maryland State Department of Education Credentialed at level 6, the highest recognition level attainable. Prime has also enjoyed excellent staff retention years-long.
At Prime Foundation Montessori, health and safety are a top priority, and we can attest to this by our outstanding handling and performance through the critical COVID-19 pandemic. All Past and Present Prime families can willingly attest to the fact that Prime Foundation Montessori has kept every child in its care safe at crucial times through the COVID-19 pandemic and as we continually navigate through prevention and treatment for COVID-19 as it remains a public health priority by providing a high level of safety for in-person learning that has proven to be highly effective for the last 2020/2021, 2021/2022, 2022/2023, 2023/2024 school year, and the currently ongoing 2024/2025 school year.
Prime Foundation Montessori can categorically state that since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019, no child has contracted the COVID-19 virus under Prime Foundation Montessori’s care to date.
Prime is still determined to keep every child in its care, staff, and families safe for the upcoming 2025/2026 school year. Prime Foundation Montessori cannot emphasize enough that the safety of all children, staff, and families is of utmost significance and the reason why we exist.
Also, while children in traditional and other schools mostly fell behind academically during the pandemic, children attending Prime forged ahead academically, at least one year ahead of their respective academic levels. Today, Prime past and present students have moved on to great success, accepted into higher grade levels than their actual age grade levels in private and public schools due to exceptional academic performances/advancements, attending schools for the Highly Gifted, Center for Enriched Studies, honors schools, and developing extraordinary talents.
HISTORY
Prime Foundation Montessori is founded in 2011 by Osato Ojofeitimi on the philosophical approach that,
”Our care of the child should be governed not by the desire to ‘make them learn things’, but by the endeavor always to keep burning within them the light which is called intelligence.” - Dr. Maria Montessori. Twenty-six years of teaching experience provide a comprehensive practical foundation for meeting the needs of children and their parents.
Osato Ojofeitimi commenced her educational career at a young age as a traditional Chemistry and Mathematics Teacher and College Professor. In 2010, her motivation to adopt a child-centered educational approach led her to encounter the Montessori philosophy.
Ms. Osato’s own two children were educated under this methodology, and she witnessed the remarkable impact it had on their development, enabling them to excel through the Center for Enriched Studies, the Centers for the Highly Gifted Schools, and in their personal lives.
In 2011, recognizing the need for a Montessori program within her community, Ms. Osato founded Prime Foundation Montessori. This Montessori tutoring program in Miramar, Florida, was established to prepare young children for kindergarten and grade school admissions.
In 2014, Prime Foundation Montessori transitioned to a small homeschooling model.
In 2017, Prime Foundation Montessori opened its doors in North Potomac, Maryland, as a single-classroom schoolhouse accommodating eight preschoolers. Licensed by the Maryland State Department of Education, the school experienced significant success during its inaugural year. The children exhibited profound enthusiasm for acquiring knowledge, and parents expressed satisfaction with the program, encouraging their children to continue and referring others to enroll their younger children. Consequently, due to high demand, Prime Foundation Montessori established another location in North Potomac.
The School Age Program for elementary children was introduced in 2021.
In response to the escalating demand, Prime Foundation Montessori is currently in the process of establishing a second location in Clarksburg, Maryland. This expansion aims to further accommodate the growing number of families within our community who seek our educational services.
Prime Foundation Montessori currently offers comprehensive full-day and part-time programs for children aged 24 months through 12 years of age. This initiative represents the fulfillment of a long-held aspiration of Osato Ojofeitimi.
Over the past decade, Prime Foundation Montessori has ignited a passion for learning within children, and its success continues to inspire. We remain steadfast in our adherence to the Montessori philosophy. Prime Foundation provides a secure and nurturing environment where children are encouraged to explore their curiosity and creativity. Additionally, parents find exceptional support beyond their expectations within the welcoming Prime community.
