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Capitol Hill Montessori at Logan

In 2015, we launched our pilot program at CHML in Capitol Hill. Guided by Ms. Lesa Warrick and Ms. MaryBeth Washington, 20 students in grades 1 – 8 created The Logan Club. Their mission was to unearth the fascinating history of their school community and their school’s namesake, John A. Logan.

The project offered a rigorous integrated enrichment program aligned with DCPS standards in English Language Arts and History. Students enhanced critical thinking, analytic and writing skills as they researched people, maps, photos, and documents relevant to their school community. The program facilitated student leadership while developing a strong sense of pride in their community.

The following school year (2016 – 2017), The Logan Club continued their weekly work by transforming their research into a compelling storyline that lent itself to visual exhibition. Through field trips and guest speakers, students worked with curators, exhibit designers, historians, librarians, and community members to complete their research and digitize historic images for the exhibit. The students interviewed community members and school alumni to collect oral histories for the exhibit’s digital component, which can be added to for years to come.

In partnership with the school, we hosted our first exhibit reveal event in October 2017.

During the 2021-2022 school year, CHML sought out another partnership to welcome back their school community to in-person learning after COVID-19 closed DCPS buildings. Students researched the history of their Montessori program focusing on the principles and practices of Montessori learning, the life and legacy of Maria Montessori, and the growth of the Montessori program within the Capitol Hill community.