Prime Foundation Montessori (HOST)

Prime Foundation Montessori (Prime) is a high-performing, Montessori-validated, and MSDE-licensed institution serving children ages 24 months to 12 years. Prime is known for:

• Exceptional academic outcomes, even through the COVID-19 pandemic;

• A magnified focus on diversity, global stewardship, and learning through nature;

• Outstanding safety protocols with a record of zero COVID-19 transmission in its care; and

• A credentialed, experienced, and retained staff that exceeds state requirements.

• Prime’s success in early and elementary education, including its adaptive leadership during crises, makes it

  uniquely qualified to pilot Prime Pathway.

Pilot Program Overview

Program Name: Prime Pathways: Inclusive Learning for All
Duration: 12 months (September 2025 – August 2026)
Geographic Focus: Underserved or rural communities in Maryland (within 50 miles of Prime’s campus). Mission: To expand Prime Foundation Montessori’s inclusive and academically rigorous approach to children with disabilities in underserved areas, bringing quality Montessori education directly to them through a mobile classroom and outreach model.

Pilot Program Objectives

1. Provide individualized, Montessori-based education to at least 25 neurodivergent or disabled children in underserved communities.
2. Empower 30 caregivers and community educators with tools and knowledge for inclusive learning.
3. Develop a scalable mobile model that integrates Montessori pedagogy with special education practices, rooted in Prime’s high standards.

Key Components

A.  Mobile Montessori Classroom

• ADA-compliant vehicle customized with:

  - Montessori materials,

  - Sensory-friendly learning stations,

  - Assistive technology and AAC support tools

• Portable nature and science kits to reflect Prime’s emphasis on nature-based learning

• Dedicated safety protocol reflecting Prime’s COVID-era excellence

B. Traveling Educational Team

• Prime educators with training in special education and Montessori inclusion

• Occupational therapist and/or speech-language pathologist

• Program coordinator and cultural liaison for each community

C. Parent and Educator Training

• On-site and virtual workshops on:

• Implementing Montessori strategies at home

• Supporting executive functioning and self-regulation

• Building inclusive routines and IEP-informed learning activities

D. Digital Companion Portal

• Resource hub for families: visual schedules, behavior supports, tutorials

• Personalized learner profiles and translated resources

Implementation Timeline

Phase Activities Timeline

Planning Vehicle outfitting, staffing, community partnerships Sept–Dec 2025

Launch Community kick-off, learner intake, start services Sept 2025

Mid-Year Review Family feedback, staff evaluation, adjust materials Jan 2026

Expansion Prep. Document best practices and scaling strategy. June–Aug 2026

Expected Outcomes

Outcome Target

Children reached 25

Caregivers trained 30

IEP-informed learning goals met 80% progress within 6 months

Families using digital resources 75% regular usage

Community partnerships 5+ local collaborators

Evaluation Plan

• Monthly documentation and progress monitoring per child

• Bi-annual surveys of families and community partners

• Post-workshop assessments for parents and staff

• Internal review aligned with MSDE and Montessori Schools of Maryland standards

Budget Summary for Pilot Program (Projected)

Category Cost Estimate

Mobile Classroom Vehicle & Outfitting $115,000

Staffing (Educators, Therapists, Admin) $180,000

Montessori & Therapeutic Materials $85,000

Digital Platform & Tech $55,000

Fuel, Insurance, Maintenance $22,000

Parent Training & Outreach $28,000

Total $485,000

Compliance & Ethical Framework

Prime Foundation Montessori aligns with IDEA principles and exceeds Maryland State Department of Education SPED standards. Documentation and safety protocols ensure all student needs are met with dignity and equity.

Sustainability and Expansion

Prime Pathways will:

• Pursue grants from MSDE, IDEA, and disability inclusion funds

• Collaborate with new and existing sponsors for funding of expansion phases

• Explore a fee-based mobile model for communities with capacity

• Train educators from other Montessori schools to scale the model statewide

Conclusion

Prime Pathways reflects Prime Foundation Montessori’s unwavering commitment to excellence, equity, and innovation. With its unmatched academic standards, safety record, and inclusive pedagogy, Prime is uniquely positioned to lead this pilot and transform access to Montessori-based special education for Maryland’s most underserved learners.

To learn more, complete the Prime Pathways Interest Form below, and a member of our team will reach out to you shortly.