School Modernization
Building our future schoolWhat is Modernization?
Capitol Hill Montessori is located in the historic Logan School. Originally built in 1934, the building was designed by Nathan C. Wyeth, a prolific architect who also designed the White House West Wing, Key Bridge, and several Congressional Office buildings. While the school building has been a welcome home to our children, it also needs modifications to support Montessori education methods, more room for indoor and outdoor activities, and improvements to the overall facilities to be a safe and healthy environment.
Through the dedication of community advocacy, CHM was selected for DC Public School Modernization and designated a $61 million budget. Modernization includes renovating the current historic building, adding new buildings, and modifying the landscape. The goal is a larger and improved education campus that best supports our growing school population.
Modernization Schedule
Capitol Hill Montessori started the modernization process in 2017 with a feasibility study to evaluate zoning and historic preservation requirements, expected construction costs, and offer several suggestions for new buildings. This year starts the design phase, working closely with an architecture firm and construction company to develop the specific modernization details, building blueprints, construction plan, and other related work.
Construction began in the summer of 2019 and will last for two school years, with students returning the Logan School in the fall of 2021. During this time Capitol Hill Montessori will located at another modernized school facility nearby. This temporary school location is referred to as a “Swing Space” and applies to all of the dozens of DCPS facilities who are being modernized.
Once construction is complete, we will return to our newly revitalized Logan School to enjoy the expanded space, new fields, and modern facilities.
2019-2021 Location and Transportation
During the 2019-20 and 2020-21 school years we will be located at Meyer School (2501 11th St NW) – also known as the “Swing Space”. Meyer has already been modernized and is a DCPS designated swing space for other schools. This year it is hosting Hyde-Addison school from Georgetown.
Meyer is a large building with ample classrooms that support Montessori education, space for elementary and middle schools, special programs, teacher resource centers, and large fields and playgrounds.
To minimize the impact to families, DCPS provides bus transportation between our current Logan location to and from Meyer. Busses will be scheduled for before- and after-care, activities and regular school times. This schedule will be developed through the fall of 2018 with close collaboration with school administration, teachers, and families.
New School Structure
Children’s House Entrance
Natural Play Areas
Dramatic Expansion
Next steps
DCPS is working closely with CHML administration and the School Improvement Team (SIT) that is comprised of several volunteer school staff, parents, and local residents. We will be sharing more information throughout the year on designs, requests for ideas and feedback, and available to answer any questions.
If you have any questions, or would like to join the SIT, please contact the PTSO President Jolie Schwartz or CHML SIT chairs Danica Petroshius, Todd Cochran
More info
DCPS regularly hosts community meetings share the current modernization progress and answer questions from community members. Check the school calendar for upcoming meetings.
If you would like more details on the modernization plan, the temporary Meyer building, or transportation you can visit the DCPS CHML modernization website and any of the FAQ: