What is school for if not for preparing students for their actual future lives? That’s the question Barrie School has asked since our founding in 1932. From the outset, children were encouraged to “develop their individual interests, aptitudes and abilities within the overall social atmosphere of the group environment” through “hands-on learning, student-centered instruction and active learning at all levels.” Teachers have always been mentors, posing great questions. With a deep belief in the potential of all human beings, Barrie has unquestionably stood as “a fierce champion of social and economic equality for children’s and women’s rights, and multicultural pluralism. Barrie has always been ‘a school for all nations’, consciously seeking a racially integrated student body.” Ongoing learning, doing as learning, and learning through diversity define this school. 

For students, this means that the experience is anchored in preparing for life and making meaningful contributions. That’s what brings many of us to Barrie, seeking a school that makes more sense for the world we live in. Barrie’s strength as the flagship Montessori school for the DMV sets the stage. Students in our Lower School classrooms experience autonomy and independence, develop confidence, competence, and intrinsic motivation, and grow to recognize their social responsibility to each other and to the world as a global citizen. Beyond Montessori, we offer smaller class sizes, more individualization, and flexible learning environments, maintaining high standards that result in student agency, meaningful learning, and well-being. Learning at our school has been and should always be about creating space, pursuing passions, and making an impact. To that end beginning in the 2026-27 school year, Barrie School will offer the Global Impact Diploma as a dual diploma program.

Located in Silver Spring, Maryland, Barrie School provides an extraordinary learning environment for students age 3 months through Grade 12. Our 45-acre campus is home to the world-renowned Barrie Institute for Advanced Montessori Studies—one of the largest school-based teacher training programs in the country—and Barrie Camp, a Washington, D.C. area tradition since the 1950s.  

Under the leadership of Head of School Ben Thrash, Barrie School is primed for an exciting school journey in the coming years. With a focus on the future of learning in schools, Barrie understands the importance of focusing on learning impact and the recognition that schools need to be different to meet the needs of today’s youth. Barrie School is committed to this pursuit.

Barrie.org

Empowering individuals to expand their intellectual abilities, develop creative talents, and discover their passions to make a positive impact in a rapidly changing world.