The Siena School in Baltimore: Independent, Montessori-Based Learning for Early Elementary

The Siena School is a small, independent elementary school in Baltimore that combines Montessori philosophy with a traditional academic curriculum, serving students from early childhood through fifth grade. It occupies a distinct niche among the city's private school options by blending hands-on, self-directed learning with structured instruction in core subjects, making it appealing to families who want Montessori principles without a pure Montessori environment.

What the Siena School actually is

Siena operates as a coeducational, non-religious private school with a maximum enrollment of roughly 100 students across mixed-age classrooms. The school is accredited by the Association of Independent Maryland Schools (AIMS) and follows Maryland's state curriculum standards while integrating Montessori methods, particularly in the lower grades. The teaching approach emphasizes student independence, hands-on discovery, and multiage learning communities, though class sizes and structure differ from traditional Montessori schools. Unlike Baltimore's pure Montessori programs, Siena maintains a hybrid model where children work at their own pace within a guided framework rather than in fully independent study.

Admissions process and tuition

Siena's admissions process typically begins in fall for the following academic year. Families complete a written application, submit school records and teacher recommendations, and attend a campus visit where prospective students spend time in classrooms. The school does not require standardized testing for admission decisions, though older applicants may participate in evaluations to assess academic level and fit.

Tuition for the 2024-25 school year ranges from approximately $12,500 for early childhood (ages 2.5-3) to $18,500 for elementary grades (K-5). These figures cover tuition only; additional costs include a one-time registration fee (typically $1,000-$1,500), a capital improvement fee (around $500 annually), and activity fees. The school offers limited need-based financial aid, though the amount varies by year and availability. Families should contact the admissions office to confirm current pricing and aid policies, as both can shift.

How Siena compares to other Baltimore private schools

Several private elementary options exist in Baltimore with different pedagogies and price points. Park School, also independent and accredited by AIMS, operates with a progressive philosophy across K-12 and charges approximately $24,000-$28,000 for elementary, making it considerably more expensive but larger in scale with more robust athletics and upper-school pathways. Boys' Latin of Maryland, another AIMS-accredited independent school, serves grades 6-12 and focuses on classical education; it is not a direct elementary competitor but represents a different educational model altogether.

For families specifically seeking Montessori, Baltimore Montessori School on North Calvert Street offers a more traditional, full Montessori curriculum (AMI-trained teachers, multi-age communities, uninterrupted work cycles) at a similar price point ($13,000-$16,000 range) but with different classroom dynamics and a stronger emphasis on pure Montessori methodology. Siena suits families who want Montessori-inspired learning without the full Montessori immersion, whereas Baltimore Montessori is the choice for families committed to authentic Montessori practice. Public magnet schools such as Hampstead Hill Academy offer tuition-free gifted programs with their own frameworks and make sense for families prioritizing affordability and public school accountability.

Who Siena suits and who it does not

Siena works best for families whose children thrive in mixed-age, collaborative environments and whose parents value self-directed learning and independence over highly structured, teacher-directed instruction. The school appeals to parents seeking a smaller community (classes typically have 12-18 students), a secular education, and a departure from conventional classroom models.

Siena is less suited to families seeking a large school with extensive athletics, performing arts programs, or robust college-preparatory structure; the school has limited sports offerings and no upper school. Families needing before- and after-school care should confirm availability and cost separately. Children who require highly structured, behavioral support systems or intensive special education services may find the school's model less aligned with their needs; Siena does not have special education staff on site.

First visit and enrollment timeline

Prospective families typically attend an admissions information session in the fall (usually September or October), followed by a private campus tour and classroom observation. Students are usually invited to spend 1-2 hours in a classroom so staff can assess readiness and personality fit. The school notifies families of admissions decisions in February or March for enrollment the following fall. Early childhood applicants may begin earlier in the calendar year. The process is less formal than larger private schools but requires genuine engagement; admissions decisions weigh teacher observations and family philosophy alignment alongside academics.

Hours, location, and logistics

The Siena School operates a traditional academic calendar (August/September through May/June) with a full day from 8:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. The school is located in the Roland Park neighborhood, with on-site parking available for families. Drop-off and pick-up procedures are coordinated on the grounds. Extended care before 8:15 a.m. and after 3:15 p.m. may be available but should be confirmed during admissions conversations. The school observes major holidays and has two-week breaks at Thanksgiving and winter.

Siena's blend of independence and structure, combined with its manageable size and accessible tuition relative to other non-religious independent schools in Baltimore, makes it a substantive option for elementary-age families looking for alternatives to traditional private and public models.