Our school was founded in 1967 by Julia and Charles Brown and was one of the first Montessori schools to be accredited by the Maryland State Board of Education. The school started with one classroom in an apartment on Main Street in Laurel, Maryland. Within two years, classes doubled in size and another apartment was rented. In the late 1960’s, Mr. and Mrs. Brown purchased land to build their own “children’s house.” Their first school opened in 1970 on Madison Avenue in Laurel. In response to the growing need and interest, a full day program was added in 1972. Our Junior program was also started that same year. In 1974, our second school opened in Columbia. Property for the third school was acquired and the Silver Spring location was completed in 1986 and expanded in 1993. Our fourth school, located in Olney, was completed in September 1997. In 2015, we changed our name from The Julia Brown Montessori Schools to The Julia Brown Schools.
We have always endeavored to hire and retain the best staff, to offer an excellent education and to offer an excellent full day (before/aftercare) program. Each of our staff members is dedicated to the education and well-being of our students. All staff are under the guidance of our Founder, Julia Brown; our Director, Theresa Brown Leonhart; and our General Manager, Ellen Brown Komesarook.
Ms. Brown holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education and was trained in the Montessori Method by two women from London, England. These women were trained directly by Maria Montessori. Ms. Leonhart joined JBS in 1982. She is one of the few Montessorians licensed to teach infants through 12 years of age. Ms. Komesarook joined JBS in 1991 after a career in international banking. As General Manager, Ms. Komesarook is responsible for the day to day running of the schools. She received her Montessori certificate in 1999.
