Denise Touma led Children’s House Montessori School (CHMS) in Arlington as Head of School from 2000 to 2024. Denise’s CHMS tenure culminates a career spent in the field of education and training in the Washington, D.C. area. Prior to joining CHMS, Denise directed a before and after-care program for 100+ children in a Washington, D.C. public elementary school. Previously, she served in multiple senior management roles for World Learning, Inc’s Au Pair Homestay program, which for several years placed more than 2000 au pairs annually with area families.
Her interest in Dr. Montessori’s educational philosophy was sparked by her early parenting experiences with her son, Jad, and by a Head of School job advertisement in the Washington Post newspaper. Witnessing the joyfulness and peacefulness in CHMS Montessori classrooms deepened her passion for Montessori education, motivating her to join CHMS.
Under Denise’s energetic leadership CHMS expanded quality Montessori preschool educational opportunities for young learners and their families in the Arlington area. Notable initiatives she launched include expanding the number of classrooms, adding a toddler program, and introducing music and other enrichment activities.
In 2014, Jad Touma, Denise’s son, joined CHMS and currently serves as the Head of School. Jad’s educational journey began at St. Stephens St. Agnes school in Alexandria. He always enjoyed the art of educating and that interest was realized when he earned education degrees in elementary education and special education from Providence College. After spending his summers learning and practicing as an assistant Montessori Guide at CHMS, his desire grew to receive formal Montessori training. He then earned his Montessori Early Childhood credential from Princeton Center for Teacher Education and a Master’s in Montessori Education from Xavier University. While at CHMS, Jad has held many CHMS positions including After School Guide, Office Manager, Lead Montessori Guide, and Assistant Head of School. Today, Jad leads CHMS as Head of School.
The CHMS faculty and staff are integral to CHMS’s positive impact and reputation in the surrounding community. Montessori Guides are a qualified, diverse group of professional educators who draw on Montessori credential training, classroom experience, and a commitment to professional growth. The average staff tenure at CHMS is six years, with some members having been with CHMS for more than 20 years. CHMS seasoned and enthusiastic staff creates a safe, caring, and stimulating educational environment.
In response to the growing demand for high quality preschool education in the Northern Virginia region, CHMS opened a second campus in 2024 in the Del Ray neighborhood of Alexandria. CHMS is thrilled to nurture and guide young learners in the Alexandria area.
