By Karen Donovan — Head of School, Oneness-Family School in Chevy Chase, Maryland
I have been involved in Montessori education for nearly 40 years, and one thing I know with certainty is this: the young people who go on to make the greatest difference in the world learn about compassionate leadership in the classroom and beyond.
They are the ones who listen deeply, bring people together, and care about the communities around them. Today we are seeking two students in the DMV area who exhibit compassionate leadership to receive full-tuition scholarships for incoming students in grades 6 through 12 at Oneness-Family School. Full-tuition means exactly that: 100% of tuition, covered for every year each recipient is enrolled; a genuine, lasting investment in two young leaders who are ready to thrive.
At Oneness-Family School, we have always believed that education works best when it develops the whole child: intellectually, emotionally and socially. Research backs this up. Social-emotional intelligence, including empathy, self-awareness, and the ability to collaborate across differences, consistently predicts ethical and effective leadership. Our Compassionate Leadership scholarships are a natural extension of that belief.
We are looking for students who make the people around them better, and we want to give them a community where that quality is celebrated and strengthened.
Scholarship candidates are considered based on empathy and emotional intelligence, collaborative problem-solving, initiative, the ability to inspire peers, and leadership in any context: school, community, or family. Prior Montessori experience is not required, and we warmly welcome international students. If a young person leads with heart, we want to hear from them.
What will they find here? A school that has represented families from 75 countries since 1988. A Montessori environment where students direct their own learning, build real-world skills, and are trusted as capable human beings. Our graduates go on to top universities, travel the world and most importantly, they go on to shape the communities they join.
If you know a student in grades 6 through 12 in the D.C. area who leads with heart, please share this with them. The deadline is May 31, 2026. The leaders our world needs are already in our communities. These scholarships are how we find them, support them, and give them a place to grow. The future will be led by the young people we invest in today.
Karen Donovan
Head of School, Oneness-Family School
Founded 1988 · Chevy Chase, Maryland
Apply or learn more
onenessfamily.org/admissions/full-tuition-scholarships
Lower School: 6701 Wisconsin Ave, Chevy Chase, MD · (301) 652-7751
High School: 9411 Connecticut Ave, Kensington, MD · (240) 383-7655
