BJH: I’ve heard the school is closing, it’s not closing, you have new leadership. Can you tell me what is going on?
DNM Board: Yes, it’s been quite a dramatic few months. Thank you so much for asking and giving us the opportunity to set the record straight. First, Darchei Noam Montessori would like to thank our donors and the greater Baltimore community for generously contributing to our Emergency Campaign in February. Chasdei Hashem, not only was our campaign successful, an anonymous donor – inspired by the children of Darchei Noam – made a significant contribution. This enabled Darchei Noam to remain open and continue providing a child-focused, Torah-centered education, to the children and families of Baltimore.
BJH: That is wonderful news. I’ve seen a few posts lately about NEW LEADERSHIP, can you tell me about that?
Rabbi Avrohom Wolowik: I joined DNM this school year after two decades of experience as a teacher, principal, administrator and educational consultant. My focus has been on skill retention, independent learning and critical thinking, while instilling the importance of middos tovos and Yiras Shomayim. I am truly inspired by the holy work of Darchei Noam.
DNM Board: Our new Board of Directors includes innovative and forward thinking community members with a robust set of skills and a shared mission for the continued success and growth of the school. With the Strategic Planning and Finance Committee, the Board will oversee all aspects of the school’s financial management.
Dovid Insel: I’m honored to serve as the new Board President of Darchei Noam. I hold an MBA, operate several nursing and assisted living facilities, while serving on various community boards and committees. Over the past six years, we have watched our daughter grow and flourish at Darchei Noam. I’m excited to help support the school’s continued growth and its vital role in our community.
Jennifer Dill: After a career in law and then spending the past 20 years raising my family, I stepped in when the school faced closure due to financial and organizational challenges. Our daughter is excelling academically, personally and socially in just her second year as a Darchei Noam middle schooler. As Vice President and Secretary, I am happy to bring my legal background, strategic insight and determination, to stabilize and strengthen Darchei Noam, ensuring it thrives as a vital resource for other Baltimore families.
DNM Board: With an accounting degree from Touro, extensive experience in commercial banking, financial statements and budgets, our Treasurer, Mr. Doniel Goetz brings a wealth of financial expertise to our Board. Doniel’s dedication to community service is evident through his past roles as Board Member and Treasurer of Suburban Orthodox, Executive Board Member and Secretary of the Hebrew Free Loan Association and a graduate of the Young Leadership Council at The Associated.
Our other Board members include Mrs. Laura Zajdel, Mr. Shmuel Grayman and Mrs. Julia Bailey.
BJH: What are the organizational changes you were referring to?
DNM Board: We just had our second meeting with Rabbi Hopfer and are actively working with the Rav to establish our Vaad HaRabbonim, ensuring that our educational vision remains firmly rooted in Torah values.
Our Menahel, Rabbi Avrohom Wolowik, working closely with the Board, will be handling all aspects of the school administration; while utilizing the experience of our Founder and Director of Curriculum & Education, Dr. Brocha Baum-Margolese. Dr. Margolese, also known as Morah Brocha, will be concentrating her talents solely on the educational advancement of the school.
BJH: Where is Darchei Noam located?
DNM Board: Contrary to popular belief, we are not at the Ateres Elka side parking lot, even though the awning has our name on it. We moved about 4 years ago to our beautiful Mt. Hope Drive campus, located about five minutes from Park Heights Avenue. We have an Early Childhood Division, a Girls School and a Boys School, educating children from toddlers to young teens.
BJH: Baltimore has a lot of schools. What makes Darchei Noam different and does it fill an unmet need in the community?
DNM Board: Yes! While the Baltimore community is blessed with wonderful educational institutions, not every child has found a place where they can truly thrive. Darchei Noam Montessori nurtures each child’s unique strengths, building confidence and a love for learning in a supportive environment. With a low student-teacher ratio and Montessori-trained mechanchim, every child is heard, valued and seen. The school empowers students at all levels, tapping into their own unique strengths, allowing children to grow academically and personally, while giving space for those that need more support, as well as facilitating the growth of even the most advanced children.
BJH: That sounds great. Is there anything else you would like to tell us?
DNM Board: We are now accepting applications for the 2025-2026 school year and have a few spots remaining in our Toddler and Preschool divisions.
We will host an OPEN HOUSE after Shavous. In the meantime, please contact us for a personal tour to truly understand the unique Darchei Noam philosophy.
CALL 410-413-1426 or EMAIL office@darcheinoammontessori.com.
