Shining Stars Montessori Academy is a newly opened public charter school in Washington, DC. Shining Stars utilizes a two-pronged educational approach that combine Montessori education with culturally inclusive principles to ensure high academic performance while building children's confidence, self-awareness, and understanding and appreciation of multiple experiences and perspectives. During the 2011-2012 school year, Shining Stars is serving children ages 3-5 and will add a grade each year through sixth grade.