The Maryland International Day School was created to fill an unmet need in Prince George’s County for families seeking to enroll their children in  early foreign language program.  MIDS provides an academically rigorous international education in a stimulating and nurturing environment.

Founded by Esther Donawa in 2001, MIDS is modeled after the Washington International School which was founded by Dr. Dorothy Goodman in 1966 with three pre-school children. Dr. Goodman has been a founding board member at MIDS since its inception and continues to be an active member on the MIDS Board of Advisers. The school is intended to meet the educational needs of children who live in the community, and continues to evolve into a treasured resource and community asset.

From the beginning, the vision of MIDS was clear. Informed by scientific research on the capacity of the human brain to acquire multiple languages – especially in the early years – and on models of proven success.  Founders envisioned a school where students completing the program would be proficient in at least two languages. A challenging and comprehensive curriculum was established based on a synthesis of the best practices from a range of national systems, and international schools.

Native language teachers were selected from the international community such as Mexico and the Dominican Republic and on September 10, 2001, the school opened its doors in the Education Wing of the Oxon Hill United Methodist Church in Oxon Hill, Maryland.  The school is currently located at 10900 Indian Head Hwy in Fort Washington, Maryland.