MPSA Feedback

[Anonymous]

We have a pretty good waitlist spot for MPSA (Montessori Option school for Arlington) and would love feedback. How are the academics and is there a good sense of community? Do kids generally continue through middle school?

We haven’t done Montessori before but I like the mixed age setting where kids can work on more challenging stuff if they are ready. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

I can vouch that MPSA has a strong sense of community. I think as to whether it is a good fit for your family depends on your child. Some kids thrive with the Montessori methods and self-directed learning this allows. Some struggle and need more explicit instruction and if they transfer to a non-Montessori school sometimes have gaps. With that being said, they do have to follow Virginia state standards and take the same standardized tests, but they do not currently have to use all the same adopted curriculum resources as APS such as CKLA.

[Anonymous]

How old is your kid? IMO, it's easier for them to start at K or before. They'll eventually catch on, but the materials and the way the material is taught is kind of unique.

Both of my kids have thrived academically there. One of my kids has ADHD and I think Montessori was absolutely the right fit. He wouldn't be able to sit still at a desk all day. The moving around, working with Montessori materials, and long periods of focused work have been great for him. While he still struggles with focusing on his "work plan," I know that he is getting a lot of practice with executive functioning skills, prioritizing, and time management. I'm hopeful that he is building the scaffolding now with a lot of support, so he will be able to work more independently later on.

My other son would have thrived anywhere, but I really see the pride and independence he is gaining. His classroom has a number of pets and his teacher trusts them to do so many things on their own.

I think YMMV for the community. Generally, I have not found it to be welcoming. However, as my kids have made friends I have gotten to know small pockets of parents who are great. Sports teams that group schools together have also helped. It definitely does not have the same community feel as a neighborhood school.

The mixed-age classroom and staying with the same teacher for 2-3 years has been really wonderful. As parents, we have built collaborative relationships with their teachers which don't have to start fresh each year. One of our sons just made the cut off and I like that he won't always be the youngest in his class. Of course there are pros and cons to this. There was a kid in my son's lower El class who we really didn't like (kind of a bully) and they were in the same class for 3 years. My other son's best friend has been in his class for 3 years. Just depends.

I tried with the PTA early on, but literally no one spoke to me at the two meetings I attended. Then came COVID and I gave up.

[Anonymous]

My daughter started in the Montessori program at Drew at age 4 and then at MPSA, and is in the Montessori middle school program at Gunston. We have been really happy with the program and echo the PP’s comments about their development of executive function and time management skills. The kids are subject to the same academic standards and tests but the learning is more team and project-based, and therefore more reflective of the real world. There is a strong sense of community among the families and staff and the kids are a tight-knit group. At the same time, there is interaction with non-Montessori students in the elective classes and extracurriculars with the traditional and Spanish Immersion kids at Gunston so opportunities to make more friends.

[Anonymous]

Our neighbors love MPSA!