Montessori Schools in McLean/Arlington
![[Post New]](/jforum/templates/default/images/icon_minipost_new.gif){kind=icon}
Anonymous
|
I'm looking for feedback on Montessori schools in McLean (east of 495) and North Arlington. We recently moved to Franklin Park from DC and are looking for a great Montessori program for 2020-21. I've had trouble finding any detailed and unvarnished information about the Montessori schools in these areas, and given the number, I'd love to have some inside information before making a list of programs to visit. We did visit McLean Montessori and thought it was ok. Specifically, we're looking for a school that is an AMS member and is like Aidan Montessori in terms of quality of staff and facilities, as well as out-placement. (To be clear, the school doesn't have to AMI certified, but a high quality and qualified staff is a top priority for us.) If you have any experience with Montessori programs in these areas, I'd be very grateful for any info and insights you can provide. Thanks in advance for your time.
|
Anonymous
| Why not MSNV? Many students there from Arlington and McLean. |
Anonymous
| MSNV fits what you’re looking for. It’s really the best Montessori school in Northern Virginia and people drive a long way to send their kids there. Also, they have an elementary program so you have the option of staying while considering other private schools. I would also look at Arlington Montessori House although it’s very tough to get a spot there. It’s an AMI school so a bit more traditional. |
Anonymous
|
Full Circle Montessori School - different locations to fit differing community needs. They are committed to providing quality education to all children, not just those coming from affluent families (ala McLean).
I believe all teachers are AMI certified which often (but not always) means they have a Master’s in Education. Director is insanely informative and very committed, expecting families to be so as well. I know multiple people with children who are currently enrolled or were before aging out... We are awaiting our oldest to be of age. We cannot express our excitement to a greater degree! |
Anonymous
|
What age child?
AMI or AMS? You mention both in your post. If you’re looking for ages 3-6, we loved Chesterbrook Montessori but it’s not fancy looking if that is important to you. McLean Montessori goes to older ages and looks fancy from the outside but I don’t have any knowledge about it. |
Anonymous
Full Circle is not accredited with AMI or AMS the last time I checked. |
Anonymous
OP said that accreditation isn't a top priority but teacher/school quality is. In Montessori, a school does not need to be certified for "it" to mean anything. Teacher qualifications are everything! When looking, see what credentials the teachers have - typically to be accredited by AMS or AMI the school needs to spend significant funds and high quality programs often forego this to save money to boost teacher salaries. |
Anonymous
| I’m not familiar with Aidan Montessori but .... look at brooksfield. It’s right next to Franklin Park and it was my favorite of all the nearby options. It is such a warm, loving school. You will not be disappointed |
Anonymous
| I’ve had children at both Full Circle and Arlington Montessori House. Hands down preferred the latter, though it doesn’t go through ES. More experienced directresses, more stable staffing, better classroom materials, knowledgeable administrators, wonderful community. |
Anonymous
My 4 y/o daughter is new to MSM this year and I hear so many good things about and we've been very pleased with her progress and development. What were you looking for MSM doesn't seem to have? I know it's AMS accredited so it has an experienced faculty, a super-nice facility, and an out-placement team. TIA |
Anonymous
Brooksfield has more of a daycare feel with a very large extended day program. Also, almost everyone goes to public school when they leave. |
Anonymous
It looks like you are looking for 2020-2021 so perhaps this reply is not too late. Our two children attended Ridgemont Montessori School and we cannot say enough about the Montessori environment, the teachers, the families. It is an oasis in McLean and Ms Button and Ms. Molina and Ms. Luz have been absolute gifts to our children. Our children learned at Ridgemont how to be thoughtful, independent, curious and respectful of others. Many parents attended Ridgemont when they were children and come back for their own children, which is telling about the quality of the education and care for the children. Students who graduate from Ridgemont head into public school, area private schools, or Montessori elementary schools (e.g., Full Circle Montessori). Make sure you schedule a time when you can observe the classroom environment. It's almost magical to see the teachers guide these small children. Ridgemont is where teachers studying to become Montessori teachers observe and train. If you are committed to Montessori, I encourage you to check it out. Good luck! What a fun time for you and your family. 
|
Anonymous
| We loved Chesterbrook Montessori but it isn't fancy, as PP said. |
Anonymous
Warm and loving is not at all how I would describe Brooksfield. Quite the opposite actually so we have been very disappointed. |