Montessori School of Alexandria

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Montessori School of Alexandria (MSA) was founded September 8, 1970 with the following mission in mind:

The purpose of MSA is to provide an early education program in which the foundation for a lifetime of creative learning is developed effectively and efficiently in the child. More specifically, MSA strives to develop within the school, a learning environment which surrounds the child with maximum motivation and opportunities to learn and achieve in directions consistent with his or her individual level of maturation.

MSA offers both Primary and Elementary Montessori Education. In addition, we offer an Extended Care Program for MSA students. Please explore our site to learn more about our Montessori school. We invite you to schedule a tour of MSA so we can meet you and your child.

MSA PRIMARY PROGRAM

The age span of 3 to 6 roughly corresponds to one of the child’s natural stages of development. As the child works in a group of children of various ages, abilities, cultures, and interests, the child acquires emotional growth, as well as intellectual progress. MSA provides an environment in which the child may freely develop an inquisitive mind and the social attitudes necessary for a wholesome life. Each child follows his individual program and progresses at his own pace.

Children from 3 through 6 years of age work together during the morning session (9am through 12noon). Children 5 years of age through 6 years of age remain in the classroom and work until 3pm. This is the kindergarten year when the child’s acquired knowledge comes into full fruition.

The instructional materials and equipment provide the core of the child’s learning program. The materials are scientifically designed aids, placed on low shelves, within easy reach. The child is encouraged to use the materials according to his interests.

Emphasis on practical life and sensorial exercises is an integral activity, designed to take advantage of the young child’s unique talent to develop his own capabilities. The child learns to respect the feelings and ideas of others, sharing in work and play.

Special materials enable the child to learn to care for himself. Lessons in courtesy give him confidence to deal with everyday situations. Through its enriched curriculum – language, mathematics, science, history, geography, music, and art – the school provides “a preparation for life.”

MSA ELEMENTARY PROGRAM

The environment presented in the Montessori elementary program helps build a strong mind, as well as good character, responsibility, and respect toward others, while instilling in the child the joy and freedom of learning. The learning process stimulates the child’s mind and creates order within it. This is achieved by letting the child master exercises concretely and then build toward the abstract concept of ideas and exercises.

The teacher’s role is to acknowledge the child’s interest and develop it. For this purpose, the teacher is the link between the child and the material. Through repetitive use of the material, the child achieves perfection in its use and therefore reaches the goals for which it was designed. Thus, the child acquires independence, self-control, accuracy, mental order, enrichment of imagination, and love for work.

MSA EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES PROGRAM

Montessori School of Alexandria provides its families with the opportunity to sign up their children for activities such as:

- Private Piano Lessons

- Gymnastics

- Ballet

- Karate

These activities begin the first week in October. A notice is sent home in September with the list of fees.

This program has been designed to help parents manage their time. These activities are beneficial not only for your child but for the entire family. Our skilled instructors work with your child at the MSA school. This gives the family some much needed rest and relaxation. We can appreciate the home life and how it needs balance.

MSA EXTENDED CARE PROGRAM

As one of the first Montessori schools to provide after-school care, MSA has been offering extended care to our students for over 40 years. This enables us to offer the Montessori education to a diverse and varied student enrollment.

The basic philosophy of the MSA program is to provide a safe environment. It is important for the children to feel comfortable and secure. Most of our extended care staff also work with the children in the classroom, which provides positive continuity throughout the day.

MSA doors open as early as 7:30 am and close at 6:00 pm. Younger children, ages 3 to 5, receive a hot lunch prepared on the premises, followed by a nap or rest time. Supervised indoor and outdoor activities are provided until it is time to go home. Older children will participate in planned and free choice activities, with time for homework, socializing with friends, and relaxing. All children receive a healthy afternoon snack.

MSA SUMMER CAMP PROGRAM

Since we need to provide our young students with a continuum in their daily life, enrollment into the MSA summer camp is strictly open to MSA students. This applies to existing and returning students, as well as to new students, ages 3-4, enrolled for the following academic year.

The program is designed to go along with the change of weather, schedule, pace, and activities for our students.

The younger students (ages 3-4) continue to work in the Montessori classroom 3 mornings per week. New activities are added to the program to allow children more time outdoors. On Thursday and Friday morning, they go to the local pool. Enrollment is for either three or five days a week.

The older students (ages 5-10) receive a break from concentrated academic studies, while still being exposed to activities of a disciplined nature. They have classes in gymnastics, arts, soccer, music, and go swimming four times per week. Weekly field trips are also arranged. Enrollment is for five days a week.

The program consists of a 10-week session, offered in 2-week increments.

MSA ADMISSIONS

Admissions to the school are based on:

Re-enrollment of current students

Siblings of current students

Transfers from other Montessori schools

New Students

Interviews for new children are arranged in the spring. A tuition deposit is due within 10 days of being notified of acceptance in the school. This deposit confirms your child’s place and is non-refundable after June 30th.

If there are factors which would result in a child not being accepted, these will be communicated to the parent. Our staff is not trained to deal with severe learning or emotional disorders. We can provide individualized instruction to meet the developmental needs of most children.

All new enrollments are provisional, subject to the student’s reaction to the program during the first month.

When your child becomes a part of our program we will expect your support and hope that you will find ways to help us do our job better.

We look forward to serving you and your child!

The Montessori School of Alexandria is affiliated with the American Montessori Society and licensed by the Departments of Social Services of the State of Virginia. The facility is in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations relating to health, fire and building codes.

The firm policy of this school is to welcome diversity in both the student body and staff. We enroll students and hire staff without regard to race, color, religion, sex or national origin.

Admission Policy

A visit to the school may be arranged by calling the office and making an appointment. Prospective families are requested to observe a class in progress to provide them an opportunity to evaluate our program.

If, after seeing the school, you wish to apply, an application with a non-refundable fee of $100.00 is required. This fee is not a commitment of a place in the school but begins the enrollment process.

Once your application has been submitted, you will find the purpose of the admissions process is to optimize the match between our school and your child.

Criteria for Acceptance of New Students:

The student’s readiness and willingness to learn.

The parent’s understanding and acceptance of our basic goals.

The student being the proper age.

The student being of the sex needed for class balance.

The student being toilet trained for the 3 to 6 year old classes

There are a limited number of openings at the Elementary Level for children who have not been in our 3 to 6 year old classes.

In March of each year all current students are given an opportunity to re-enroll for the next year.If you have Adobe reader 3.0 or above you can download the application to your computer by CLICKING HERE. Click the option to save it to your desktop. When it is on your desktop, open it with Acrobat Reader. After this you can then enter your information right into Acrobat, print it out and send it in with your $100.00 application fee.

If you prefer, follow this link and you can simply print it out and mail it in.

Please send completed application and fee to:

Montessori School of Alexandria, Inc.

6300 Florence Lane

Alexandria, VA 22310