Reston Montessori School

In searching for the right school for your child, you have already made an investment in his or her education. If you are like most parents, you want your children to be educated in an environment where their intellectual abilities and self-esteem grow hand-in-hand, where imagination and curiosity are cultivated, where critical thinking and competencies flourish, and where students learn to respect all cultures and people. We have built an educational program that offers: Montessori certified teachers A nurturing atmosphere A challenging core curriculum Foreign language study (French) Music classes Art classes Field trips Computers Physical education When you invest in a Montessori education, you endow your children with a life-long love of learning. For 20 years, Reston Montessori School has provided families of all backgrounds with the benefits of a Montessori education. Reston Montessori School welcomes children of any race, religion, nationality, or ethnic origin. 3 months - 18 months Reston Montessori School is pleased to be one of the few Montessori schools offering an Infant/Young Toddler program. We refer to this program as The Nido. In Italian Nido means "nest". Our Nido is designed to be comfortable and welcoming, so that you and your child will feel at home here. 18 months to 3 years Our uniquely prepared toddler environment meets the young child's many physical and emotional needs. The classroom is beautifully designed to appeal to the child's curiosity. Furniture is custom-sized to allow for maximum exploration and development of the senses. Classroom exercises include sensorial work, and instruction in math and language. As the child grows emotionally, physically, and intellectually, the activities in the classroom continue to change to meet his needs. In many instances, this is the first experience the child has of being a member of his own "society." The child is encouraged to be a functioning member of this society, thus leading him to a feeling of pride and dignity. Waiting one's turn, sharing, and patience are important lessons that each child learns. The Montessori teacher offers the tenderness, warmth and patience so essential at this age. An emphasis on the importance of a peaceful environment, along with the necessary nurturing and caring, are characteristics of this program. 3 to 6 years "The hands," wrote Dr. Maria Montessori, "are the instrument of man's intelligence." From ages three to six, the child is in the period referred to as the Absorbent Mind. During this time, he literally absorbs everything in his environment through sensorial exploration. By sensorially absorbing the surroundings, a child forms his personality and himself. He constructs his mind: his memory, power to understand, and ability to think through impressions gained from the environment. In addition to sensorially absorbing his surroundings the primary-aged child is more responsive to certain learning experiences at particular times. Montessori calls these times Sensitive Periods, after which the opportunity for maximizing development is lost. Montessori identified Sensitive Periods for language acquisition, order, detail, sensorial exploration, writing, words, numbers, manners and courtesy, and precise movement. The Primary classroom is designed to accommodate the child in each of these areas as he is ready. By the time a child has reached preschool age, his actions have become purposeful and willful, and his focus turns to his peers. Exploration of the environment is of the child's own volition. He explores the people, relationships, and new society of which he has become a member - his school. The child must be allowed to construct his mind in this way, for these are the pillars on which future learning is built. The classroom is designed to appeal to the child. Everything is custom-sized to facilitate the child's independence and development. The Montessori teacher links the child to the materials and guides the child toward constructive activity, so that he may gleam from it all that he needs. PROGRAMS - Extended Care An extended-care program is available to students during the academic school year and the summer sessions. Students may arrive any time between 7:00 a.m. and 8:30 a.m., and be picked up any time between 3:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. In the extended-care program the students enjoy a snack, outdoor play, story time and time to play in one of the multi-purpose rooms. In the afternoon each class participates in a group activity such as art, drama, movement or cooking. The elementary classes have a dedicated time for study hall each afternoon. Videos are shown only once each week. Students may also enroll in one of the extracurricular actvities offered, such as soccer, gymnastics, dance, or yoga. These activities are offered by Kinderdance and require an additional fee.