“
The more we rehearse anything, the more
we revisit anything, the deeper it becomes
embedded into our memory systems.

” — Dr. Mariale Hardiman
institutions, they may take inspiration from
these schools’ successes.

Dr. Kristine Calo—associate professor at
Mary Anne Duffus is the founder and
Hood College in Frederick, Maryland, and
executive director at Brooksfield School in
chair of the college’s education programs—
McLean, Virginia, a private, Montessori-
notes, “Clearly, families play a pivotal role
based school whose teaching method focuses
in their kids’ education. (Parents) can cap-
on children’s independence and natural
ture where a child’s strengths are, what
curiosity. She explains her organization’s
their needs are … (and) help to build on the
dedication to the natural world.

strengths that a child has and help to sup-
“Through our outdoor curriculum, we
plement and support kids where their needs
teach organic gardening, seasonal studies
are as well.”
and nature exploration,” she says. “Our
“I think (an) easy thing to do that should
be happening with all kids
regardless of their age would be
reading—and not just to kids
who haven’t learned to read yet
but read to kids who can read
themselves as well,” Calo rec-
ommends, noting that this skill
helps develop language, literacy
skills and more.

Talking to children is just as
important. “For families who are
really busy and have a lot going
on, having an opportunity to be
able to talk with kids about what
they did during the day—and
not just talk at kids but talk with
kids—you’re developing their
vocabulary” and showing interest
in their interests, remarks Calo.

It’s all about maximizing time
spent together, she explains. “We
know that there’s a lot of power
in purposeful, intentional inter-
children’s senses are stimulated by
actions with kids, and that doesn’t have to nature with all its colors, sounds, aromas
be the same for every family.” These inter- and tactile experiences.” She believes
actions can include working on math and Brooksfield’s success lies in its innovation
measurement while having children help and in staying curious about the student
cook meals or asking children about their population, including adding programs and
day while driving home from activities specialists as class needs change.

and daycare.

To encourage the spirit of exploration at
wonderful when families can learn together.

So much of the time parents are at work and
kids are in school,” remarks Duffus.

Parents can channel this collaborative
learning by embarking on new outdoor
adventures with children, allowing every-
one in the family to reap the benefits of
nature, exercise and learning more about the
world around us.

Another educational philosophy per-
meates the instruction at South Jersey
Sudbury School, a Medford, New Jersey,
facility basing its teaching meth-
ods on the Sudbury Model,
which emphasizes the abil-
ity of students to self-regulate
and let their curiosity drive
them forward. This approach
manifests as interactive student-
led play, democratic deci-
sion making in lieu of arbitrary
authority, conflict resolution
led by a justice committee
made up of students and staff,
an absence of exams and more.

Gavin,* a 2022 graduating senior,
describes the benefits of this
education in his thesis, stating,
“Sudbury nurtured my creativity
and free spirit … removed judg-
ment and apathy and replaced
them with acceptance and empa-
thy.” He further noted that the
difficult decisions and debates
he participated in as a part of his time at the
school have allowed him to learn exactly who
he is and what he wants on his terms.

Parents may replicate this enriching sys-
tem for their children by giving them greater
autonomy in making decisions for the fam-
ily, providing time for unstructured play and
home, Brooksfield hosts an outdoor adven- encouraging kids to share their thoughts on
ture program that introduces families to a multitude of topics. T
Many schools embrace innovative instruc- learning on the weekends. Participants
tion methods. Even if families are unable engage as a community in camping, hiking, *Last name withheld per parent and guard-
to personally enroll their children at these ice skating, rock climbing and more. “It’s ian’s request
12 Washington FAMILY AUGUST 2022
CHILDREN: SKYNESHER / E+ / GETTY IMAGES
Learn from Schools Themselves
APPLE: PIXELEMBARGO / ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS
Maximize Time Spent Together



AFTERCARE DIRECTORY
2022 Aftercare Directory
BY WF STAFF
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
AIDAN MONTESSORI SCHOOL
2700 27th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20008
202-387-2700; aidanschool.org
Nicole Goodman
admissions@aidanschool.org 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

After School & Enrichment Activities
Aidan Montessori School is a co-ed, independent
private school for children ages 18 months
through grade 6 located in Woodley Park,
Washington, D.C. Founded in 1961, Aidan
prepares children to learn confidently, think
independently and succeed wherever they go.

CHESTERBROOK ACADEMY
chesterbrookacademy.com; 866-267-5685
15 locations throughout the DMV
Chesterbrook Academy preschools combine
learning experiences and structured play in a
fun, safe and nurturing environment - offering far
more than just child care. Preschool is the first
introduction to a lifetime of learning, a journey that
should start off on the right foot. We help children
discover, explore and learn to their fullest potential.

MARYLAND BARRIE SCHOOL
barrie.org/preschool; admission@barrie.org
Ages: 18 months+; 301-576-2800
13500 Layhill Road, Silver Spring, Md.

Beginning at age 18 months, we provide a
safe and secure environment that cherishes
the uniqueness of each child and integrates
a hands-on Montessori approach. Guided
by our experienced teachers, children learn
independence and build confidence.

THE BETHESDA
MONTESSORI SCHOOL
bethesdamontessori.com admissions@bethesdamontessori.com
301-986-1260 7611 Clarendon Road, Bethesda, Md.

Ages: 3-6
BMS, established in 1983, is located in the heart
of Bethesda, offering two years of preschool and
a Kindergarten year. Open 8 a.m.-6 p.m., AMI
trained teachers, art, French & computer offered,
and after school activities.

CHESTERBROOK ACADEMY
chesterbrookacademy.com; 877-959-3746
15 locations throughout the DMV
Ages: Infants - Grade 5
Our preschool and school-age programs
combine learning experiences and structured
play in a fun, safe and nurturing environment –
offering far more than just child care. We have 20
locations in the Washington D.C. area. Call today
to schedule a tour!
CRESTVIEW MONTESSORI SCHOOL
crestviewmontessori.com info@crestviewmontessori.com
Ages: 2-6; 301-910-4728
4728 Western Ave., Bethesda, Md.

Children enter Crestview at age 2 1/2, often as
their first school experience, and depart after
kindergarten as confident and self-assured
young children.

FEYNMAN SCHOOL
feynmanschool.org info@feynmanschool.org; 301-770-4370
11810 Falls Road, Potomac, Md.

The area’s leader in educating academically
gifted children, Feynman School features
extraordinary programs in science, math,
language arts, theater and music designed to
maximize your young child’s potential while
at the same time providing opportunities for
unstructured play. We offer both half- and full-
day preschool programs.

GEORGETOWN HILL EARLY SCHOOL
georgetownhill.com 14901 Dufief Mill Road, North Potomac, Md.

With a “Play. Learning. Arts. Nurturing.” approach
to teaching, we’ve found that children thrive in an
educational environment at Georgetown Hill.

ONENESS-FAMILY SCHOOL
onenessfamilymontessorischool.org Ages 2-Grade 8; 301-652-7751
6701 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, Md.

Oneness-Family School has been providing the
very best in Montessori education since 1988.

Our unique program focuses on both character
and curriculum, offering a diverse international
community founded on values within an
academically rich environment. This enables us
to prepare our students to be the global leaders
of tomorrow who can think in creative and
dynamic ways for an everchanging world.

SPRING BILINGUAL
MONTESSORI ACADEMY
spring-bilingual.org sbmaoffice@yahoo.com; 301-962-7262
3514 Plyers Mill Road, Kensington, Md.

Founded in 1967, Spring Bilingual Montessori
Academy has innovated and refined the concept
of integrating a Montessori education with the
acquisition of proficiency in a second
language. We are open year-round for academic
programs and summer camps.

VIRGINIA A CHILD’S PLACE
achildsplaceinc.com; 703-698-8050
3100 Prosperity Ave., Fairfax, Va.

A Child’s Place in Fairfax was established in 1981.

We take children 8 weeks to 5 years old. Please
stop by for a visit.

BROOKSFIELD SCHOOL
brooksfieldschool.org info@brooksfieldschool.org;
Ages: 2-6
703-356-5437 13 Washington FAMILY AUGUST 2022
1830 Kirby Road, McLean, Va.

Spanish, organic gardening, art, dance, music,
mindfulness and summer camp.

CAMPAGNA EARLY LEARNING
CENTER AT ST. JAMES
campagnacenter.org/programs/ early-childhood
pshannon@campagnacenter.org 571-982-3924
5140 Fillmore Ave., Alexandria, Va.

info@cedarlanemontessori.com Ages: 3-6; 703-560-4379
3035 Cedar Ln., Fairfax, Va.

Montessori School of Cedar Lane has been
providing over 45 years of Montessori tradition
to Northern Virginia. We offer a complete
educational and social environment and utilize
the discoveries and methods of Dr. Montessori
to help the child develop more fully the potential
within him.

CHESTERBROOK ACADEMY
chesterbrookacademy.com; 866-267-5685
15 locations throughout the DMV
Chesterbrook Academy preschools combine
learning experiences and structured play in a
fun, safe and nurturing environment - offering far
more than just child care. Preschool is the first
introduction to a lifetime of learning, a journey
that should start off on the right foot. We help
children discover, explore and learn to their
fullest potential.

MONTESSORI SCHOOL
OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA
msnv.org; info@msnv.org; 703-992-0255
Valleybrook: 3433 Rose Ln., Falls Church, Va.

At the Montessori School of Northern Virginia, we
want the delight of discovery to last a lifetime.

MSNV provides authentic Montessori education
for children ages 2-12. From preprimary through
elementary, our learning environment is designed
to directly benefit social, emotional, physical and
intellectual development.

THE GRIFFIN ACADEMY
OF WESTMINSTER SCHOOL
westminsterschool.com klee@westminsterschool.com
703-340-7268; Ages: 3-4
3819 Gallows Road, Annandale, Va.

The Griffin Academy of Westminster School
provides a safe, creative, and loving environment
in which children ages 3 and 4 can thrive. The
preschool day is structured to have an equal
balance of play and structure.

GUIDEPOST MONTESSORI
guidepostmontessori.com/northern-virginia 866-202-8593
24328 Marrwood Drive, Aldie, Va.

42945 Waxpool Road, Ashburn, Va.

4550 Walney Road, Chantilly, Va.

13251 Woodland Park Road, Herndon, Va.

Ages: Infant to elementary
Guidepost Montessori in Loudoun and Fairfax
counties is among a growing, worldwide network
of schools that offer language immersion for
ages infant through elementary.

HOLLY BROOK
MONTESSORI SCHOOL
preschoolmontessori.com info@hollybrookmontessori.com
703-573-7800; Ages: 3-6
2455 Gallows Road, Dunn Loring, Va.

Children learn in an intimate and unpretentious
atmosphere, where they respect themselves
and others and care for the environment around
them. We offer a complete educational and social
environment and utilize the discoveries and
methods of Dr. Montessori.

HUNTER MILL
MONTESSORI SCHOOL
preschoolmontessori.com info@huntermillmontessori.com
703-938-7755; Ages: 2.9-6
2709 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton, Va.

Hunter Mill Montessori School provides an
intimate and nurturing environment for 2.75-6
year olds to develop their independence through
the Montessori experience. We offer a complete
educational and social environment and utilize
the discoveries and methods of Dr. Montessori.

MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF CEDAR LANE
preschoolmontessori.com (THE) MONTESSORI
SCHOOL OF MCLEAN
1711 Kirby Road, McLean, VA 22101
703-790-1049; mcleanmontessori.org
Ages: 2 -12
Open House: Call to schedule a tour.

Offering preschool and elementary classes,
Spanish, French, science, drama, music, physical
education, computer, art and summer school.

Transportation available.

NYSMITH SCHOOL
nysmith.com; ebalberde@nysmith.com
703-713-3332; Ages: 3 years-Grade 8.

12625 EDS Drive, Herndon, Va.

Family owned and operated since 1983, 620+
children. 1:9 teacher-student ratio, award
winning. Daily individualized reading & math,
science, computers, logic & foreign language.

Loving atmosphere with an exciting curriculum.

PINECREST SCHOOL
pinecrestschool.org admissions@pinecrestschool.org
Ages: 3-4; 703-354-3446
7209 Quiet Cove, Annandale, Va.

Stimulating preschool program that includes
Spanish, music and P.E. enrichment classes.

Special presentations and field trips, too. Before-
& after-care until 6 p.m. Nurturing curiosity,
confidence and a love of learning since 1957.

RESTON MONTESSORI SCHOOL
restonmontessori.com office@restonmontessori.com
703-481-2922 ; Ages: 3 months-Grade 6
1928 Isaac Newton Sq. West, Reston, Va.

Established in 1986, Reston Montessori School is
a private, co-educational school for children from
3 months through 6th grade.

SUNSET HILLS
MONTESSORI SCHOOL
sunsethillsmontessori.com office@sunsethillsmontessori.com
703-476-7477; Ages: 18 months-13 years
11180 Ridge Heights Road, Reston, Va.

At SHMS we are committed to recognizing and
cultivating the uniqueness of each individual
child. We have a community of educators, and
wonderful families, that have chosen SHMS
because of a shared vision for early childhood
and elementary education. T