with a child with two mothers was registered at one school
but experienced an uncomfortable situation early on that
compelled the child and their family to change schools.

“A lot of schools have a version of a shadow program,
no matter the grade level,” McGrisken explains. “That
can be a super important experience for [children] to feel
– did they mesh with the faculty? Did they mesh with the
student body? Did they have a good day?”
... Look beyond the price tag,
because a lot of schools want
to make it work for your family
and where you are financially.”
— ALISSA J. MCGRISKEN
After applying to Lucy School, for example, children
are invited to a shadow experience that allows them to
observe a typical learning day and gives them the oppor-
tunity to interact with potential future teachers and
fellow students. Grade-placement information may be
gathered in the form of a writing sample and math assess-
ment. Similarly, Oneness-Family Montessori School has
its applicants schedule both a parent meeting and a class-
room visit for prospective students, which differ in length
depending on age.

And Finally, Know That
Financial Aid is Often Available
The price of a private school education can be daunting
for families exploring various options for their children.

However, this is not necessarily a reason to shy away. “For
me, that would be my biggest piece of advice to parents
who are not content where they are – look beyond the
price tag, because a lot of schools want to make it work
for your family and where you are financially,” McGrisken
emphasizes. Financial aid in the form of scholarship
opportunities and financial assistance are often available,
and prospective families should be sure to keep their
options open and ask. T
PERFORMANCES FORR Y OUNG AUDIENCES
Ages 5+
Ages 5+
Tickets from $18
NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA FAMILY CONCERT
Sleepover at the Museum
Imagine spending your birthday at the museum!
The Museum of Natural History is Mason’s favorite place to visit and he
can’t wait to celebrate his birthday with a sleepover there. Join Mason
and his friends for a musical and scientific scavenger hunt through the
museum in this concert with music, projections, and story by Karen
LeFrak based on her book of the same name.

Tickets from $20
WORLD PREMIERE
A CO-PRESENTATION WITH WASHINGTON PERFORMING ARTS
Finding Rhythm:
Grow Your Brain with Go-go Music
Discover connection through rhythm and Go-go.

Oct. 15, 2022 at 2 & 4 p.m. | Concert Hall
Take a journey through the musical brain with Mother Dance, Father
Rhythm, and the Curious Scientist! D.C.’s own Go-go music and brain
science come together for this lively show that’ll have kids singing and
dancing to the beat.

Saturday, October 15 at 2 p.m. is a sensory-friendly performance.

Oct. 29, 2022 at 11 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. | Family Theater
Kennedy-Center.org (202) 467-4600
Groups call (202) 416-8400
For all other ticket-related customer
service inquiries, call the Advance Sales
Box Office at (202) 416-8540
14 Washington FAMILY OCTOBER 2022
Kennedy-Center.org/COVIDsafety



Montessori School
of McLean
Where Authentic Montessori
Meets the 21st Century:
Ages 2-12
SDI_PRODUCTIONS GETTYIMAGES
Cultivating each child’s unique ability to flourish in
mind, body and spirit
ENRICHMENTS • Science • Technology • Spanish • Outdoor Classroom
• Library • Music • Drama • Art • Physical Education
Extended Day • Transportation • Summer Camp
1711 Kirby Road
McLean, VA 22101
703-790-1049 Accredited by
www.mcleanmontessori.org WashingtonFAMILY.com 15