MSM is a magical place where everyone knew us and our kids from the start, and provided a safe…read morespace for our elementary age kids (and us) to grow socially, emotionally and academically. Night at the Museum, Astronomy & Movie Night, Winter Sing-along, MMUN, library and other field trips, reading specialist, science fair and program, info sciences, outdoor classroom, their teachers and all the amazing people at MSM are highlights and largely unparalleled at other schools. We will miss the new performance and robotics space coming next year, and the confidence built by completing the three year cycles, MMUN, and 6th year presentations.

It is very rare that we as a family write a negative review for any institution but I felt is was…read moreimportant, especially since this is a school. We wanted to really like Mclean Montessori as a school, however the school has many points of failure. To name a few: 1- This is the ONLY private school in the area that requires a 3 year commitment, in which if you do not stay for the entire 3 years you lose your 1 month deposit for tuition. They say they do this because they believe in their curriculum, but it is quite the opposite. If you as a school have confidence in what you are teaching in the school and how you manage the school, then you would never have to require such a commitment. This is just an attempt to prevent parents from leaving. 2-This was our first year at MSM and we were very excited. We heard great things about their STEAM and technology program. However, the technology never panned out. They lost their technology teacher weeks before school started and never informed anyone (even after school had started). Upon me inquiring about why my child was not having technology, I was told they did not have a teacher. After several months (and per my recommendation) at a minimum they offered coding through some online platform only every other week for the kids.  Though, there was no actual technology teacher to help them with this. The rest of the time (during technology) the other half of the kids just sat there and read to themselves. 3-They had staff turnover and some of the new teachers were not good at communication at all! My child had previously attended a montessori school and her cursive writing was beautiful. After joining this school, her writing skills became terrible! When I mentioned this to the teacher, she indicated "most kids end up losing their cursive skills so it doesn't matter, " "She also stated that she could either focus on the material or the writing but couldn't do both." 4-Field trips (even Zoom field trips) were close to none. Many that they did have were planned by the room parents themselves. 5-Administration is awful!! They don't return emails. If you encounter any issues or have a question the administration will not email you back. 6- Just basic communication is lacking in the school! In today's day and age, when you go out of your way to pay for private school, basic communication is a must! There are so many other options in Fairfax county that I would not recommend this school at all.

My daughter has been attending Holly Brook for 3 years now (2 years for preschool and 1 year…read morekindergarten). Obviously, we stayed that long because our daughter loves this school. Staff is like family and they really have genuine concern for your child. Warm and friendly people. The school is cozy, safe and not too big, which creates a homelike environment for kids. Excellent school!

From the owner: Montessori School in Dunn Loring, VAread more

I loved my time as a student at Chesterbrook Montessori 30 years ago so much that our four kids are…read morenow Chesterbrook students and graduates. The excellent teachers and Montessori method make for an ideal preschool and early elementary experience. The sense of community and calm routine, organizational skills, cultural and etiquette lessons, in addition to academic foundations provide a wonderful place to learn and grow. The music, art, and soccer programs are also wonderful. It is an outstanding mix of work and play, grounded in the Montessori approach. The mixed age classroom--allowing for peer teaching and leadership opportunities--has been especially meaningful. We are so grateful for this fantastic school. Looking back now as an adult with advanced degrees I can see how my time at Chesterbrook shaped how I approach learning, organization, and friendship with confidence and a strong academic foundation. I now see similar in my own children (they sometimes remind me to only do one thing at a time!) and am thrilled they get to spend their early years at this special place.

From the owner: Chesterbrook Montessori School serves Arlington Virginia and surrounding communities. Our director,…read moreJudy Balcazar Mercill opened the school in September 1971 with twenty-six students in Memorial Baptist Church on North Glebe Road. In 2008, it became apparent that space was limited and Chesterbrook added a second campus at Arlington Forest United Methodist Church, on Arlington Boulevard. We opened an additional Primary classroom and a Toddler classroom at this campus. Chesterbrook presently provides Montessori education for ninety students, ages eighteen months through six years. Montessori pioneered the concept of the "absorbent mind" and "sensitive periods" as aids to the development of the child. The "absorbent mind" refers to the ability of the young child to unconsciously absorb the sensorial experiences in their environment. "Sensitive periods" are intensive periods in a child's development whereby he is able to learn effortlessly. These concepts in combination underlie the prepared environment of a Montessori classroom. An example of a sensitive period is the desire to learn language. The Montessori classroom abounds with language experiences. Children are free to speak to one another throughout their day, and are exposed to fine literature in the form of stories, poems, and songs. Another "sensitive period" is the desire to learn manners. The children practice lessons in grace and courtesy everyday in the classroom.

I give my highest and most heartfelt recommendation to the Family Academy of Bethesda. My son has…read morebeen here since he was just three months old and stayed until almost three years old, when unfortunately we had to move away due to work relocation. If it weren't for that, we would have loved for him to stay here as long as possible. It's hard to put into words how incredible this place has been for our family. From the days when he could barely lift his head, to learning to walk, talk, sing, and share stories about his day, we've watched him grow into a happy, curious, and confident little boy--all thanks to the loving care and nurturing environment of Family Academy. He not only learned language and knowledge, but also good manners and a true love of learning.The teachers are absolutely amazing--kind, patient, and so easy to communicate with. My son is a slow and picky eater, yet they always gave him extra time and gentle encouragement. They care for each child as if they were their own. The administration team is just as wonderful; they know every child by name and engage with them warmly every single day.What makes Family Academy so special is not only the quality of education but the genuine love and attention they give to every child. The environment encourages exploration, creativity, and curiosity about everything in the world. I could see every day how happy my son was here.I am deeply grateful for everything the Family Academy has given to our son and to our family. This school is truly a treasure in the community, and I would recommend it wholeheartedly to any parent.

So much love for the Family Academy. Our son attended here for years, starting from the time he was…read more6 months old. Each classroom was led by caring, creative teachers. Under the center's care, my son truly blossomed. Well before we expected, he was singing songs to us, identifying letters, counting, and more. And most indicative of this center's awesomeness--my son was always so happy to go to school. It also meant a lot to me that the staff and teachers made genuine, impactful efforts to include our family's culture alongside mainstream culture, for example welcoming us to send in books about our holidays, directly engage the class in activities, and share ideas for the teachers to use. Would recommend Family Academy to anyone!!

Our daughter has attended for one year so far and she is thriving. Independent, happy, speaking…read moreFrench, making friends and eating healthily. She loves it and we are very impressed with professionalism and credentials of staff.

Our daughter has been attending L'Enfant since spring 2023, first in the infant and then in the…read moretoddler classrooms. We have absolutely loved our experience with the daycare. The teachers and administration are working hard to make it a special, family-centered place. Kids have weekly music lessons and physical education lessons. School also arranged for artists in residence and monthly field trips. One thing that I particularly appreciate is their dedication to the time children spent outdoors, unlike the case in many other daycares we toured. What is also impressive, in less than a year our daughter fully understands French and can speak well. In other words, we are truly lucky we found this school for our daughter.

Finding the right childcare as a first time parent is a daunting task, but we couldn't have been…read morehappier at Little Owlets. So much that my child spent 4 great years at Owlets and we all cried a bit when we moved out of state and had to leave. I can't say enough about the warm, family-like environment. Teachers and classmates became a second family for my child, and families were really encouraged to get to know each other through events and gatherings. It felt like Owlets was a support system even outside of school hours. We loved the balance between structure and free play and really felt like Little Owlets prepared my daughter very well socially and knowledge-wise for kindergarten - the transition to elementary school was a breeze. My child LOVED the Montessori-inspired activity time and still talks about it. And there were so many creative and fun activities - cooking, yoga....We loved that outdoor time was emphasized in all but the worst weather and the kids got in quality outside play and exercise time. Oh, and the food was so good - I found myself envious of my child's lunches.

Where do I start? First of all, what I love about this…read morechildcare is the setting: it's on the main floor (not in the basement) with lots of windows and glass doors. That was the first thing on my list when I was searching for a childcare for my son. CHECK! I personally observed the providers and how they take care of my child and other children. Happy to put another CHECK right here! Aliya and Lola are very patient and nurturing. They have plenty of teaching materials and incorporate lessons into play every day. The 'Little Owlets" is my number one choice in the area! Oh, almost forgot - the food is all homemade and very delicious! I asked to try :)

Westgate Child Center is amazing! The kind staff, clean facilities, and fun activities make…read morechildren happy. We appreciate the regular updates and focus on child development. Highly recommend!

Both of my kids have been really happy at Westgate. Each has attended since they were 3 (they are…read moretwo years apart). Many teachers have been there for decades, which says alot about their devotion to child care and understanding of the curriculum. They have a beautiful new facility and regularly have classroom activities for the kids like a petting zoo or story time guests, etc. Their academic program is strong. They also offer extra curricular activities (optional) like dance, soccer, karate which allow my kids to try new things, but it does not replace any of their academic programming, its simply a different physical play activity. They are not as expensive as others in the area probably because they are a nonprofit, but still provide high quality child care. They also offer before and after care once they are in kindergarten (which will be a life saver).