Aquinas and Old Town Montessori Schools

We highly recommend this well-researched, in-depth Forbes article by Daryl Austin.

The Surprising Health Benefits Of Montessori Education The health benefits of Montessori education are many and include increased confidence and cognitive function, and decreased stress and anxiety.

The Upper Elementary Class at Aquinas created and delivered handmade valentines to residents of the Paul Spring Retirement community this year.

They distributed classmates' valentines at their class "Post Office".

We hope everyone had a happy Valentine’s Day!

Listening to feedback and fostering open communication with families is essential for building our thriving school community. By actively seeking input and maintaining transparent dialogue, we better understand the needs and concerns of our community. Open communication encourages collaboration, strengthens trust and ensures that everyone’s point of view is appreciated.

We are currently enrolling at our Aquinas, Mount Vernon and Old Town, Alexandria, Virginia locations. Contact us to schedule your tour.

Looking for a pre-school in Old Town, Alexandria? Discover Old Town Montessori School, in the heart of Old Town. We offer a vibrant learning environment that nurtures curiosity, creativity and academic excellence.

Why choose our Old Town, Alexandria location?
- Our Montessori tradition encourages hands on exploration and problem-solving.
- Children develop strong math, reading and language skills.
- Our teachers foster kindness, empathy and teamwork.
- We model respect, manners and instill a sense of responsibility.

We are accepting applications for 3 to 6 year olds at both our Old Town and Mount Vernon locations. Visit our website to learn more.

When we returned from winter break, Aquinas' Upper Elementary students discussed New Year's resolutions. They chose a single word to guide themselves throughout this year. As always, they are an inspiration for all of us.

We warmly invite you to learn more about our programs and what makes our Montessori approach so impactful for children’s growth and development. Teachers from each level (ages 2.5 to 6, 6 to 9, and 9 to 12) will be on hand to share details about daily life in Montessori classrooms and how the academic program and community life foster success in school and in life.

Join us for our upcoming information event:

Montessori Outcomes:
How Montessori Education Fosters Future Success
Thursday, January 16th, 2025 from 6:00 to 7:30 pm
Location: Aquinas Campus, 8334 Mount Vernon Highway, Alexandria, Virginia

Discover how Montessori education lays the foundation for lifelong success. Meet our educators and learn how our programs prepare students for academic excellence, personal growth, and beyond.

In our primary age classrooms, children engage in practical life activities like table washing, flower arranging and weaving, which help build independence and fine motor skills. These everyday tasks lay the foundation for a lifetime of confidence and self-care.

Our Montessori approach goes beyond traditional learning. We nurture curiosity, foster kindness and encourage confidence, ensuring each child develops a lifelong love for learning and the skills they need to succeed.

Listening to feedback and fostering open communication with families is essential for building our thriving school community. By actively seeking input and maintaining transparent dialogue, we better understand the needs, concerns, and ideas of our community. Open communication encourages collaboration, strengthens trust, and ensures that everyone feels heard and valued.

We look forward to continuing success in 2025. Happy New Year!

Our Montessori classroom is filled with sensorial materials that refine a child’s senses and cognitive abilities. From the Pink Tower to Cylinder Blocks, each material is designed to enhance and improve perception and a child's understanding of the world in a hands-on way.

At our schools, each class is a dynamic blend of three age groups, creating a rich and collaborative learning environment.

With the unique Montessori model, our dedicated teachers accompany your child for three consecutive years, forming meaningful connections and fostering a deep understanding of their individual needs. Our approach empowers parents to cultivate morally, emotionally, and behaviorally prepared individuals who are not just academically strong but also leaders with self-discipline, responsibility, independence, and initiative.

Join Us on Zoom for a Virtual Tour on Wednesday, November 13 from 6:00 to 7:00 PM.

During our Zoom call, we'll delve into the essentials that matter most to families and answer your questions about our schools.

We'll explore our commitment to maintaining optimal class sizes at Aquinas and Old Town Montessori Schools, fostering a personalized and enriching learning environment. Our positive approach to discipline will be shared, including strategies which teach effective communication, self-advocacy, compassion, and problem solving skills which all contribute to a positive educational experience for your child.

We'll also cover practical aspects like before and aftercare programs, giving you peace of mind for your child's well being and educational and social enrichment outside standard hours. We'll touch on operational hours and our summer program. Our daily routines, engaging activities, playtime, and outdoor experiences will be detailed, offering you a comprehensive understanding of a typical day.

Sign-up: https://www.aqotms.com/curious-about-montessori
We’ll send your zoom invitation for our Wednesday, November 13 from 6:00 to 7:00 PM

We hope everyone had a wonderful summer! We’re excited to invite you to our Virtual Open House on Tuesday, October 22nd, from 6:30 - 7:30 PM.

Join us on Zoom to discover Aquinas and Old Town Montessori Schools. During our session, we'll explore our unwavering commitment to maintaining small class sizes, fostering personalized and enriching learning environments for every child. You'll also learn about our positive approach to discipline, which nurtures effective communication, self-advocacy, compassion, and problem-solving skills, ensuring a meaningful educational journey for your child.

We’ll cover practical details like before and aftercare, operational hours, and our summer program. Plus, you’ll have time to ask any questions and learn about our dedicated teachers and nurturing community.

RSVP today at https://www.aqotms.com/curious-about-montessori to receive your Zoom invitation. We look forward to welcoming you!

The fall is Monarch butterfly time at Aquinas. Our upper elementary class helped out this chrysalis that became detached from its tether.

Happy Birthday to Maria Montessori, a visionary educator whose innovative methods have transformed early childhood education around the world! Today, we celebrate her life and work, remembering her enduring legacy in fostering independence, curiosity, and a love of learning in children everywhere.

While weeding the garden, the children found some amazing potatoes today!

🎓🎉 Congratulations to Emma Breier on their high school graduation from Bishop Ireton High School! We are incredibly proud to see you reach this milestone. 🌟 Next stop: University of Virginia! 🏫 We know you will continue to shine and make a difference. Best wishes on this exciting new journey! 🚀📚

🎉🎓 Cheers to Amanda Nolan for graduating from West Potomac High School and moving on to Auburn University! We are proud to have been a part of your educational journey. Keep making a difference and chasing your dreams!