The Montessori School of Northern Virginia

10/26/2026

When is a sentence not quite what it seems?

Our Elementary students in the Eastern Red Cedar classroom have been exploring idioms and puns, discovering how words can have more than one meaning and why some expressions aren't meant to be taken literally.

It's a lesson that gets students thinking about language in a different way, with a few laughs along the way.

Take a peek as they share the lesson with Ms. Kari and Ms. Janig!

10/22/2026

What can you make with fallen branches, logs, leaves, and other natural materials found around the playground?

Our Elementary students are putting them to good use!

During Class Without Walls, students are building hügelkultur beds that will provide winter shelter for woodland creatures and a home for native plants and flowers.

Over time, the materials will break down into nutrient-rich soil that can be used in gardens around campus.

It's a project that gives students a chance to see how nature's cycles work while finding thoughtful ways to care for the environment right outside their classroom.

Take a look as Mr. Dave explains the project and what students are learning along the way.

10/21/2026

One of the most fascinating things to watch in a Montessori Primary classroom is a child growing from the one who needs help to the one offering it.

In our Primary program, children spend three years in the same mixed-age classroom, growing alongside classmates at different stages of learning.

The younger children have older peers to learn from. As they grow, they begin taking on new responsibilities, sharing what they know, and helping others find their way.

By their third year, many are the ones offering a helping hand.

It's one of the things that makes the three-year Primary experience so meaningful.

10/20/2026

Over the past few weeks, our Middle School students have been working with Capital Murals to develop a design that reflects their Montessori experience.

Now, with the design sketched out, the paintbrushes are out and students are bringing their ideas to life on the wall leading into our lower parking lot.

We can't wait to see the finished mural and the lasting mark these students will leave on our campus.

10/18/2026

What a wonderful day at Fall Festival!

Take a look back at some of the moments from today, set to the sounds of our Elementary students' performance.

Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate and helped make the day so special for our community!

10/17/2026

We're just minutes away for MSNV's annual Fall Festival. Here what our community has to say about this special day.

10/15/2026

A discovery in the field led to a special visitor at MSNV today!

During a recent Class Without Walls outing at Indian Run Park, a Lower Elementary student discovered what was identified as a Native American projectile point.

Today, we welcomed Aimee Wells, Senior Archaeologist with the Fairfax County Park Authority, who came to officially document and accession the artifact into the Park Authority's collection.

Aimee also shared what archaeologists do and how discoveries like this help us learn more about the people who lived on this land long before us.

The student's name will be recorded as the finder, connecting her to a small but meaningful piece of local history.

10/15/2026

A little book shopping, anyone?

The MSNV Book Fair kicks off with preview shopping today, October 15, from 3:00–5:30 p.m. at our Sleepy Hollow campus.

Can't make it today? Stop by during the Fall Festival at Sleepy Hollow on Saturday, October 17, from 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

Come browse, discover a new favorite, and find something good to read!

10/14/2026

What does leadership look like in Middle School?

Sometimes it's lending a hand in a younger classroom. Other times, it's helping with the everyday work that keeps our school community running.

Through opportunities to help around campus, MSNV's Middle School students are learning that being part of a community also means taking responsibility for it.

These may seem like small contributions, but they're meaningful opportunities for students to put their growing independence into practice.

10/13/2026

There's something different about seeing a Montessori classroom in person.

On Wednesday, November 11, we invite prospective families to visit MSNV for our Open House.

From our youngest learners in Preprimary to students preparing for high school in Middle School, you'll have an opportunity to explore our programs and get a closer look at the Montessori experience.

Join us from 9:00–11:00 a.m. at our Valleybrook and/or Hillbrook campuses.

Register here to attend:

Learn about tuition assistance at MSNV — eligibility, application deadlines, and how to apply. Financial need is never a barrier to admission decisions.