I had two gifted children that I removed from Frederick County Public Schools because this school…read moresystem refused to meet their educational needs. Had they been delayed they would have received the attention they needed but because they were advanced they were ignored. Gifted kids can't be ignored. They stop trying and end up failing. My children LOVED Winchester Montessori. I did too. I never saw them happier. They were excited to go to school every day. They learned so much. Montessori schools are not for everyone. It is a child lead educational approach. If your child is not motivated to complete their work they aren't going to learn. I loved the teachers here. I thought they were fantastic. Both my kids went from hating to read to asking me to buy them books. They finally love to read. Both are reading advanced novels. This change was fast. The class did chemistry (MEL science kits). Mrs. Sheehy really knew how to get the kids excited about learning. My oldest is in 7th grade now. My daughter is a 5th grader. We left Winchester Montessori because we moved out of town. After attending Winchester Montessori for two years, both my children have been placed in the GT programs. My oldest has been placed in classes 2 grade levels above his own. My daughter is working 1-2 grade levels above her own depending upon the subject. Frederick Country claimed my kids were simply average. They weren't. They were ignored. Thanks to Mrs. Sheehy and her school their education has skyrocketed. Thank you!

I can't say enough wonderful things about Winchester Montessori School. The staff (each and every…read moreone) is kind, caring, thoughtful, patient, and knowledgable. They create an atmosphere that is warm and welcoming not only for the students, but for parents as well. My daughter attends this school in their toddler program and she has grown leaps and bounds. Winchester Montessori (like all Montessori environments) promotes an independent, child-led learning environment that is calm and peaceful. There is nothing else like it. There is a reason this school has waiting lists... they are an excellent little gem in our area. I trust very few people to take care of my little one, but when I needed care because of a work schedule change, Winchester Montessori was a blessing. They worked with our family to create just the right schedule for our little one. :)

So glad we came to MLMS! After two years of frustration with the local public school system, I…read morechose to homeschool our son. I found homeschooling was not for us. Being a mom is hard work but being mom and the teacher of a very active boy was just not for our family. We looked into the private school options and MLMS was recommended to us by close friends. I researched the Montessori Method and felt it was the best fit for our family. We were warmly welcomed into the Mountain Laurel family. Throughout our sons first year, I participated in workshops at the school and was asked to help at school events. We really were began to understand the Montessori method and how we can incorporate these principals into our home. I really wished we found MLMS years ago.

My younger two children have been enrolled at MLMS since they were very young. My son started in…read morethe toddler program, and my daughter in primary. They are now 10 & 12 years old, and have blossomed academically and socially at this school. Their math and reading skills are strong, and they are excellent at solving problems. I've found that math is actually one of the strengths of MLMS, as the concepts get presented in a concrete way, allowing for a firm grasp of the material. Later, as more abstract thinking is required, being able to return to a strong spatial foundation is greatly beneficial. The opportunity to master skills is available even above their current grade level, and being able to demonstrate that mastery to the younger students in the form of lessons is an excellent way to cement those skills and to form personal confidence. One concern I have had at times was that my children were falling behind in one area or another, but this was always addressed as it became apparent. Recognizing when one needs help in a particular area, and then moving to meet the challenge of addressing it is a skill in an of itself. Successful adults do this all of the time. The physicist Richard Feynman pointed out in one of his discussions of mathematics that early math does not proceed in an orderly fashion. You can often learn the concepts out of the traditional order, finding that it is often possible to derive ideas in multiple directions. Much (though not all) of early learning is like this - you can attain more strength in one domain, and then address another as you note available challenges. This is one of the great strengths of the Montessori system.

We decided to enroll our son at Montessori of Chantilly because after going through a long list of…read morepreschools in the area, I really did not find a place that "felt right and safe" specially during COVID except for this one. I communicated with Ms. Kaltun, the director and I must say, after speaking to her once, I was "sold" at putting my son at her school. She is very personable, very kind and understanding, genuine and just listened to my questions, concerns and answered them confidently which gave me peace of mind sending my son over to a school during the pandemic. We then went to the school for a tour and met Ms. Komala, our son's primary teacher. At first meeting, our son felt very comfortable with her and he never forgot her name even tho it took us about 4 months before starting in class- she sure gave him a good impression and really showed us how much she cared for the children. I have so much good things to say about the school. I have recommended them to my friends and coworkers who also had good experience with them. Overall, this is a place that cares about our children, they do not look at them as numbers like all the others. If you want quality education and a safe place for your children, this is it.

I'm not sure if my daughter would have excelled to her current level if it was not for the awesome…read morestaff at the Montessori School of Chantilly. Her reading comprehension is strong and her attention is much improved. The thing that I really appreciate about the teachers is the fact that they want to learn more about the respective cultures of the student body so that they can prepare them for the diverse world that exists outside of the school. My daughter is part of such a warm and welcoming environment, so much so that they even invited parents to come in and contribute towards a special event yesterday to better understand and appreciate the importance of Lunar New Year to my family and the other families that celebrate. As a dad, I will always be thankful for that. Highly recommend.

Our family has had a great experience with Guidepost. The ages they cater to, primarily 3-6,…read morereally benefit from the cross-pollination with the different age groups. Almost immediately, my daughter shadowed older kids and picked up the alphabet, reading, math all with the self-driven and collaborative work environment. When we visited it seemed like absurdly structured chaos but the structure has transcended from the classroom into our home. Our daughter puts away her dishes, says thank you, says grace before meals, and has manners we know are fostered at Guidepost. We have connected with like-minded parents and truly are optimistic about the trajectory she is on after several years here.

I see people write this frequently where I wish I can give no stars. We are no longer at this…read morelocation but I would delete my previous review when was nearly 4 years ago. They were amazing then and now with a new head for a year all students have left for harassment issues, poor care of children, and confrontation with parents. Most of the guides have left too.

My children have attended SRMC for several years we will be sending our oldest to the kinder…read moreprogram they offer. I have been very impressed with the academics and loving teachers. I feel the prepares my children well for first grade.

My older kid has been there for 4 years now and will be going to their kindergarten program soon…read more The teachers and staffs are excellent, and the place is very well managed and sparkly clean! My kid excels academically beyond her peers who went to different schools, and she even learn Spanish! They also have extra curricular activities like ballet, hip-hop, yoga and soccer. So far, I'm very happy. We will definitely sign up our younger one at SRMC when she is ready.

Don't judge a book by its cover. This school is definitely THE crown jewel in Leesburg. Your…read morechildren will be more than ready for elementary school. My son, not even two, can count to 20, sing the alphabet and has gentlemen manners. The teachers are wonderful and have been there for several years. (I.e. Low turn over). They still remember my 8 year old by name when we pick up her brother. Lunches are homemade and they teach proper hygiene, including teeth brushing. Plenty of room for the class size and a fantastic outdoor play area. My kids have always loved going and cried when they were too old to go back. I always recommend to friends!

Our younger daughter went here from 14 months until graduation and I got nothing but the best…read morethings to say about this place. The curriculum is phenomenal and the family atmosphere makes this preschool one in a million. She was reading level one and level two books freely when going to Kindergarten. With preparation that A Kids Place West has set up, I knew she would excel in "the big-girl school" and I was right! Highly recommend to anyone looking for an excellent school in downtown Leesburg!

My son (Jack) has been at Garden Montessori for four wonderful years. I have been so impressed by…read moreGarden's many philosophies. They truly consider the needs of each individual child. During each stage of Jack's development, the staff worked with us (parents) to ensure that they were maximizing his potential. They strive for personalized excellence, and in doing so, Garden students have the unique opportunity to learn about their passions. For example, Jack is especially interested in the solar system. The knowledgeable and Montessori-trained teachers provided specific (solar system!) opportunities which allowed him to nurture this passion. Jack is so proud of his working knowledge of the solar system, and I strongly believe that is because he was provided with stimulating work related to this passion. Jack has also matured socially, and I credit Garden for this. He has developed a strong sense of justice (one of the many virtues that Garden instills), independence, curiosity, and kindness. While only in kindergarten, he is already an advanced reader, completes complex math problems, and loves to learn. I believe that this love of learning is essential for children to continue on to traditional school methods and beyond. We are so grateful for the incredibly gifted staff at Garden. They are attentive, empathetic, and knowledgeable. Every day I drop Jack off at school, I know he is in good hands.

My daughter started school at Garden Montessori in 2018- I couldn't be happier with the progress…read moreshe has made. The teachers are amazing and so dedicated to your child's success. Truly love this school. Our son will be attending with our daughter this year and we are so excited to see his progress as well. Children thrive here!

We have been at Children's House for almost 2 years. We were brand new to the area and found this…read moreschool to be close to our house with an opening for our then 3 year old. Those two factors were important but what really sold me what the cozy feeling of the school, warm inviting classrooms and amazing outdoor space. The teachers have all been with the school for close to or over 10 years, which says so much about the community. The curriculum is very engaging and our son always comes home singing a new song, talking about a new book, or instrument they learned about that week. He las lots of friends at this school and always begins and ends his day with a hug and a handshake from his teachers. We couldn't be happier at CHMS and highly recommend it to any parents looking for a great school for their kids.

Both of my daughters attended Children's House over the years. My oldest is now in her 3rd year at…read morethe University of Virginia and youngest is in 7th grade. It is a wonderful school with wonderful teachers. I highly recommend this amazing school which really not only offers an excellent education, but amazing art and other skills. It has given both of my daughters the foundation to succeed. Thank you very much CMHS!

My daughter has attended Rainbow Montessori for nearly two years. Hands down, sending her there has…read morebeen the best decision we have made for her personal, social and intellectual development. Having come from an urban environment where people really don't care for anyone but themselves, it stunned me to feel the kindness and gentle nature of the students and staff. We're not gushy folks, but it's hard to resist the loving and creative vibe from the school and kids - they are really a family. They are ever ready to help and always look out for each other. If someone is sad or hurt, there's always another child and staff member there to make them feel better. It's part of their nature. The school's director, Kit Hays, is passionate and dedicated to the students and families. She pours her heart into developing the most creative and thoughtful curriculum as well as carefully weaving in modernity and diversity. Not only are the staff skillfully qualified as Montessori instructors, they truly love teaching and nurture all their students. Students are encouraged to develop their existing strengths and are supported to take on new challenges when they are ready (like reading) - really meeting kids where they are and helping them to shine. Kids are not forced into learning; it seems like they sort of bloom when they are ready. Using this gentle approach, it's amazing to see how many kids are reading and counting at such a young age. They integrate many aspects of learning into their daily routine so there's no real separation between laughter and learning - it's one and the same. Even when they play games, there's a thoughtful educational element embedded in the fun. You can tell the kids enjoy every second they are there while, even when they are in "work time". At one point my daughter was having a difficult time going to school, weepy and clingy when it was time to go. Each day when we arrived at school, Ms. Kit and a handful of children were there to greet my daughter - a welcome committee! They literally embraced her and reminded her that she was an integral part of the family. We feel so lucky to have been able to join the Rainbow family (no wonder there's a waiting list every year!) and know our daughter has the educational foundation and confidence to succeed in her entire school career and life. We are ever thankful for all they have given our family. Our daughter is inquisitive, open-minded, thoughtful and thirsty for knowledge and challenges - just like all the children lucky enough to be part of the Rainbow family.

My son and many of my friends' children attended Rainbow Montessori and found it an amazing school…read morefull of warmth, respect for each child's individuality and focused on holistic growth. (All kids are now grown college grads!) Miss Kit is the best! Highly recommend!