Our School

Our teachers understand that learning is not linear; children are not ready to learn specific skills according to an adult-prepared timeline, or in perfect harmony with their peers. Children who need more support with certain skills get the assistance they require and practice until comprehension, and those who are ready to move ahead can acquire the challenges they crave.

A Typical Day at MAV

The day begins with the morning extended day staff warmly greeting and welcoming children and getting them settled.

Morning session begins at 8:30 a.m. in classrooms, with teachers and students reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, holding a group presentation.
Students practice lessons during their work cycle until they are mastered. All skills are integrated into activities that are more sophisticated and challenging.
Teachers help each student with their activities or present small group lessons.
On a weekly basis all classrooms visit the STEM room, Culinary Room, and attend Music class.
The 2–3-year-old students focus on Language Development, Gross and Fine Motor skills, social skills, and early independence. As the year progresses their daily activities include gym, art, music, science, nature walks, and gardening.
Pre-K through Kindergarten focus on Life Skills, Sensory and Discovery Activities, Language Arts, Foundational Geometry, Mathematics, History, Global Cultures, Botany, and Science. Students continue to enhance and strengthen their focus, social skills, and self-independence.
Students in the Lower and Upper Elementary programs work through their various subject areas, assignments, projects, quizzes, and tests. Teachers ensure the Elementary Program supports and exceeds the Virginia Standards of Learning.
On a rotational basis, Pre-K/K and Elementary students take trips to Montessori Acres Farm to further and advance Botany and Zoology instruction.
Each age group has outdoor recess daily (weather permitting), a lunch break, and a nap/rest time (nap not included for grade level students).
After lunch, teachers present another group presentation or discussion. Students continue working on their individual Montessori lessons and other extracurricular activities such as indoor garden, gym, home-ec, etc.
The students who make use of the extended afternoon (beginning after 3:30 p.m.) move onto different areas of the school premises for after-care activities.

We often hear how the Montessori Academy cultivates children to enjoy learning and develop skills at such a young age that will serve them well as they grow and mature.

Our school is truly a learning environment like no other!

Reviews

"Our family has received incredible value from MAV. We've been with the school for 7 years and are amazed at how much our children have learned and grown under MAV's care. The teachers and staff all care about the kids in a way that isn't institutional. I highly recommend MAV for those looking to let their children safely explore life."

Paul Chin Jr.