THE SPRINGS was founded in 1966 as a private school to provide Montessori classes for children in the Northern Virginia area. In 1984, THE SPRINGS expanded to include a licensed Full Day Program.  Classroom facilities are rented from The Springfield Christian Church, but the school is independent and classes are secular.

THE SPRINGS is dedicated to the Montessori philosophy and the method of teaching developed by Maria Montessori. In the Montessori classroom, each child will learn and develop at his or her own rate, in accordance with his or her own needs, interests and abilities. We work to help children acquire a love of learning, develop their academic potential, develop self-discipline, as well as self-respect and respect for others. The ages in a Montessori class range from two and a half to six. Children learn and develop new skills as they are ready rather than when they reach a certain age.

The materials in the Montessori class are designed to stimulate a young child’s natural desire to learn. Practical Life activities encourage independence by helping the child to take care of him or her self and the environment. Social development materials help the child learn shapes, colors, dimension and to develop hand and eye control as well as fine motor control. Phonics is introduced as soon as a child demonstrates readiness and the phonetic approach is the basis of our reading program. Additionally, manipulative materials are used to introduce and teach mathematics. Art, Music, History, Science and Geography are also included at an age appropriate level.

Our Montessori teachers are all certified by an accredited Montessori training program and our assistants have a depth of experience and great love for children. THE SPRINGS has four classrooms; one Morning Montessori classroom and three Full Day Montessori classrooms. On average, classes range in size from 20 to 25 students with three staff members per class.

We request that parents visit the school before submitting an application for their child. If you are interested in applying, please call the school and schedule an appointment to observe. Please do not bring your child to this initial observation. A visit for your child will be scheduled after an application has been received. The application fee of $100.00 must be submitted with the application in order for the application to be processed.

Thank you for your interest in The Springs. If you have questions or would like to schedule an observation, please call the school office at 703-941-1411.