Field Trips and Goings Out

FIELD TRIPS

Elementary students at our Montessori schools in Alexandria, VA are at an age where they are ready to explore the whole universe. Our students venture forth in the community to visit the world-class venues that Alexandria and the Washington, D.C. area have to offer such as the Kennedy Center and the Smithsonian museums. We have two large capacity vans that transport our students in comfort to their destinations. Parents enjoy serving as chaperones for these adventures at both our Mount Vernon (Aquinas Montessori) and Old Town (Columbus Street) campuses.

GOINGS OUT

Our Elementary Montessori students in Alexandria (ages 6–12) are ready to learn to manage common day-to-day tasks in the larger community. They arrange goings out to purchase supplies for class pets, groceries for class cooking projects, community service projects, and small group research outings. These outings provide them with opportunities to gain experience, knowledge, and confidence when they communicate with community members outside of the school setting. Students from both Aquinas Montessori School in Mount Vernon and Old Town Montessori School in Alexandria participate in these meaningful community experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Field Trips and Goings Out Program

  • How often do Montessori students go on field trips?

    At Aquinas Montessori in Alexandria, Virginia, field trips and Goings Out are meaningful extensions of classroom learning for Elementary students. The frequency varies depending on the area of study, but children regularly take part in excursions throughout the school year that connect them to nature, culture, and the community.

  • What ages participate in field trips and goings out?

    Field trips and Goings Out are only part of the Elementary program. Primary students (ages 2½–6) enjoy enriching on-campus experiences within their classroom environment. The Primary classroom offers a myriad of opportunities to explore the arts and sciences, and parents and visitors often contribute by sharing family cultural traditions, introducing music and musical instruments, or guiding children in food preparation. These age-appropriate experiences provide young children with meaningful connections to the wider world while keeping their environment consistent and secure.

  • How do goings out support Montessori learning and development?

    Because Goings Out are initiated by small groups of children, they help students develop initiative, collaboration, and responsibility while applying classroom lessons in real-world settings. Whether visiting museums, gardens, libraries, or cultural sites in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC, students deepen their understanding, build confidence, and develop essential life skills through direct experience.

  • How are safety and supervision handled during field trips and goings out?

    Safety is our top priority. At Aquinas Montessori, all trips are carefully planned with trained staff supervision, small group sizes, and clear safety guidelines. Parents and other caregivers chaperone our whole class field trips to provide extra assistance and supervision. Parents can feel confident knowing children are well cared for while enjoying enriching experiences outside the classroom.

  • Is there an additional cost for field trips or goings out?

    Most field trips and Goings Out are included in tuition. If a special activity, such as chartering a bus to go to Jamestown,  requires an additional cost, families are notified in advance. Our goal is to keep these experiences accessible, enriching, and seamlessly integrated into the Montessori curriculum.