ABOUT AQUINAS
Welcome to Aquinas Montessori School
Founded in 1965, Aquinas Montessori is an AMI/USA private school dedicated to providing an authentic Montessori education in a peaceful, nature-rich setting near Mount Vernon, Virginia.
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A Beautiful, Engaging Campus
Nestled on a spacious suburban property, our campus offers children the opportunity to learn, play, and explore in a dynamic outdoor environment, featuring:
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Fully equipped Montessori classrooms
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A well-stocked library
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Expansive playground & small soccer field
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A children’s garden for hands-on learning
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A heated swimming pool (available mid-April to mid-October, weather permitting)
As an AMI (Association Montessori Internationale) Member School, we are committed to fostering an environment where children develop:
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Independence
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Freedom & Responsibility
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Creativity
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Collaboration & Leadership Skills
At Aquinas Montessori, we nurture the whole child, helping each student grow academically, socially, and emotionally in a setting that inspires curiosity and a lifelong love of learning.
Aquinas Montessori is a non-sectarian school. We value diversity among our students. We do not discriminate in our enrollment policies on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin.
Ages 2.5 to 6
Aquinas Montessori School offers three primary classes for children ages 2.5 to 6. The primary curriculum is a fully comprehensive three-year program that helps children compare, classify, and clarify the world around them. The curriculum includes:
- Core Subjects: Language, Math, Geography, Biology, Other Sciences
- Experiential Learning: Practical Life, Sensorial Explorations
- Creative Arts: Art, Music, Movement
Ages 6 to 9 and 9 to 12
The elementary level supports each child’s development in a collaborative learning environment:
- Lower Elementary (Ages 6-9) – Two classrooms for younger elementary students
- Upper Elementary (Ages 9-12) – One classroom for older elementary students
At these levels, the curriculum expands to ignite interest in:
- Academic Foundations: Mathematics, Geometry, Language, History, Geography
- Sciences: Botany, Zoology, Earth Science, Chemistry, Physics
- Creative & Physical Development: Art, Music, Crafts, Drama, Physical Education
- Cultural Studies: Exploration of world cultures and traditions
Students in our elementary program use our two school fans to visit local museums, concert halls, and parks through school field trips. Additionally, children participate in our small group going out to visit local cultural institutions as part of their academic research and local shops as part of our cooking, gardening, and arts programs.
Arrivals and Dismissals
- Morning Arrival: 8:30-8:45 AM
- Dismissal:
- Half-Day Primary: 11:45 AM - 12:00 PM
- Full-Day Primary & Elementary: 3:00-3:15 PM
- Extended Care:
- Before School: 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
- After School: 3:00 - 6:00 PM
Our Teachers
Our lead Montessori teachers hold AMI (Association Montessori Internationale) diplomas in addition to their undergraduate or graduate degrees, and have completed required studies enabling them to understand the needs of children of this age, and to effectively present the scientifically developed, self-correcting materials which Montessori designed. They are able to effectively respond to the learning patterns and needs of each child, and help the child grow in confidence, independence and knowledge.
Every classroom is supervised by two adults, one teacher and one assistant.
Other Languages
- Primary Level: Spanish conversation is introduced during the afternoon program.
- Elementary Level: Spanish instruction continues, emphasizing conversation, reading, and writing.
Our Beautiful Campus
Nestled within a serene wooded setting, our campus provides an enriching outdoor environment that extends learning beyond the indoor classroom. Each class also benefits from dedicated outdoor classroom spaces, allowing students to engage in hands-on learning in a natural setting.
Our large children’s garden offers an opportunity to grow vegetables, strawberries, milkweed, and native plants that support pollinators such as butterflies and bees. This space serves as a living laboratory for botany studies and environmental awareness.
The campus is home to a variety of tree species, enriching botanical exploration and science lessons.
On warm days, students can enjoy their meals at outdoor picnic tables, fostering a connection with nature and a sense of community.

Children have access to multiple play areas tailored to their age and interests, including:
- A large play structure and monkey bars for active play
- A spacious field for older students and a smaller field designed for younger children
- A front play area where older students can enjoy basketball and other games
- An attractive gazebo for social connection and imaginative play
Heated Swimming Pool
Our heated swimming pool is open from mid-April till mid-October, as weather allows.
The pool is used for elementary PE classes and our summer camp program.
Montessori Inspired Summer Camp
Aquinas Montessori School operates a Montessori-inspired summer camp at our Aquinas campus for both primary and elementary students. Each day, campers engage in a rich blend of activities, including:
- Montessori Morning. Hands-on experiences in a Montessori classroom, exploring a variety of developmental materials
- Camp Afternoon. Swimming, nature, and art activities, fostering creativity and an appreciation for the outdoors. Stories, songs, and games, cultivating a joyful and engaging atmosphere
A highlight of our summer program is the Aquinas heated pool, which ranges in depth from two and a half to five feet. This comfortable size provides a safe and inviting space for both beginner and novice swimmers to gain confidence in the water. Even our youngest campers feel at ease in the shallow end, often making remarkable progress in just a few weeks.
Highly Trained Faculty
All lead teachers are trained by the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI), the most rigorous Montessori training in the world.
Love & Care
Home-like learning environments that the children assist in caring for, promoting responsibility and independence.
Hands-on Learning
Rich and dynamic hands-on learning experiences.
Innovative Learning
An innovative learning environment that fosters deeper thought and stimulates questioning and student-led research.
Natural Play Areas
Natural play areas and gardens that the children assist in caring for, promoting responsibility and independence.
Individual Curriculum
We provide individual curriculum for each child.
