MSNV is a Montessori school serving children ages 2 through 12. MSNV is a cooperative school, encouraging parent's involvement in their child's learning.
MSNV is located on a beautifully wooded site bordered by parkland in Annandale, Virginia.
Our school mission is to awaken within each child an inspired learner, embracing commitment, cooperation, and above all, an honorable life.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Top Ranked VA School
- School Type: Montessori School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-6
- Enrollment: 256 students
- Average class size: 18 students
- Application Deadline: Jan. 15 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Montessori School Of Northern Virginia ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Virginia for:
Category
Attribute
Student Body
School Overview
School Type
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-6
Summer School Offered
Yes
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
256 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
36%
State avg.: 30%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
29 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
9:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
60%
Average Class Size
18 students
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Jan. 15 / rolling
Tuition Notes
% on Financial Aid
13%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$4,824
Admissions Director
Gretchen Straczewski
Admissions Associate
Beth Bell-Leresche
School Notes
- Dr. Maria Montessori recognized the limitless potential of children. She noted how their learning would take flight in an environment which met their specific needs and allowed them to learn by doing. Montessori observed the joy of children in discovering themselves and their world.At the Montessori School of Northern Virginia (MSNV), we want this joy-the delight of discovery-to last a lifetime.
- By presenting a myriad of rich learning experiences based on the enduring principles of Montessori, MSNV offers a well-rounded, dynamic and inspiring education for your child.MSNV provides authentic Montessori education for children ages 2 through 12 at two campuses: Hillbrook in Annandale and Valleybrook in Falls Church. From Preprimary through Elementary, our learning environment is designed to directly benefit their social, emotional, physical and intellectual development. Our students achieve both academic and personal success. The result? You will love school, because our children love learning, love one another and love the world around them.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Montessori School Of Northern Virginia's ranking?
Montessori School Of Northern Virginia ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Virginia for: Largest student body.
When is the application deadline for Montessori School Of Northern Virginia?
The application deadline for Montessori School Of Northern Virginia is Jan. 15 / rolling (applications are due on Jan. 15 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
School Reviews
5 2/21/2019
Both of my kids have been attending MSNV since their preprimary year. We are now going on 6 years as part of the community! It has been a wonderful journey to see my kids' development - academically, emotionally and socially - blossom. The true dedication I have seem from the teachers as well as the multi year classroom has enabled a special opportunity for my kids to develop solid relationships with their teachers and for their teachers to really get to know my kids personally and on an academic level. The structure of the classroom and educational approach has fostered confidence and great interest in learning, as well as promoted their independence and communication within a community - with teachers and with peers.The upper elementary program has grown over the years. Recently the music program has expanded and boasts solid music instruction, including band. There is also a wonderful theatre program during the school year and over the summer! Spanish instruction continues to be creative and fun for all ages. Latin instruction for upper elementary is also well done. I have personally seen my kids' strengths allowed to grow with support and attention from their teachers. A commitment to the whole child is also worth sharing. Virtues lessons, a peace corner and attention to interpersonal skills fosters a community that respects oneself, others and the environment. I would highly recommend MSNV!
5 11/2/2018
MSNV has always stood out to us as a perfectly balanced school that not only helps children cultivate strong social-emotional skills but also promotes a deep love for learning. After researching and visiting over two dozen schools in the area, we realized this was our number one choice and have not changed our minds since. The two campuses are magical - with state-of-the-art, open, beautifully crafted classrooms and outdoor spaces full of trees and nature for the children to explore; an intentional and consistent hands-on approach to learning; and warm, caring, deeply knowledgeable teachers and staff that understand how to guide children through a scientific inquiry process and create a deep dense of belonging and community. Knowing how research shows the importance of the home-school connection, we deeply appreciate that parents are such an integral part of the community and daily academic programming - often invited and encouraged to be part of the classroom experience, events, etc. Entering a classroom at MSNV is truly magical - peace, learning, friendships, cooperation, empathy, curiosity, exploration, caring are all palpable experiences and children are truly learning when they are ready but at the same time scaffolded by older children and teachers to reach higher, learn more, ask more questions, be more curious. True to Montessori philosophy, children move freely throughout the environment, choosing activities that interest them, or working with the teacher, individually, or in small groups. The instruction and learning experience is individualized while creating a sense of community and cooperation as a group. We can't say enough about how much we like and value the MSNV community and feel truly blessed to be part of the family.
5 10/7/2018
After a year at MSNV we're still excited about having our children to be a part of the community and, most importantly, so are they. We have children in both preprimary and primary programs at Valleybrook campus. We love MSNV teachers and staff, we highly recommend this school.
5 10/7/2018
We are so grateful to have our children at MSNV. The teachers are kind and attentive to our children, and wonderful at their profession. The school has a wonderful culture and environment, and the community of diverse families who attend is a huge bonus. The students are curious, helpful, independent, friendly, and mature as a result. I can't recommend it highly enough!
5 10/7/2018
As current parent we have felt so fortunate to be apart of the MSNV community for the past six years. Our child is thriving in the upper elementary program and genuinely so excited to go to school everyday. The Montessori curriculum is so valuable in allowing the children the creative freedom and the interpersonal social skills that will serve them the rest of their life. The outdoor opportunities throughout the day are fantastic and the incredible caring, nurturing environment truly provides an incredible experience for the children and the families of MSNV.
5 10/7/2018
MSNV has been a great match for our family. I had a list of about 10 local preschools to visit and I didn't go to another one after I visited MSNV. I was so impressed with the calm, nurturing environment, the respectful way the teachers/staff communicated with children, and the way the students all seemed so confident and peaceful. A Montessori early childhood education has given my children an outstanding foundation in both academics and social skills. The teachers are all highly qualified and there is low staff turnover, which is hard to find. We've become friends with many other families who share similar parenting styles and values. Overall MSNV has become an important part of our community and I'm very grateful to have found it.
5 5/15/2017
This school has taught my children so much. It is amazing to see how the many teachers interact with the students. Students really seem to love learning and all the curriculum that is offered. They have one of a kind programs. The Spanish teachers are so creative in the projects they do. The Music teacher is phenomenal and the theater that they offer is top notch. One of my students is learning things in theater on equipment that is way beyond elementary level. The core academics are just as amazing. They teach practical life skills such as social skills and technology. they also teach math, language and culture in a way that really resonates with the children. I have seen some students moving way past elementary levels and the teachers really tailor to the child's level. I was in the other day and saw a 4th grader starting calculus like problems. MSNV is an a amazing community that really is more of a family and it is clear that they are around to better the child as a whole rather than just intellectually.
5 10/10/2014
We are very impressed with the school. Our son began in the primary class and we plan of staying all the way through 6th grade. We love the curriculum, teaching style and the rigor of the academics. Our son is flourishing in this school. It was a great decision to choose MSNV!
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