A Typical Day at MAV

  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 are able to acquire the challenges they crave.

Morning Session

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

     Each morning session begins at 8:30 a.m. in classrooms, with teachers and students reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, holding a group discussion, and group presentations/instruction. Thereafter, students move on to their individual Montessori activities, in accordance with their pace of learning and capabilities. The multi-age setting itself is a motivator to move onto academics that are more advanced.

     Teachers are busy helping each student with their activities or presenting individual or small group lessons. Students practice each skill daily until it is mastered. Thereafter, all skills are integrated into activities that are more sophisticated and challenging. On a weekly basis all classrooms visit the STEM room, Culinary Room for cooking activities, and attend Music.

     The 2–3-year-old students focus daily 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 students (also known as Children’s House) 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.

     Weather permitting, on a rotational basis students Pre-K/K and above enjoy a morning bus ride to Montessori Acres to further and advance Botany and Zoology instruction.

     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.

     Each age group has outdoor recess daily (weather permitting), a lunch break, and a nap/rest time (nap not included for grade level students).

Afternoon Session

     The afternoon session includes another group discussion and/or group instruction. Students continue working on their individual Montessori activities. The afternoon is further filled with visits to the gym, indoor garden, art, and reading until dismissal at 3:00 p.m.

     Together with the student’s academics, there are many opportunities throughout the day for peer interaction through play, meals, and extra-curricular activities.

     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!