Montessori school in Annandale expanded

The new addition at the Montessori School of Northern Virginia.

The Montessori School of Northern Virginia is bigger and better now that a renovation and expansion of the Hillbrook campus at 6820 Pacific Lane, Annandale, has been completed.

The improvements include a new large multipurpose room that can be used for art, music, extended after-school care, and gatherings; five new classrooms; renovated bathrooms in each classroom; a new storage area for band instruments; a new kitchen, conference room, and basement storage area; “solar tubes” to bring natural light into each classroom; and a backyard deck.

Desks in MSNV classrooms are spread around the room.

During a dedication ceremony Feb. 11, Head of School Betsy Mitchell and other members of the MSNV community described the 10-year process leading to the completion of the new building. It began with discussions about whether to expand the school or move to a new location and included many meetings with nearby residents as the rezoning application, site plans, and design were developed.

The school serves about 244 students, age 2-12, on two campuses. In 2010, MSNV had an opportunity to acquire a building in the Falls Church area of Fairfax County that used to house the Valleybrook Preschool. MSNV uses that building for children age 2-5.

MSNV students entertain guests with songs during the dedication ceremony.

MSNV has embraced the educational philosophy of Maria Montessori, which focuses on learning by doing and promoting the joy of discovery.

Classes have a mix of ages. One classroom, for example, has students age 6-9, and students stay with the same teacher for three years. Each class has about 20 students and two teachers. There are flexible workspaces, rather than a regimented row of desks.