Shenandoah Montessori School
Preschool, Pre-K, & Kindergarten | Winchester, VAShenandoah Montessori School is an early childhood learning center located in Winchester, Virginia. Based on the educational philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori, Shenandoah Montessori School offers a mixed-age preschool through kindergarten program for children ages 3 through 6.
About Montessori
A Child-Centered ApproachThe Montessori Method is a child-centered education model that promotes independent learning, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving.
A Word
From Our Director
“There’s nothing quite like a Montessori classroom. It’s a place that celebrates curiosity and welcomes mistakes. It’s an environment that has been painstakingly crafted to draw out the best in each child; to encourage exploration, instill responsibility, and practice respect.
I’ve been a Montessori teacher for over 20 years and I am still in awe of the beauty and simplicity of the Montessori classroom. I want to invite you join us as we build a community of lifelong learners here in Winchester, Virginia. Come be a part of our story!”
– Karen Disney
Our school
We have moved to a new location, just a couple of minutes outside the City of Winchester. Located on several acres of green space, we are excited about the opportunity to add nature walks to our weekly schedule and the shaded playground is a huge plus! Our classroom is bright and spacious, with lots of natural light.
Our Mission
Our Mission is to create an engaging educational environment that encourages curiosity and sparks creativity. Using the Montessori Method, we teach children to be independent learners who trust their abilities and embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and grow.
Testimonials
What Parents are Saying
"We"ve had an amazing experience with Shenandoah Montessori School. The staff is so dedicated, and the Montessori approach has really sparked our child"s curiosity and love for learning. The community here is strong, and the teachers are both skilled and caring. We"ve seen such impressive growth in our child"s academics and social skills. We can"t recommend Shenandoah Montessori enough for an enriching and engaging education."
"We absolutely love SMS! Our kids have attended other schools/daycares—public, private, and Montessori—in two states and in multiple counties here in Virginia, and this is by far the best school experience we’ve had to date.
The teachers are knowledgeable, kind, respectful, and so incredibly good at what they do. As someone who has worked with children for two decades, I know it takes a certain kind of person to be able to approach kids day in and day out with patience, understanding, and JOY! So many teachers are jaded by stressful work environments and large class sizes, but not at SMS! They have strict student/teacher ratios they abide by to give our kids the attention and instruction they deserve.
We are so thankful for Karen and all the other teachers who work tirelessly to give our kids the most wonderful school experience parents could ask for."
"Our family has had a wonderful experience with Shenandoah Montessori School. My now four year old daughter is growing and learning so much because of the incredible support of her teachers and peers. Although she is timid, her classmates all greet her at morning drop off. When I walk in to the classroom to pick her up she is never sitting by herself. If she isn’t engaged with her peers, a teacher is always sitting with her. It makes me feel so good knowing she is developing life skills, making friends, and loving every minute of it.
Ms. Karen hosts parent education nights to make sure we understand what exactly the kids are learning and how, and ways that we can be supportive of the Montessori method at home. My favorite days of the year are the school picnics and bring a parent to school day. The reason my husband commutes so far for his new job is because we could not rationalize moving our daughter to a new school when she is so happy and thriving at Shenandoah Montessori. As a new parent I couldn’t ask for anything more for my daughter."
“Our family had the pleasure of being part of the vibrant community at Shenandoah Montessori School for the past two years, and feel grateful for the opportunity. Ms. Karen and her fellow teachers went above and beyond to ensure all of the children were provided with a rich educational and social experience each and every day. I would highly encourage your consideration of this wonderful program.”
"Shenandoah Montessori has an excellent program and such caring teachers. Our daughter is always happy to arrive in the morning and can’t wait to share her activities and questions since the day before. It’s wonderful to feel like the teachers and other children are an extension of our family."
"As one of the inaugural first class students, our daughter was blessed to get the focused attention and tailored learning of a small class taught by Montessori experts—so fortunate to be a part of the launch of the best, most effective early childhood education program available anywhere in the Winchester area!!!
Shenandoah Montessori School gave our daughter a community of pre-school children and families, right here in our local area, to provide her with a solid foundation for school, friendships and becoming part of her broader community. We are so grateful to have been a part of the Shenandoah Montessori School!!!"
Shenandoah Montessori School Blog
Make Sense of Montessori
If you’re new to Montessori, our blog is a great place to start! What sets Montessori schools apart? How does Montessori work? What’s the difference between Montessori and traditional preschool programs? You’ll find those answers here!
30 Alternatives for “Good Job!”
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Is Your Child Ready for Preschool?
Is your child ready for preschool? It can be a tough call. For many families with young children, knowing when a child is “ready for more” can come with a lot of doubt and uncertainty. Maybe your child has been in an at-home daycare since they were a baby, and the...
How is Montessori Different to Traditional Preschool?
There are many factors to consider when selecting a program for your child. If you"re thinking about enrolling your child in a Montessori program, you might have some questions. Many parents want to understand the difference between Montessori and "regular" preschool....
Serving families in Winchester VA, Frederick County, and parts of West Virginia.
Book a Tour
Curious about Montessori? Looking for a childcare option that is educational, warm, and inviting? Come visit us and see if Shenandoah Montessori School is the right fit for your child.