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 are located in a beautifully renovated, two-room schoolhouse, about 10 minutes north of the City of Winchester, Virginia. We have one spacious classroom with large windows that let in lots of natural light and a second space that serves as a multipurpose room. Outside we enjoy beautiful garden beds and a large playground area.
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 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."
"Karen is an exceptional Montessori teacher. She’s super organized, creative, and has great classroom management skills, and follows the Montessori philosophy closely.
She taught all 3 of my girls for 3 years in a Primary classroom. They were happy and excited for school every day. They were all able to read before 1st grade and had no trouble transitioning to public school.
I highly recommend Karen. She’s patient, kind, and respectful to the kids and she’s a really good person too."
"When considering preschool options, we knew we wanted our children to benefit from the Montessori method. Little did we know we’d be lucky enough to find Karen.
During their years in Karen’s classroom, both of our children developed their love for learning. Each day, they were eager to enter the warm and nurturing environment she had created. She always knew when to present them with new material versus when to let them just explore their environment.
Now that our children are in elementary school, we know that their academic confidence is thanks to their time spent in Karen’s classroom."
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!”
"Good job!" Your child just tied her shoes, crossed the monkey bars, showed you a drawing, or helped carry in the grocery bags. If you’re like many parents out there, the words just bubbled to the surface and came out of your mouth before you had a second to think...
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.