Montessori Comes to Del Ray

Parents of preschoolers in Del Ray have a reason to celebrate: Another neighborhood preschool is opening, hopefully alleviating some of the problems of limited space at some local schools.

The Del Ray Montessori School will open its doors to children ages 4 ½ to 6 ½ in September, and the woman leading the charge at the new school is excited to bring her extensive Montessori background to Del Ray.

Sarah Fondriest is currently in Italy completing her third Montessori training program, this one focusing on ages 6 to 12.  She has also completed Montessori programs concentrated on children from birth to 3 years old and from 3 to 6 years old. 

With a master's degree in education and 10 years of teaching experience, Fondriest certainly has the qualifications to open a new preschool. And in September, Fondriest will welcome her first class of Del Ray Montessori students.

Many area preschools operate under a specific educational philosophy and this new school is no different. However, it will be bringing a new philosophy to the neighborhood.

The Montessori style of learning was developed by Maria Montessori around the beginning of the 20th century. It stresses the importance of independence, gives children freedom within limits and respects a child’s natural physiological development.

Fondriest is passionate about the Montessori concept and is looking forward to introducing it to neighborhood families. She describes Montessori as using concrete, hands-on experiences to illustrate abstract ideas.

“I’m a visual learner,” she explains. “And children are, too.”

Fondriest points out that Montessori can follow a child’s interests but cover all subject areas in relation to that topic.  She calls it “presenting the whole.”

An Alexandria resident since she was 10, Fondriest is very familiar with the area.  When looking for a location for her new school, she thought that the Del Ray neighborhood was a perfect spot.

“Montessori is very community focused in the classroom, and it aligns well with the community focus of Del Ray,” she said.

She hopes the school will carry a strong sense of community.

“I know that the school is not something that is going to create itself," she said. "I welcome help from the neighborhood in all forms—not only from parents but from neighbors, too.” 

So far she has seen a lot of interest and support for the new school. Fondriest plans to hold classes at on Windsor Avenue.

While the first year will only include ages 4 ½ to 6 ½, she plans to expand the school next year to have one class of 3 to 6 year olds and another class of 6 to 9 year olds.

The Del Ray Montessori School is still accepting applications for September.  For more information, take a look at the website: www.thedelraymontessorischool.com or email Sarah Fondriest at delraymontessori@thedelraymontessorischool.com.