We inspire and guide children to love learning, to love one another, and to love the world around them.

Application Process

List of 5 items.

  • Tour

    We offer both in-person and virtual tours (via Zoom) to provide prospective parents a brief overview of Montessori education, explain the application process, answer questions, and see our beautiful facilities. To schedule your visit, please submit an Inquiry and Tour Request and we will get in touch with you.
  • Complete an Application

    The application for admission is submitted via our website along with a $100 non-refundable application fee. Parents should plan to complete the application no later than January 15 of same year they wish to enroll. Late and mid-year applications will be considered as space allows.
  • Schedule Your Visits

    After submitting the Application, parents will schedule a virtual Classroom Observation, a Parent Interview and a Student Visit. The purpose of these visits is to give you an opportunity to share information about your family and your student and for us to provide you with information about our programs. We want to ensure that we share similar goals and expectations for your student. 
  • Submit Teacher Recommendation Requests

    One teacher recommendation is required for third-year Primary applicants (Kindergarten) and Elementary applicants; and two teacher recommendations for Middle School applicants. Teacher recommendations are due by February 15 of the admission year.
  • Admission Committee Decisions

    Parents are notified of Admission decisions on March 1 via email. The Head of School has final authority in all decisions related to the admission process.
Parents considering MSNV Elementary (grades 1-6) and Middle School (7-8) for children without previous Montessori experience should contact the Director of Admission before applying.

Admission Decisions

The Admission Committee evaluates students on the basis of readiness for school and potential for success in a Montessori classroom. As we very carefully construct our classes, we take into account many factors including maintaining age and gender balances, characteristics of the student, previous Montessori experience, composition of the entire class, compatibility of the parents’ educational philosophy with that of MSNV and a commitment to our full toddler to Middle School program for their student. Our goal is to provide you and your student the greatest opportunity for a successful school experience.

Because we cannot guarantee acceptance, we advise you to explore several school options in addition to MSNV.

Admission FAQ

List of 10 frequently asked questions.

  • Q: Do you have a waitlist? How long is it?

    All applications received by the January 15th deadline are considered equally, with no advantage give to early applications. Outside of our regular Admission season, we are generally fully enrolled and have a wait pool of applicants for our Preprimary & Primary programs. At the Elementary level, spaces are somewhat more available. Applicants are chosen from the wait pool when openings arise using factors such as sibling status, age and gender, and family commitment to the Montessori philosophy and MSNV’s mission.
  • Q: What do I do if I have to cancel a scheduled admission appointment?

    In the event that you should have to cancel any of your scheduled appointments for any reason, please call the Admission Office immediately at 703-256-9577. We will make every attempt to reschedule cancelled appointments promptly, but please be aware that in the busy admission season, rescheduling may be difficult. We will do everything we can to help you complete the process as soon as possible.
  • Q: What is the tuition?

    Please see our Schedule of Tuition & Fees for the most current information.
  • Q: Is this a year-round program?

    Our school year runs from September through early June. However, we do offer a summer camp at an additional cost for interested families.
  • Q: How many children are in a class? What is the student:teacher ratio?

    Preprimary classes are between 10-12 children. Primary classes are between 22-25 children. Lower Elementary classes are between 21-24. Upper Elementary classes are between 18-20.

    For Preprimary, the ratio is 1:6. Primary and Lower Elementary classes have a 1:12 ratio, and Upper Elementary are 1:10. Each of our classes at all levels has at least two adults in the room.
  • Q: Can my child come three days a week?

    No; we only offer a five-day program.
  • Q: What is the daily schedule?

    Call us at 703.992.0255 for a tour of MSNV; you will get a better idea of schedules at that time. Generally, however, each morning features a work period of 2-3 hours after the children arrive. When it is time (around 11:15), they may go outside, eat lunch, and nap if they are younger than 4 years old.  The older children continue after lunch with about a two-hour work schedule in the afternoon.
  • Q: Do you have a Kindergarten program?

    Not in the traditional sense. The Primary level is for children ages 3–6 years of age; the third and final year of the Primary level serves students of the same age as a traditional kindergarten class.
  • Q: Montessori is a pre-school system, isn’t it?

    Montessori schools may be best known for their programs with young children, but the underlying educational method describes programs for students up through high school.
  • Q: Do you provide snack & lunch?

    All students staying for lunch bring a packed lunch from home. In the Preprimary and Primary classes, parents take turns providing a healthful, nutritious morning snack for the class. In Elementary, children pack a personal snack along with the rest of their lunch. MSNV does provide an afternoon snack for children enrolled in Extended Day beyond 3:00 PM.
Have your own question about admission to the Montessori School of Northern Virginia? Complete this inquiry form and schedule a visit.