Admission Process

Aquinas and Old Town Montessori Schools use a rolling admission process that allows students to join our schools as spaces become available throughout the year and applications for our Primary classes (ages 3 to 6), Lower Elementary (ages 6 to 9) and Upper Elementary (ages 9 to 12) classes are now being accepted for Spring 2021 and Fall 2021. (We do wish to open additional spaces in the spring at both campuses when the COVID-19 situation improves.)

At Aquinas and Old Town Montessori Schools, we believe that the preschool and school years are a critical stage of cognitive, social, emotional and physical development, and we are dedicated and committed to the children and to the fully and lovingly implementing the scientifically developed Montessori pedagogy.

We strive to nurture each child's development by providing:

• A warm, loving atmosphere where each child is respected and treated as an individual
• Optimal class sizes where students work at their own pace and level
• AMI (Association Montessori Internationale) certified teachers - most of them also hold Master's degrees
• Opportunities to develop autonomy and creative thinking

Currently in our 56th year, we have consistently produced highly confident, self-motivated learners, who are well prepared for their middle school years and beyond. Our families attest that they have indeed found a unique environment in Montessori classrooms where lasting values are emphasized, where kids are truly happy.

As we respond to the COVID-19 crisis, we changed our usual ways of sharing our campuses and school community with prospective families. We look forward to the opportunity to get to know you and to see which of our campuses will be the best fit the needs of your child. To start the admissions process please:
1. Schedule a tour of the grounds at Aquinas Montessori School Online Form or schedule a Saturday tour of our Old Town campus by calling 703-684-7323.
2. Call us at 703-780-8484 for Aquinas and 703-684-7323 for Old Town to ask questions or set up a virtual tour.
3. Attend a Virtual Open House event. We host virtual open houses on a regular basis. Our next open houses are scheduled for January 28, March 23, and April 20.

Want More Information?

• Montessori Education Questions and Answers   
• Why Choose Aquinas Montessori School for Your Child’s Elementary Experience?   
• A Comparison of Montessori and Traditional Education   
• Montessori: Helping You Raise a Well-Rounded and Capable Child   

Ready to Apply?

You can submit an online application   and application fee of $170.00 per child   here.

Waitlist

At times, it is impossible for Aquinas and Old Town Montessori (OTMS) Schools to accept every student who applies. The following guidelines are established to provide the admissions office with parameters for accepting students to Aquinas and Old Town Montessori Schools.

• All guidelines should be consistent with the Aquinas and Old Town Montessori Schools' Mission and values of the Montessori community.
• A balanced student body of girls and boys and age distribution in every class is ideal.
• Priority acceptance should be given to siblings of current and former students, children of alumni, and students transferring from another campus.

Aquinas students with their alumni parents


Dear Parents, thank you for your interest in the Aquinas and Old Town Montessori Schools.
Please visit us in person to get an inside perspective and to see if the school is the best fit for your child.

To observe one of the classes please contact the school for an appointment or schedule a visit through our online form.
During your visit our administrative staff will show you around the school and answer all your questions.
Looking forward to meeting you.

Sincerely yours,
David H. Futrell, Director


We strongly suggest that parents schedule a tour before sending in their child's application but we do understand that it is not always possible. In this case, once we receive an application, we will contact the family to schedule a first visit for the applicant.

During the First Visit a child will spend about 20 to 30 minutes with a teacher having a few lessons. It is an opportunity for the child to experience our Montessori environment while the parents discuss details and particulars of school.

We invite you to become a part of our Aquinas and Old Town Family and hope to see you soon!