Academics

Is The Sycamore School a Montessori School?

March 7, 2017

Parents and other professionals often ask if The Sycamore School is a Montessori School. The short answer is no. The more complete answer is that TSS shares many commonalities with Montessori programs and would be a good fit for students with a Montessori background, as we strive to cultivate many of the same attributes of Montessori programs: curiosity, creativity, initiative, independence, intrinsic motivation, respect, and love of learning. What is Montessori? According to the American Montessori Association, “The Montessori Method of education, developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, is a child-centered educational approach based on scientific observations of children from birth to adulthood. Dr. Montessori’s Method has been time tested, with over 100 years of success in diverse cultures throughout the world.” Ways that TSS is similar to a Montessori School 1. Students & teachers are partners in learning – Teachers serve as a guide and facilitator, helping students seek out new opportunities to explore content; students learn how to…

For kids to thrive, school should be a good fit

February 8, 2017

Is your school a good fit? As a parent, one of our biggest concerns can be making sure our children are thriving in their current school setting. When our children struggle and are unhappy at school, it creates considerable stress for the student and the whole family. Often it is this stress that leads parents to seek private school. As you consider school options for your children, be sure to ask potential school administrators “what is your school’s target student? Who are you serving?” At The Sycamore School, we’re intentionally recruiting a diverse community of learners that reflect the range of abilities you would encounter in the general population. We are particularly seeking students who might be surviving – but not thriving – in their current learning environment. Students who would be a good fit at The Sycamore School Students with a Montessori background – because they already have many…

Becoming A Founding Family at The Sycamore School

December 5, 2016

What does it mean to be a Founding Family? The Sycamore School is currently recruiting Founding Families to join our school for the 2017/18 school year. While we understand that it takes a certain leap of faith to place your child a new school, our first families are not choosing The Sycamore School on a whim. Our Founding Families have decided that The Sycamore School is a great fit for their students and their family, by attending information sessions, asking important questions, and meeting with our Head of School for a private interview. Our founding families include parents who are concerned about their child’s learning, or their child’s social development, or both. These parents are willing to try something different and are committed to supporting a school that is the right fit for their child. Being a founding family takes some courage; we recognize that you’re putting your trust in…

Behind the Scenes of Starting A New School

November 18, 2016

T- 292 days until the first day of classes! Whew, it’s been a whirlwind week at The Sycamore School! For this Founder/Head of School, I am thankful for coffee, supportive community members and good old fashioned adrenaline to keep me going during this start-up phase for our school. Monday I observed an elementary school class at Full Circle Montessori. It was delightful to see students actively engaged in their learning. The room was filled with activity; students walked from one table to another with purpose; some students were chatting while working in a group while others were quietly working on their own. It was amazing to see every student absorbed in learning – focused, active and happy. When I think of a Sycamore School classroom, that’s what I think of – some students working independently and others in pairs or larger groups. Every student is engrossed and taking ownership of…

Independent School Serving 5th-12th grades in Northern Virginia

Becoming A Founding Family at The Sycamore School

The Sycamore School Will Open in the Fall, 2017

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© 2025 The Sycamore School. All Rights Reserved · School websites by Design TLC
Photography by Kenneth Marti, Marion Meakem, and Freed Photography

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Independent School Serving 5th-12th grades in Northern Virginia

Academics

Is The Sycamore School a Montessori School?

For kids to thrive, school should be a good fit

Becoming A Founding Family at The Sycamore School

Behind the Scenes of Starting A New School

The Sycamore School Will Open in the Fall, 2017

Quick Links

ENROLLED FAMILES

Receive updates on school news and information.

© 2025 The Sycamore School. All Rights Reserved · School websites by Design TLC Photography by Kenneth Marti, Marion Meakem, and Freed Photography

Privacy Policy

© 2025 The Sycamore School. All Rights Reserved · School websites by Design TLC
Photography by Kenneth Marti, Marion Meakem, and Freed Photography