Full Circle Montessori

Full Circle Montessori
http://www.fullcirclemontessori.com/
1031 North Vermont St, Arlington VA 22201
703-243-8282
Owner/Directress:  Tatjana Vichnevsky
Not year round.

This school was my favorite Montessori.  Mostly because of the Directress' decision to only offer part-day school (no extended care beyond 2:45).  Although she seems to feel that she is the only one in Arlington doing this, I gotta say that most of the church-based programs are all part day as well.

The programs offered are for 3s, 4s, and 5s.  Oh, and you are required to sign a statement saying that you will keep your child enrolled for all 3 years.  Montessori counts on the older children to help with the younger children, and if you take your kid out the year that they are elligible for the fee public school Montessori program, then they don't get the use out of your kiddo that 3rd year.  Messes up their program.  Penalty?  Probably your $900 deposit.  They add on a $500 "new family" fee as well.

Primary program 9am to 12:30 M-F  $8325
Add the 12:30-2:45 (M-Th) for an additional $2700
Kindergarten 9-2:45 (except early release Fridays)  $8910

There is 20 minutes of precare available daily at 8:30 for $10/day or $150/month
And extend the day for Montessori 45 minute lunch from 12:30-1:15 for $15/day or $225/month

For a three year old doing mornings and 2:45 release, the cost becomes $1375/month or $12,375/year
It adds up fast.  However, for a part time care situation 5 days a week, it is a good option.

The classrooms are very inviting and fairly roomy in the old old building that they rent (part of a church, I believe.  The teachers were very nice and infomative.  Tatjana is very very enthusiastic about Montessori.  Aggressive about it, even.  My husband called her "angry."  I think she was sweetly aggressive about her point of view.  At the open house, be prepared for her to talk for almost an hour, browbeating you with the Montessori way.  I really just wanted to see the classrooms and meet the teachers!

I have a good friend who sends her daughter here and they rave about it.