Empowering Your Child’s Learning Journey

Montessori of Chantilly- Casa dei Bambini

BY STROLL WILLOWSFORD STAFF WRITER LIA HOBEL

What if you could set your child on a path to success through education?

Montessori of Chantilly – Casa dei Bambini prides itself on offering top-notch teachings and care for each child, no matter where they are on their journey.

Montessori of Chantilly - Casa dei Bambini has been serving families in the Chantilly and South Riding community since 2005, with its community growing every day. “In 2018, we kicked off a new chapter in our school’s history when we moved to a brand-new custom-built building located next door to Stone Springs Hospital,” said Lisa Turner, the assistant director of the school. “This move enabled us to extend our reach to families in the Stone Ridge, Willowsford, Aldie and Brambleton neighborhoods.”

Nestled on a private two-acre lot, the building exudes a feeling of a “home away from home” for students and their families. The school features large windows with abundant natural light and natural wood furnishings. “Our classrooms are a wellorganized hive of exploration and discovery where children learn at their own pace, develop their strengths, and find their talents,” said Turner. “Our highly tenured teachers use their knowledge of child development and academic outcomes to prepare an environment that is simultaneously stimulating and academically, physically, socially, and emotionally accessible. They develop an individualized learning plan for each child, based on his or her unique interests and abilities,” she further explained.

Children from infant, toddler, primary and kindergarten age groups grow and learn in a stimulating and nurturing environment. Montessoricertified lead teachers (AMS/AMI) guide and observe children while they learn at their own pace and level. A low student-to-teacher ratio and mixed-age classrooms help children to blossom to their full potential.

The school offers daily independent and uninterrupted work time with Montessori materials while they “explore in a safe, secure, peaceful, childcentered environment,” said Turner. Children are immersed in weekly Spanish, music, and yoga classes. As for play, children engage in both natural and traditional playgrounds and a specific toddler-designed play area. There are also outdoor garden boxes for every classroom. The fun goes beyond these activities, too. Students can participate in creative art and cooking projects, as well as science experiments. Furthermore, the school brings in educational entertainment, such as storytellers, puppets and live reptile shows.

Aiding to the success of Montessori of Chantilly- Casa dei Bambini is the active and engaging Parent Guild Organization. The Parent Guild works to build a sense of community amongst their families, such as hosting a family Valentine’s Dance and End of School Year Picnic. There are also opportunities for past students to return and share their talent and time with current students. Parent Education sessions are offered on relevant topics such as Montessori philosophy, toileting, teaching independence, etc.

Turner said children are encouraged to be independent and develop positive feelings towards themselves and others and strive to develop the child through the educational principles of Dr. Maria Montessori— the Italian physician who developed the educational method that’s been practiced for more than a century. Several key elements of the approach meet the educational goals today’s parents have for their children, including growing into capable people who will have a strong sense of self, the ability to connect with others, and the potential to be productive throughout their lives. At Montessori of Chantilly, that growth starts early. The early years (birth through age 6) are a critical time to set a strong foundation for who a child will become and the role they will play in the future.

MEET LISA TURNER

Turner is a local to Northern Virginia. She grew up in Reston, and said the community’s motto was “live, work, and play.” She views Willowsford in the same light. “Especially in the spirit of connection and inclusion that make both Reston and Willowsford special places to grow up and live,” she explained.

She is a graduate of South Lakes High School and William and Mary. Turner has two sons and has called South Riding home for over twenty years. Both boys attended Montessori of Chantilly for preschool before attending public school.

“In my free time, I love to watch my boys play sports. I have spent most weekends at Freedom High School or Loudoun Soccer Park cheering on my sons at a track meet, football, or soccer game. Over the last six years, I have also served with both of my sons in the Young Men’s Service

League (YMSL) where we work together to help serve those in need in our local community.”

For physical wellness, Turner enjoys Inergy/Kelly’s Boot in South Riding. “I enjoy going on walks with friends in my neighborhood or taking family hikes on nearby trails. My husband and I enjoy checking out all the local wineries and breweries, especially if it involves a breathtaking Loudoun sunset,” she added.

Montessori of Chantilly - Casa dei Bambini truly builds a community that lasts a lifetime and is an important part of the Willowsford community. “Wherever I am in Loudoun I tend to run into our Montessori of Chantilly / Willowsford families – whether it is on the sideline of a field, at a local restaurant or at the new Hansen Park. It is great to live, work and play with our Montessori of Chantilly families in this special corner of Loudoun County that we all call home.”

EXPLORE MONTESSORI OF CHANTILLY- CASA

DEI BAMBINI

Interested in learning more about Montessori of ChantillyCasa dei Bambini? Schedule a tour today. “We help our students develop independence, a sense of empathy and social justice and a lifelong love of learning,” said Turner. “All of these traits make them extraordinary young Willowsford residents who will leave the community being able to think critically, work collaboratively and act boldly –a remarkable skill set for the 21st century.”

Montessori of Chantilly- Casa dei Bambini

42200 Glascock Field Drive

Dulles, VA (703) 542-7676