The Del Ray Montessori School is a non-profit Montessori School located in the quaint Del Ray neighborhood of Alexandria, Virginia, we are associated and recognized by AMI/USA (Association Montessori International). Founded in 2011, we serve children ages 18 months through age 12 and their families in the DC metropolitan area.
My journey in Montessori education began almost 40 years ago when I attended Montessori school as a bright-eyed, curious 3-year old on the East side of Detroit. This experience not only contributed to the creation of my personality and character, it also set the foundation for a life-time commitment to child development and Montessori education.
Experiencing Montessori as a young adult observer in a primary classroom many years later, I was completely riveted by many things, but most importantly the calm atmosphere, the deep respect for the individual child and the endless possibilities provided to children to promote their independence and self confidence. It was then, at the young age of 22, that I decided to begin my career as a Montessori educator after receiving my first AMI Montessori Primary diploma from the Washington Montessori Institute in Towson, Maryland.
After spending many years in the classroom, and after receiving two additional AMI Montessori diplomas, I was fortunate to come together with three Del Ray parents who were just as enthusiastic about Montessori education as me. Together, we decided to create and build a community Montessori school, The Del Ray Montessori School.
For the past 20 years of my career, I have witnessed the great joys and triumphs that unfold when children are supported and honored for where they are developmentally, rather than where society tells them they should be. Children have a natural desire towards curiosity, purposeful work and greater opportunities for responsibility. And, at DRMS, we provide them those opportunities, knowing that their potential for growth and greatness is infinite.
Together, our staff, families and children work in harmony to reach our own full potential - as parents, educators, neighbors and friends.
We look forward to meeting you and sharing our school with you!
Sarah Fondriest
Co-Founder and Head of School
