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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I stop by for a tour without an appointment?
Please sign up for an in person event on our website to ensure availability or contact our Director of Admissions.
Is Montessori a franchise?
The term Montessori is not trademarked and anyone, regardless of training, experience or affiliation can open a “Montessori” school. It is essential that parents ensure the authenticity of their chosen program. Parents should look to ensure the school has been accredited by Association Montessori Internationale to ensure an authentic Montessori program and curriculum. Fiore is an AMI accredited school.
Isn’t Montessori just a preschool?
Montessori schools may be well known for their programs with young children, but the underlying educational method describes programs for students up through high school.
Is there a difference between your two campus locations?
Each campus has between almost 5 acres of beautiful natural property and the only difference is the levels offered at each. The Beulah Rd campus offers toddler through elementary (16 mo - 12 yrs) and the Leesburg Pike campus offers all age levels from infant through middle school (3 mo - 15 yrs)
What are your classroom ratios?
We follow the DOE state guidelines for Virginia. For toddler, we have a ratio of 1 : 5, primary 1 : 14, and elementary 1 : 20.
What is the advantage of the multi-age Classrooms?
Multi-age classrooms afford teachers the luxury of adapting the curriculum to the individual child. Each child works at his or her own pace, while remaining in a community with their peers who are older and younger. Mixed ages allows children to use a wide range of engaging materials that keep them challenged. As the child’s interests change, different materials become available to allow the child to move from one level of complexity to another. The older students serve as role models and in the process, gain confidence in their own abilities. The younger ones gain a clear vision of what’s expected and get to see what is coming next. The classroom community is a direct preparation for life in the family and the workplace. Communicating and working well with others are important life skills.
How do Montessori students transition into more traditional schools?
Our students experience a smooth transition, whether continuing into a public or private school. It is recommended that the transition points are at the completion of each cycle. An education at Fiore prepares the child for the world, growing their social skills and confidence. Children are prepared to ask questions, problem solve, and confidently interact with peers and adults. The habits and skills that a child develops in a Montessori class last a lifetime.
If children are free to choose their own work, how do you ensure that they receive a well-rounded education?
Montessori children are free to choose within limits, and have only as much freedom as they can handle with appropriate responsibility. The guide creates daily and weekly lesson plans and tracks every lesson for each child, observing for repetition and signs of readiness for the next lesson. The guide maintains detailed individualized records of each child’s progress. If the guide observes that a child has not been practicing or pursuing a particular area of learning, they will help to guide the child back to this work.
How does Montessori use computers/technology in the classroom and in the curriculum?
We introduce computers into the classroom in our elementary program. Young children learn best through experience in the concrete, tactile reality of the three-dimensional world rather than through two-dimensional simulation of an electronic, virtual reality. Consider the child’s experience of a cube, they learn more by lifting a polished wooden block that measures 10 cm on each side and weighs 50 grams vs seeing a flat, screen image of a cube (actually a two-dimensional hexagon).When children develop discipline, conceptual thinking skills and social emotional balance, they adopt technology with ease as they grow older.
What is the Training of Fiore’s teachers/guides?
Our guides have AMI certifications and Master's Degrees in Education. In addition to the intensive coursework, the AMI certification also requires over 200 hours of observation and student teaching hours as well.
Is Fiore nut free?
Fiore is "nut aware". This means that we do not serve or prepare any foods containing nuts. We also ask that families do not use nuts and nut products in their children's lunches for school. However, there is always a risk of cross-contamination, etc. that we are unable to prevent.
Do you offer part time program options for younger children?
The school year runs from late August to early June. All of our program options are 5 days a week to build consistency in the children's daily lives and offer continuity for the classroom communities. There is a half day option for children under the age of 5 years.
Does Fiore offer summer sessions?
Yes, Fiore offers summer sessions from infant through elementary for children to maintain consistency in their routines. The summer sessions are only offered to students currently attending Fiore.
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