Holly Brook Montessori School

Posted: March 29, 2019

Posted: March 29, 2019

Posted: March 29, 2019

Posted: March 29, 2019

I have had several children go through all three years at Holly Brook Montessori. Each of my children (who are very different) had a fantastic experience at the school and ended up kinder children with an excellent education. The atmosphere is very cordial and the teachers are well trained. The school teaches children to be gentle to one another and fosters their academic curiosity. If I had an unlimited amount of money, there is no other school I would have sent my children to anywhere.

By the way, re: the negative review, I was present when there were a number of snow days. At the time, I thought the parents who complained were completely out of line. We all knew what the snow policy was when we signed up (to follow FCPS's decisions--a policy they changed the next year). We also don't all live right next to the school, so the school has to factor in road conditions in the nearby area. I have children in both schools; when it comes to inclement weather, they are open more than either FCPS or the local private schools and they also don't have teacher workdays all the time.

Posted: March 29, 2019

Posted: March 29, 2019

Posted: March 29, 2019

Posted: February 12, 2017

I have had 2 sons attend Holly Brook Montessori. My eldest son, now in 2nd grade, did the full 3 years at the school and I has so surprised when transitioning into 1st grade public school. Not only was he MORE than advanced but they had to pull him out for a "gift" math course. The school said that because he was able to multiplication, division and factions; they wanted to challenge him even further. As a parent I couldn't believe how much a child (MY CHILD) learned from a preschool.

My younger son is currently attending Holly Brook, and he enjoys every moment. He is always excited to come in and help the classroom. I think he feels accomplished because he always comes home and tells me all the things he was able to do. This is his 2nd year at Holly Brook and with my past experience, I have already decided that my child WILL attend the kindergarten program, now lets hope he gets as in-depth with learning as my 1st son.

My own personal experience was fantastic. I did feel that the office management was a bit unorganized, same with the director, but the teachers and assistants were amazing. They are the foundations of proper education.

Posted: February 12, 2017

Posted: February 12, 2017

Posted: February 12, 2017

Posted: February 12, 2017

Holly Brook has changed my children into caring compassionate, and respectful people.

Posted: February 12, 2017

Posted: February 12, 2017

Posted: May 11, 2016

Posted: May 11, 2016

Posted: May 11, 2016

Posted: May 11, 2016

We enrolled our daughter in Holly Brook in the Fall of 2015 and couldn't be happier. Her teachers are loving, creative, and in tune with both her emotional and academic development. Her teachers are always available via email if we are not able to talk to them before or after school. Ms. Lorre and Mr. Smith are organized and do a great job communicating about school events and activities. Kids bring their own lunch and the school provides snacks. No complaints from us (or our daughter) about the school-provided snacks.

Posted: December 3, 2015

Started our 3yo here in fall 2015. Impressed so far. Our son surprises us with the things he's learned - a song about all the continents, how frogs catch insects with their tongues, how to sew/button/zip, etc. You can tell he's done a lot because he comes home pooped and naps for 2 hours or more! I like the events they arrange for parents so that we can interact w/teachers and other parents. Our friend who referred this school said that kids that go here end up way ahead once they go to public school. Her oldest son went here 2 years then transitioned to a high-end private school and was bored to tears, having already learned at Holly Brook the same curriculum a year earlier. I can also see they're very focused on preventing bullying, though I have mixed feeling about their approach. They are very against superhero anything - no superhero-logo'd attire, no simulating shooting on the playground or putting each other into pretend "jail" or touching each other on the playground in any way. They can't even wear superhero costumes on halloween, preferring to instead make it an "international day" which does end up being fun. Part of me thinks that type of role-playing is an important part of their development, but I also admire their focus on keeping everyone safe and preventing anyone from feeling bullied. I also like that they don't ban nuts. And that they are happy to work around any food preferences you have for your child. So far I'm very happy.

Posted: December 3, 2015

Posted: May 5, 2015

We have been at Holly Brook since January 2015, and my son is thriving. The school is very friendly. Every staff member knows my son's name. His teacher, Mrs. Dorji, is incredible-- she is calm, patient and understands how to connect the children's lessons to their individual interests. Holly Brook took parent feedback regarding snow days very seriously. The school often did not follow FCPS this year, and instead based the decision on our local roads. We had a small issue with an older child picking on my son when he first started. As soon as I brought it to the teacher s attention, it was addressed with the best possible outcome. The teacher created lots of opportunities for the two boys to work and play together, and as a result they are now friends. I also want to comment on the great snacks. Ms. Lorre takes a balanced approach to food and the kids try lots of new things. While most snacks are healthy, there are also days when the kids have something sweet. I think this teaches the kids to handle treats responsibly rather than completely cutting out all sugary foods. We are so happy with this great little school!

Posted: November 16, 2014

The Holly Brook Motessori school take every favor in their own term. They claimed to follow fairfax county off schedule when winter emergency alert is issued. In Jan 2014 ~ March 2014, we had 10 days off because of snow or ice. And fairfax county public school make up at least half of those. And we have to complain to Scott Smith many times, he finally decide to make up with 1 day and gave us pizza for last day. Come on - a slice of pizza traded for 8 missing days. He doesn't want to pay for part time worker at school when it is snow. So he will take advantage to save money. Sometiems, public school take off because temperature is too low for kids stay outside to wait for school bus and he decide to take day off too. What is your excuse, Mr. Smith (Not honest, cutting corner, running cheap school owner)? I think the Vine school across is much better choice for your kid.

Posted: November 13, 2014

My child was being bully at pre-school (4 years old) in Holly Brook Montessori School . I have talked to teachers, and Scott Smith the director (owner) of the school about the problem. They told me there is no bully in the school it is just rough play and the other kid is working in progress. But I saw the kid push my son with both hands, yelling and shouting at him when my son draw his picture, told my son that you can not join us, calling my son's game is silly game. It broke my heart just watch my son keep quiet. One time, he even return home with bruise mark close to his spine. Another day, he had blood scar on his face. The problem is The director even ask me to withdraw my kid from school when I complain him over the phone. Then I found out the bully's parent go with the same church that owner Scott Smith is going. Not recommend to send your kids to this bully private Motessori school.