A new Montessori preschool is planning to open in 2008 at the site of the original historic 1839 Springdale Boarding School. The building and grounds will be updated to meet the needs of a modern school. Springdale Montessori School is set on almost 6 park-like acres. Beautiful, safe, serene and yet a convenient location in the historic Goose Creek district within minutes from your home, just one mile south of the town of Purcellville.
In addition to teaching in the true spirit of Maria Montessori, Springdale Montessori School’s unique rural and historic location will also offer many ways for the children to interact with the natural world and learn the importance of preserving our local heritage:
- There will be a prepared area where the children, with help from some of our local farmers & local gardeners, learn how to plant and tend a vegetable or flower garden.
- They may be visited by local animal friends such as cows, ponies, lamas, or even a lamb in our school’s 100+ year old original stone & wood barn.
- Local artisans and craftsmen will come and do show and tell at the school.
- The school’s location in a historic district and historic property will help foster the children’s civic engagement.
The first year we may only accept one pre-school (3-5 year) class, so space is limited. To best serve the busiest family schedules, we will offer half day as well as early morning and afternoon enrichment programs along with our regular curriculum.
Springdale Montessori School offers a unique and truly inspiring environment that allows your child to be part of 169 years of living history…..
History of Springdale
Samuel Janney founded the Springdale Boarding School in 1839. It was one of the first girl’s boarding schools in the country. Over the years to come the property served many purposes. During the civil war it was a makeshift hospital for both sides. It is also rumored to have been one of the last stops on The Underground Railroad. At one point, Springdale was owned for 30 years by the head of the Interstate Commerce Commission, Dr. Walter Splawn. He hosted many socials in the parlor with his Texas friends Samuel Rayburn and Lyndon B. Johnson. Dr. Splawn’s grandson Henry Taylor, a 1986 Poetry Pulitzer Prize winner, immortalized Springdale with his poem ‘The Dining Room at Springdale’ (Crooked Run, Louisiana State University Press, 2006). Springdale also operated as a country inn and private school for almost 20 years until 2005.
Celebrate 100 years of Montessori - Visit the traveling Centenary Exhibit and museum collection; A Montessori Journey 1907-2007, which will visit the John Paul II Cultural Center at 3900 Harewood Road, NE in Washington DC between September 10-21. For more information call 202-635-5400
THIS IS A PRE- LAUNCH SITE. THE OFFICIAL SPRINGDALE MONTESSORI WEBSITE IS STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION