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Belle Meade Montessori School

An independent middle and high school based on Montessori principles

About Belle Meade Montessori School

Belle Meade Montessori School provides an exceptional educational experience that includes individual responsibility as well as social and environmental consciousness through experiential learning. Belle Meade creates a community built on integrity and harmony, on love and respect for nature. Rooted on a holistic farm, the various facets of Belle Meade support, enhance, and complement one another. We welcome students from all backgrounds with or without prior Montessori experience. Accredited by Virginia Independent School Association (VISA).

Belle Meade Montessori School is currently open for primary, elementary, middle and high school for ages 3-18. Please contact board@bellemeadeschool.org for more information.

“Success depends on self-confidence, on the awareness of one’s own talents, and of the many possibilities of their adaptation. The awareness of one’s own usefulness, the feeling that one can help humanity in various ways, fills the heart with a noble confidence.” – Maria Montessori

Our Classes

Course Overviews

Advanced Mathematics/Pre-Calculus

The integration of geometry, algebra, and trigonometry is the goal of pre-calculus. Detailed study of polynomial functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, trigonometric functions, analytic g…

Algebra I

Algebra is the study of numerical patterns and their abstract representations. Students represent and analyze these patterns using functions, operations, tables, and graphs. Students learn these conce…

Algebra II

This course is intended to build upon the concepts developed in geometry and Algebra I. The course covers advanced topics in algebra such as polynomials and their graphs, division of polynomials, co…

American History I

American History I introduces students to key events in the history of the western hemisphere with emphasis on the development of the United States. Students begin to develop formal academic researc…

American History II

American History II expands on the foundation laid in American History I. Students delve deeper into research and analysis as they study key events in the history of the Western Hemisphere. They learn…

American Literature

Students will read classic and contemporary works, by American authors, in a mix of mediums, including poetry, prose, essays and long-form works. Critical thinking skills will be further developed uti…

Anatomy & Physiology

Anatomy is a branch of Biology concerned with the scientific study of the physical structures of organisms. The structures of insects, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals will be explored by way of hand…

Art

Using traditional techniques and emerging technologies, this class emphasizes exploration, analysis, and investigation of the creative process. Students develop technical skills that empower them to c…

Biology

This course uses problem-solving techniques to explore living systems. High School Biology includes a variety of hands-on experiments and challenges students to explore basic life processes, cellular …

British Literature

Students will read classic and contemporary works, by authors from the British Isles, in a mix of mediums, including poetry, prose, essays and long-form works. Critical thinking skills will be further…

Chemistry

Chemistry is focused on the study of the structure and composition of matter, and the changes that occur to matter during various chemical and physical interactions. The course provides many hands-on …

Drama

All students participate in drama lessons which include improvisation, drama games, and exercises. Students produce and act in a Broadway quality musical one year and a student written production in a…

Earth Science

Students will study the structure of the earth, minerals and their properties, rock formation, methods for geologic dating, earth processes, plate tectonics, weathering, the hydrosphere, the atmospher…

Electives

Electives are offered based on student interest and need. Past classes include Foods, Yearbook, Gardening, Robotics and Multimedia Production.

Farm Chores

Daily chores sustain the farm, school, and community. Students and staff all take part in this work twice a day: in the morning and in the afternoon. Every few weeks, chores rotate so that students ha…

Geometry

Geometry is the study of spatial reasoning. Students learn properties of two-dimensional and three-dimensional figures, classical reasoning, geometric construction, and Cartesian geometry. Students le…

Government and Economics I

Students learn the foundations and principles of government by studying the works of contemporary and historic political authors. The study the constitution and other founding documents as they crea…

Government and Economics II

High School English – Creative Writing Workshop

Students will develop their self-expression through the creative writing process. They will be expected to write every day, including journaling, essays and creative work, to help them develop confide…

High School English – Non-fiction Writing Workshop

Students will develop their self-expression and non-fiction writing skills. In this course, special emphasis will be placed on developing capabilities to: inquire and explore, analyze and interpret, a…

Horsemanship/Riding

Our equestrian program offers a wide range of activities that serve beginner, intermediate, and advanced riders. Students will be introduced to a wide range of horse care skills: daily care and groomi…

Human Intimacy and Relationships Round Table

Interest in human intimacy is a natural attribute of adolescence that ties directly into self-concept and a developing self and social identity. This interest results in both questions and conversatio…

Instrumental Music

The instrumental music program emphasizes basic musical skills for band and orchestra. Students study the elements of music, and how to create and to enjoy music.

Integrated Science

Students study the fundamentals of physics, chemistry, earth, and space sciences. This course introduces students to the scientific method and allows for exploration while challenging students to ma…

Introduction to the Spanish Language

Introduction to Spanish focuses on teaching conversational Spanish and includes grammar, vocabulary, written, and conversational Spanish. This class also introduces the student to Spanish and Latin-Am…

Language Arts

Language Arts is designed to help students develop their self-expression and empathy through the writing process. Students read many different types of books across many different genres to help them …

Life Science

Life Science explores living systems through experience and experimentation, as well expository instruction and reading. This course challenges students to expand their understanding of evolution, bas…

Literary Seminar

This course uses the Socratic Method to facilitate dialogue among the students, engaging them by asking and answering questions and encouraging them to do the same. The goal is to stimulate critical t…

Microeconomy

Students gain real life experience and develop independence as they engage in practical economics. Students learn economics by creating and running their own business. They learn economic terms, princ…

Middle School Math

Middle school mathematics emphasizes problem solving and assists the student in finding mathematical solutions. In addition to problem solving this course reviews and enhances the student’s understa…

Music Literacy

Our music program offers instrumental and vocal students an arena in which to develop skills and public performance. Fundamentals of reading music and ear training are equally emphasized throughout th…

Physical Expression

Physical Expression (Phys. Ed.) focuses on exploring and engaging in outdoor physical activities that can be continued throughout life. Students gain strength, skill, sportsmanship, and self-confidenc…

Faculty

Meet the teachers and administrators that make us who we are.

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Pam Mandigo

Head of School and Teacher of History and Social Studies Pam brings a passion for outdoor education and extensive classroom experience to her work at …

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Jami Davis

Head of the Lower School and Lead LS Guide – Jami enjoys working with children of all ages and specifically loves to design learning opportuni…

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Susan Hoffman

Founder and School Board Chair – Susan is a dedicated and compassionate leader who provides inspiration and vision for the school program, worki…

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Sue Garvin

English and Literature & Horsemanship – Sue brings her infectious love of learning to school. After graduating from the University of Penn…

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Michael J. Biniek

Head of Farm – Mike brings a love of nature, the outdoors, and wildlife. His energy and wily sense of humor make working with him an adventure. …

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Lakota Coon

Primary Teacher – After growing up in Rappahannock county, Lakota attended a boarding school in Massachusetts with a focus on the head, the hand…

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Jonathan Saylor

Math and Science Teacher Jonathan Saylor earned his BS in Geology at Eastern Michigan University before working as a professional field geologist for …

Belle MeadeMontessori School

Pre-K to 12th

Intentionally Academic

With Individualized Attention

Fostering Growth

Scientific Exploration

Social and Emotional Learning

Responsibility and Passion

Performing Arts

Global Learning

Fun

About Belle Meade Montessori School

Pam Mandigo

Jami Davis

Susan Hoffman

Sue Garvin

Michael J. Biniek

Lakota Coon

Jonathan Saylor

Announcements

Belle Meade
Montessori School