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Belle Meade
Montessori School

An independent school for all ages

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At Belle Meade we learn real stuff

We do real stuff

We grow real stuff

Real World Learning

Adventure and Teamwork

Problem Solving

Experiencing Natural Beauty

Scientific Exploration

Physical Education in Nature

Engaging and Relevant Academics

Performance

Academic Rigor

Music

Community

Attention to the Individual

Cooperation

Fun

Travel

Cultural Experiences

Friendship

Responsibility

Educating the Whole Individual

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 and Critical Thinking

Students will develop their self-expression through critical thinking. They will spend a good deal of time reading classic writings by American authors in a mix of mediums, including poetry, prose, es…

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 and Advanced Grammar

Students will develop through self-expression with appropriate grammar and mechanics. They will spend a good deal of time reading classic writings by British authors in a mix of mediums, including poe…

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.

Equestrian/Riding

Our equestrian program offers a wide range of activities that serve beginner, intermediate, and advanced riders. Lessons take place 3-4 times a week and involve a variety of activities: basic skills a…

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

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…

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 Criticism and Creative Writing

Students will develop their self-expression through the creative writing process. They will spend a good deal of time reading the work of successful, contemporary authors in a mix of mediums, includin…

Literary Seminar

This course uses the Socratic Method to facilitate cooperative argumentative dialogue among the students, based on asking and answering questions. The goal is to stimulate critical thinking and to dra…

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…

Physics

Physics is the study of the properties of matter and energy. The course will cover the topics of classical mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, and modern physics. Laboratory work pro…

Activities

Faculty

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

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John Glass

Head of School and Teacher of Sciences, Social Sciences, Mathematics John is a man of all seasons. He interacts easily with people of all ages. His va…

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Jami Davis

We are excited to announce that Jami will join Belle Meade’s Lower School in August 2020 as the Head Teacher for ages 3 to 12. Jami enjoys working w…

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Mike Dunnigan

Mike Dunnigan will be teaching English beginning August 2020.  He has a BA from Mary Washington College, an MA from George Mason University, and a po…

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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, working towar…

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Becky Glass

Fine Arts Becky is a skilled full time artist who loves teaching.  She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Herron School of Art and Design at Ind…

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Lauren Hammer

Equestrian Lauren Hammer brings a sense of adventure, enthusiasm, energy, and passion to equestrianism.  Lauren studied Biology at Roanoke College, i…

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Kimber Herron

Mathematics, Sciences, Music, Garden Kimber’s wisdom and intelligence make his participation in the school community invaluable. He is a gifted musi…

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Anna Maher

Administration/Grant Writer Anna in her kind, caring, helpful manner supports the staff in a wide variety of ways, writing grants, managing the day-to…

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Michael J. Biniek

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

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Melanie Jean

New for 2019-2020 school year! Spanish Melanie is the Spanish language instructor at Belle Meade Montessori School. While her formal education featur…

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Megan Moore

Megan Moore-Lower School  Megan models peace and sets a calm tone for her students. She is dedicated to her students and their growth and journeys. …

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Joe Parker

I started my working career in the United States Navy Submarine Force, as an Auxiliary Systems Engineer.  While I was in the Navy, I earned my Bachel…

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2 days ago

Teach introductory Spanish to Middle and High School students at Belle Meade Montessori School. Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays 9-12 am.

Start Date: Immediately.

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1 week ago
0 new photos by Mike Dunnigan

Here is the 2nd Trimester Celebration contribution from the HS English II class. Enjoy!!
https://photos.app.goo.gl/vVNmxFKeUQR3RSgs6

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1 week ago

This trimester government and economics students have studied historical governments including the Aztecs, the Iroquois Confederacy, Confucian influence on Chinese bureaucracy, Greeks, and Romans. ... See more

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BEST OF 2020 voting is now live. Please encourage your families, friends and neighbors to vote for Belle Meade Montessori School as well as Belle Meade Swim & Day Camp. Go here to vote now. Every…