The Del Ray Montessori School is a non-profit Montessori School located in the quaint Del Ray neighborhood of Alexandria, Virginia, we are associated and recognized by AMI/USA (Association Montessori International). Founded in 2011, we serve children ages 18 months through age 12 and their families in the DC metropolitan area.
The Del Ray Montessori School strives to ensure that each child has the resources, tools, and support they need to excel at their own pace.
Given the individualized nature of educational instruction at DRMS, our teachers are able to work with students who may excel in certain subject areas, without conventional limits being placed on a child’s learning progression.
Katie Farris, our on-site Resource Specialist and trained Occupational Therapist is an integral part of our program, not an external service. With training in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and the ASQ-SE developmental screening tool, she strengthens our ability to support a wide range of learners. She partners with teachers to observe children in real time, identify developmental needs early, and support strategies within the classroom. She also guides families in accessing additional services when needed.
What Inclusion Looks Like in Our Classrooms
Children using AAC devices participate fully in lessons and social interactions
Classrooms are adapted for children with physical mobility needs
Teachers adjust pacing, presentation, and expectations based on each child’s readiness
Sensory needs are supported through environment and routine
Specialists collaborate with teachers to support individual development
When a child needs support—whether for communication, movement, sensory processing, or learning differences—we begin with possibility.
If we can adapt the environment, we do.
If we can adjust our approach, we do.
If we can partner with families and specialists, we do.
Our goal is not to determine whether a child fits our program, but how our program can support the child.
At DRMS, we have created a movement program to respond to the need for movement breaks that children require throughout the day. All DRMS students have access to movement materials, flexible seating options, and activities that they can utilize anytime throughout the day to help manage extra energy and movement needs. This program was designed by our Resource Specialist on staff to complement our Montessori curriculum.
In addition to our Resource Specialist, our DRMS faculty and staff have been trained and certified in the following areas to support the emotional, social and academic development of our students.
Positive Discipline is an approach that focuses on creating a positive social-emotional environment where children are given the tools to develop respectful relationships and practice responsibility.
Orton-Gillingham. This multi sensory approach to literacy focuses on improving reading, writing and spelling skills.
