Why Choose Butler School

#1: Butler School offers an outstanding Montessori-based education for children three years old through eighth grade.

Each child gains a strong foundation of traditional academics, covering a broad range of subjects such as reading, writing, mathematics, social studies, science, and foreign language study. In addition, children participate in music, art, physical education, and other activities to round out their academic experience.

Children are taught using the Montessori Method. All work is done at the pace of the individual. Students are free to move ahead in a particular subject whenever they are ready. This allows children to reach their full potential and develop a love of learning as they grow from preschoolers to mature adolescents.

The Montessori classroom and curriculum meet the unique needs of each developmental stage:

For children ages 3 to 6, our Montessori Primary classes…

● Facilitate the young child’s ability to learn large amounts of information almost effortlessly and acquire skills with ease.
● Engage the child in lessons that promote intellectual, physical, and social growth.
● Provide materials to help the child learn language, writing, mathematics, geography, botany, and other knowledge to form a strong foundation for more advanced study.
● Offer year-round and school year-only programs. Half day (9:00 am to noon), full day (9:00 am to 3:00 pm), and all day (7:45 am to 5:30 pm) options are also available.
● Foster independence with child-sized furniture and equipment.
● Include a private bathroom in each classroom designed for young children.

For children ages 6 to 12, our Montessori Elementary classes…

● Provide a sanctuary for children to learn and grow at their own pace, including time to pursue individual interests.
● Encourage open communication, with a strong focus on peer mediation and conflict resolution.
● Include individual conferencing with teachers to help with goal setting.
● Mimic the “real world” experience…students can move around the classroom, brainstorm and share ideas/lessons with others and develop individualized work plans.
● Prepare children for more traditional learning environments later in their academic careers; for example, testing older Elementary children yearly.

For children in grades 7 and 8, our Montessori Intermediate classes…

● Support the academic, physical, emotional and social development of the young adolescent during the transition from childhood to young adult.
● Challenge students to work to their highest potential and to be authentic; to think for themselves, to reflect, to question, to listen and to develop their unique “voice”.
● Provide opportunities for self-expression through arts, music, cooking and construction, allowing for the adolescent’s natural tendencies to talk, express and create.
● Uphold the belief that children have an innate love of learning fueled by continuous opportunities for exploration.
● Encourage decision making and independent, creative thinking.
● Prepare eighth grade graduates to excel and thrive at academically challenging private and public high schools, including magnet programs.

#2: A caring community

When your child becomes a student at Butler School, you and your child become part of a caring community of teachers, staff, children and parents where families and students form friendships that endure. Your child will benefit from the collective experience, wisdom, knowledge and stability our teachers and administrators have offered for more than 40 years.

Butler School traditions include Fall Festival, which features hayrides and pumpkin painting, Grandparents Day, Parent-Child Night, and Winter Festival. Family Fun Day is a great way to wrap up the school year with student performances, the annual Silent Auction, and assorted food and games. There are also Upper Elementary and Intermediate class plays, ice skating, bowling, and skiing events, and individual class gatherings and holiday celebrations.

#3: An environment where children thrive

The learning environment at Butler School helps foster a culture of respect, trust and responsibility that helps children develop into the individuals they are meant to become. Children work independently, allowing each to grow and adapt based on their needs. Materials and books are also provided for their free use and independent study. All classes are held in beautiful, fully equipped classrooms with lovely views of the outdoors and lots of natural light.

We also offer a physical environment where children thrive. Our beautiful 22-acre campus, including fields, creeks, woods, hiking trails, gardens, stables and a greenhouse provide an atmosphere where children can safely explore and learn about the natural world. Also on campus is an outdoor swimming pool, tennis and basketball courts, ropes course, indoor riding facility, soccer field, and a large playground offering plenty of opportunities for creative play and physical activity. Butler School’s campus is adjacent to Seneca Creek State Park, and the park’s woods and trails add to the natural environment.