First Impressions

Academy
The child is both hope and a promise for mankind-Maria
Montessori

Vision
Our vision is to nurture childrens innate
inclination to learn, leading to a lifelong
passion of learning and exploration. The
result is independent, and responsible agents
of peace in the world. Children who are well
connected with them self, their family,
community, nature, the world, and a higher
power.

Mission
We serve children from ages 0-14 using both
the Montessori and Reggio Emilia educational
models. We nurture childrens innate
inclination to learn and explore, and provide
them with opportunities to develop both
independence and connection.

Program Description
Curriculum
Montessori
Reggio Emilia

Small teacher to
student ratios
Financial Aid is available

Regular Class Hours MF:

8am-2:30pm

Before & After Care:

7am-8am
2:30pm-6pm

Indoor Environment
The Studio

The Classroom

Outdoor Environment
Gardening

Art

Typical Day
Before Care
3 Hour Block
Welcome Time
Work Time (Centers & Studio)
Snack Center

Circle Time
Community Lunch
Nap for younger children & Work time for older children
After Care

Arrival Building
Procedures &
Transitions
A teacher will always be by the classroom door to
greet your child.
Each child puts their belongings away in their
cubby.
Indoor shoes
Centers:
If they know what they want to work on they take
the activity to their work space.
If they need to think about what they want to do
they can come have a seat at the rug.

Practical Life Curriculum

Lessons of Grace and courtesy
Nutrition and food preparation

Sensorial Curriculum
Development of the childs senses and their
importance in the formation of intelligence
Sensorial didactic materials

Math
Development of the childs mathematical
mind
Introduction to numeration, the Decimal
System, operations and fractions.

Language Arts
Building Childrens oral and auditory skills
through literature, poetry, songs, finger plays
and movement activities.
Introduction to the Montessori materials from
pre-reading activities to reading, writing and
grammar

Social Studies
Development of a sense of community
Land and water configurations and map work

Science/Discovery
Development of childs scientific mind
through hands-on activities
Identifying science in other areas of the
Montessori curriculum

Music/Movement/Art
Songs, and instruments
Outdoor and Gym time
The art studio

Assessment of
Childrens Progress
Presenting the activity to the child, allowing
them to practice it, then mastering it.
A chart is used to keep track of each stage

Observation
Portfolio

Field Trips and Special

Events
Local farm visits
Pumpkin patch visit
Nature center
Soup kitchen
Senior center visits

Parent-Teacher
Communications
Home visit
Weekly Newsletter
Parent-Teacher conferences in November &
June
Contac Information:
703-555-8989
Ms.Salwa@FirstImpressions.com

Commitment to
Diversity
First Impressions Academy is committed to diversity and creating a learning
environment that fosters curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking in its
students. We provide a nurturing environment based on the Montessori and
Reggio Emilia methods to allow childrens development to naturally unfold.
FIA teachers follow students individual needs to achieve personal
academic excellence and to become life-long learners who respect
themselves, others and their environment.
At the cornerstone of our success is the diversity of our families. We
welcome and seek to bring together children from a broad spectrum of
ethnic, national, religious, family structure and economic backgrounds. We
will work with families experiencing special circumstances and our
counselor is here to meet with families to help support them through
challenging times. Its our diversity that helps create an environment where
children broaden their perspective of the world through friendships based
on mutual respect and understanding. Your presence enriches our world.