For those new to the world of Catholic Montessori, check out these informative and beautiful talks by Maggie Radzik at Siena Academy in Washington DC.

Mission Statement

We are a cooperative school embracing the Montessori method and the richness of Catholicism. We believe the environment of the home and the environment of the school are deeply complementary in the formation of the whole child. Our selection of materials, our style of teaching and the design of the school environment reflect our vision of a child centered, joyful community that leads each person to his or her unique vocation of holiness and a lifelong love of learning.

Why Montessori

For those new to the world of Catholic Montessori education, we encourage you to learn more about this beautiful and transformative method. Maggie Radzik, founder and long time Montessori educator at Siena Academy in Washington DC, offers some insightful and informative talks on several key topics below.

Overview / Four Stages of the Human Person

The Prepared Environment

Discipline

Prepare the Child for School, Prepare the Child for Life

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

Welcome to Saint Joseph Montessori

Saint Joseph Montessori School was founded by two of us young mothers back in 2016. We had been full time Montessori teachers but believed it was time to focus on our own families and the home. We wanted our children to receive the loving, orderly approach to learning that the Montessori method provides, and trying to do it alone made us both throw up our hands.

Inviting in other families to join us allowed us to spread out some of the work. Soon we were growing and hiring a teacher to take our places in the classroom. Becoming a nonprofit allowed me to step away for a season, return as head of school, and now turn over the reins to our new director, Alycia Valentiny.

Complementing and not replacing the home has been our mission since day one. We also believe in the power of community to give our children not only the gift of friendship and life long learning, but also give our families the blessing of doing the hardest work together: bringing our children into the faith that will root their lives in God's peace. Thanks to the legacy of Dr. Maria Montessori and the model of our holy patron, St. Joseph, we are thrilled to be able to welcome many of you into this beautiful work.

Claire Fyrqvist, Founder