Montessori Lower-Elementary School Program in Chevy Chase
ONENESS-FAMILY
Lower Elementary
School Program
The Oneness-Family School elementary program has a strong emphasis on cultivating community, finding one’s own voice, and contributing to a peaceful and sustainable world. For students in grades one though 3, the cross-curricular Montessori program combines math, science, reading, writing, expressive art, foreign language, yoga, and athletics with social and emotional learning.
- Students in our Arbor class (Grades 1-3) are ready for complex subject matter and learn about the evolution of life on Earth and the animal and plant kingdoms.
- Academically, students are grouped according to ability level in language and math, regardless of age or grade.
- Students’ social-emotional skills are strengthened during nature studies, museum and outdoor trips, and academic and arts presentations.
Arbor Adventures
Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
Mar 15 2024
Our lower elementary class at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC. What an inspiring and architecturally stunning place to visit as part of their year-long journey to learn about the world’s religions!
Coast Guard Air Station
Feb 6 2024
Unforgettable day at the Coast Guard Air Station with our Lower Elementary students! Thanks to Arbor parent Keith Thomas for an exclusive tour, giving our students a firsthand look at the incredible work of the people who protect our coastlines.
Place of Worship Project
Jan 24 2024
As the culmination of their studies on world religions, our lower elementary Arbor students became researchers and architects, exploring the unique facets of various religious places of worship.
Each student chose a different type of place of worship, researched its notable features, uses, and history, and then built a detailed model. From temples to churches to mosques, the models were presented in class today. They inspired a spirited discussion as the class displayed their knowledge of the different religious cultures and traditions around the world!
Smithsonian African Voices Exhibit
Oct 30 2023
Our lower elementary class had a fascinating time on their field trip to the Smithsonian’s African Voices exhibit!
As a complement to their unit focus on the continent of Africa, the exhibit allowed our students to engage with over 400 artifacts, shedding light on the fundamental needs of humans like shelter and food. Students also explored commerce, art, political activism, and community life from a multitude of communities and personal viewpoints.
We’re grateful for this eye-opening experience, inspiring our students to become global citizens with a deeper understanding of the world around them.
“Unless you know the road you’ve come down, you cannot know where you are going.”
—Temne proverb, Sierra Leone
Echo Hill Outdoor School
May 31 2023
Our Arbor third-graders made the most of Echo Hill Outdoor School today, exploring the Chesapeake Bay shoreline and embarking on a sailing adventure. They were even joined by school founder Andrew for lunch!
Avatamsaka Vihara Buddhist Temple
Apr 3 2023
Today, our lower elementary class had an amazing field trip to the Avatamsaka Vihara Buddhist Temple in Potomac.
Guided by a monk at the temple, students learned all about Buddhism, the temple’s rich cultural heritage, and the meaning behind all of the beautiful statues and intricate artwork surrounding them.
Learning about different cultures and religions is an important facet of the Oneness-Family School curriculum, and we feel grateful for the multitude of places of worship in the DC area that welcome our school.
Did You Know?
In Lower Elementary Montessori classrooms, children work in mixed-age groups and explore big ideas through concrete, hands-on materials, nurturing their growing sense of reasoning, collaboration, and moral development.
Key Program Components
Academic Curriculum
Students in our Arbor class (Grades 1-3) are ready for complex subject matter and learn about the evolution of life on Earth and the animal and plant kingdoms. In reading, writing, spelling, math, and foreign language lessons, students are grouped according to ability level. Science, geography, and history classes are taught on a 3-year cycle of themes to the entire classroom, with assignments adjusted for ability level.
Learning Organizational Skills
Lower Elementary students begin to develop internal organizational skills by making daily work plans in consultation with teachers that include lessons they need to attend, independent assignments, and special projects chosen for personal academic interest.
Individualized learning, allowing students to immerse themselves in their area of interest, facilitates mastery of essential academic skills
Regular Assessment
In language arts and math, elementary students work in groups according to ability level, regardless of age or grade, and are assessed regularly for both academic progress and social-emotional development. Each student keeps a portfolio of the year’s best work and takes part in regular self-assessments and peer assessments. All are encouraged to express their unique personalities through art, music, and movement.
Assessment
The high quality of learning in the Lower Elementary program is founded on the depth of understanding the teachers have about the holistic development of each student.
Academically, students are grouped according to ability level in language and math, regardless of age or grade. Each student is assessed regularly by demonstrating knowledge directly to teachers; the teachers’ ongoing observation and documentation of progress; and regular quizzes and tests.
Personal Assessment
There are three Progress Reports and three Parent-Teacher Conferences each year, which review both academic progress and social-emotional development. Each student keeps a portfolio of the year’s best work. They engage in self-assessments and peer assessments of academic progress and personal growth. Overall, student assessment focuses on reinforcing central tenets of Oneness-Family School: to value learning; to become an ethical person, and to recognize that every person has unique strengths. At our school, the goal is for everyone to be successful and to be able to demonstrate that success.
Standardized Testing
Our third graders consistently score at the 90th percentile and above in the Stanford 10 Achievement Test administered annually. The Stanford 10 is a comprehensive, standardized achievement test used across the U.S. and in American schools abroad.
Montessori was founded on the principle of observations and in addition to tracking academic skills, the teachers record social, emotional, and physical abilities to better serve the student’s needs and support their development.
Tracking is done on each individual student’s progress by grade and subject following the school’s annual subject goals and a scope and sequence developed by Dr. Montessori. Tracking is based on conversation, presentation, observation, self-assessments, and student portfolios, and progress is shared in detailed reports.
Self-Discovery & Social-Emotional Learning
Elementary school years span a major period of social development, one tended carefully by teachers and staff to foster each student’s sense of belonging in the classroom, school, and wider communities of city, nation, and the world.
Students’ social-emotional skills are strengthened and their perspectives enhanced during nature studies, museum and outdoor trips, and academic and arts presentations, which also help them develop self-confidence and an appreciation for the lives and talents of others.
Field Trips
Field trips enhance current classroom studies and familiarize students with public centers of knowledge and their roles in the civic life of society. Camping trips and outdoor adventure programs deepen bonds of trust among students and teachers and cultivate experiences of personal growth for everyone.
Science Fair
First grade marks the beginning of each student’s full participation in the annual Science Fair where students up through Middle School choose and conduct an age-appropriate experiment and present the findings to student and adult audiences.
Arts Electives
Music, art, and drama connect to study topics, and students prepare artistic works to present on United Nations Day and at the Festival of Lights.
Community Meeting
All elementary students participate in the Friday all-school community meeting and the special birthday ceremony for all ages that occurs each month at the meeting.
Global Citizens
Knowledge, understanding, and action are foundations of global citizenship and our life as an international peace academy.
Students look after the life of the classroom and learn to act on their care for the school, their community, and the world. Daily “jobs” include caring for class pets and keeping the classroom materials clean and organized. Students participate in community service projects to help victims of natural disasters, support local homeless shelters, and raise funds to build wells in the drought-stricken Azawak region of Niger, among other projects.
Cultural Study Curriculum
The Grades 1-3 curriculum focuses on a different country each year, enabling the students to learn widely about its people, history, geography, flora and fauna, and gifts and challenges as a whole. These years of study build a basic understanding of different societies’ contributions to the world and instill a sense of connection between the students and the places they study, highlighted by the diverse international representation within the OFS student body.
United Nations & World Religions Studies
First through third-grade students learn about the United Nations and world religions as part of their three year curriculum. They visit embassies and diverse places of worship in conjunction with these studies. These areas of the Elementary curriculum build the global awareness that is one of the school’s key objectives.
Student Government
Governance is an important dimension of citizenship represented by the OFS Student Government. Third-grade students qualify to join the Student Government and help shape the participatory life of the school, suggesting ways to create a stronger community through celebrations and acting on shared concerns.
Athletics & Fitness
Our fitness and athletic program is centered around the goals of wellness, physical conditioning, and sportsmanship.
Activity offerings include weekly yoga, basic team sports, and creative movement.
At the Lower Elementary level, sports are introduced with a special emphasis on developing strength, flexibility, and coordination. Students learn the basic skills of kickball, volleyball, basketball, soccer, and other sports, and use the social-emotional skills learned in the Self-Discovery aspect of the school’s curriculum to practice good sportsmanship in victory and defeat. They develop mind-body awareness and personal well-being through yoga and movement classes.
After-school sports programs have included soccer, gymnastics, and basketball, offered in mixed-gender groups according to age level.
Take The Next Step
If you’re interested in learning more, we can arrange for you to visit the school and take a tour
Book a TourMeet Your Teachers
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Kelly Bristow
Lower Elementary Teacher (Grades 1-3)
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Biography
Kelly Bristow is an accomplished educator with a passion for inspiring young minds. She holds a degree in Art History from American University and has taught in various settings throughout her career. Her journey as an educator began when she taught English in South Korea, where she honed her skills in communication and cultural sensitivity.
After returning to the United States, Kelly worked at the National Zoo, leading tours and sharing her love for animals with visitors of all ages. She then transitioned to a role as a substitute and aftercare teacher at Oneness-Family School, where she gained valuable experience working with children of all ages and abilities, before becoming a teacher in the Lower Elementary class in 2020.
Kelly’s teaching philosophy centers on empowering children to ask questions, seek answers, and become advocates for themselves and their communities. She believes that education is more than just acquiring knowledge; it’s about fostering empathy, justice, and connection.
When she’s not in the classroom, Kelly can be found indulging in her love of reading, writing, drawing, crafting, and playing music. She has a particular fascination with animal behavior, fashion history, and art, and enjoys sharing her knowledge with her students whenever possible.
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Robin Socol
Lower Elementary Teacher (Grades 1-3) – Maternity Leave
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Biography
Robin joined the Oneness-Family School team in 2017 after relocating from Boston, where she began her teaching career in Boston Public Schools. She is a graduate of Tufts University (B.A.) and Boston University (M.A.), and has completed her Montessori training at the Institute for Advanced Montessori Studies. Within Montessori, she is particularly drawn to the idea of the teacher as observer and experimenter in the classroom, which makes every day its own adventure.
Outside of school, Robin spends time with her husband and their rascally rescue dog, Bandit. Her passions include reading and travel, and she is a lifelong student of languages.
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Shelby Alston
Lower Elementary Teacher (Grades 1-3)
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Biography
After graduating from Ohio Wesleyan University, Shelby Alston joined the Oneness-Family School in 2014. She has a B.A. in English and Sociology. While attending college, Shelby was a member of several prominent campus clubs, including The Student Union on Black Awareness, Sisters United, and The Presidents club. She received many awards while at school, most notably a Golden Bishop award for her work in the community and as a tutor at a school in Columbus, Ohio. She loves to teach science and math and explore the fascinating concepts within each subject with her students.
Shelby enjoys reading, especially science fiction and fantasy in her free time. She also likes to spend time with her nieces, going on walks, having brunch with family and friends, and
Skype with her long-distance friends.
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Sara O’Keefe
Long-Term Substitute (Grades 1-3)
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Quote: Julia Tchikine ’23
During my time at Oneness, I have learned how to be a successful student, the importance of connection, and to be willing to push myself out of my comfort zone. I have also learned that I am brave enough to speak up when needed.
Julia shares her 8th grade graduation speech, given on June 10, 2023.
Oneness has been a dream come true; a school environment where I have been supported, respected, and loved. I have been prepared with academic skills, but also taught important lessons that I will carry with me through the rest of my life. During my time at Oneness, I have learned how to be a successful student, the importance of connection, and to be willing to push myself out of my comfort zone. I have also learned that I am brave enough to speak up when needed.
In the Arbor, my teachers Shawn, Samantha, Madhavi, Robin, and Shelby prepared me for the academic journey ahead, teaching me about new kinds of work such as working with grammar boxes, using math materials like the checkerboard, and reading books during SSR, which became one of my favorite times during the day.
In the Academy, I built deeper connections with my friends and my teachers, Josh and Malkia. I have made incredible friendships during my time at Oneness, and my time in the Academy has helped me grow more confident in approaching new people.
In fifth grade, during our time online, when I wasn’t able to see my teachers and friends in-person anymore, I realized how important the connections I had to them were. Even in this strange time, everyone at Oneness tried to make things seem as connected and normal as possible, especially Josh, who made quarantine more bearable by having Zoom calls with me during the summer of 2020.
In the Ambassadors, I have learned to push myself outside of my comfort zone and that I can do things that I might have thought impossible.
I have gone on many trips in the Ambassador classroom, which have helped me to learn to stretch beyond my comfort zone. When we went to West Virginia in seventh grade, I learned how brave I really am, especially when I walked 876 feet above the ground across the New River Gorge.
In eighth grade, we went to the Montessori Model United Nations meeting in New York, which was a transformative experience. I had been worried about going on the subway, which I hadn’t done since the start of COVID, but I managed to overcome that fear with the help of my teachers and friends. I even learned I can survive repeated trips on a high-speed glass elevator despite my fear of heights.
I have also learned to speak up even when I’ve found it difficult. There were times when I worried that something someone was doing would hurt someone else. When I have spoken up, the teachers and staff that I have talked to have always been encouraging, supportive, and caring. This support has made it easier each time that I have spoken up.
Before I close, I would like to offer some acknowledgments. Andrew, your vision for a school has shaped so many people’s lives and created an environment where everyone can learn, grow, and thrive. Karen, you are a beacon of support and are always ready to answer any questions.
Shawn, Madhavi, Samantha, Shelby, and Robin, you created a space of joy in the Arbor classroom and instilled that love of learning in me from the very beginning.
Josh and Malkia, you are amazing teachers and funny, encouraging, patient, and great listeners.
Hannah, you have always been willing to listen and support me. You are always there to steady me, soothe my fears, and help me cut down the lengthy writing assignments. You are always willing to assist with any technical issues that I have run into – you are a genius!
Pearl, you are truly one of those teachers who knows how to balance learning and fun. You have always made me laugh, even on the days I was sure were the worst, and you have always been there to nudge me on track while still being funny at the same time.
To the fifth graders heading into sixth grade, I would like to tell you that your new teachers are some of the most wonderful teachers in the world.
Hans, you have always been there for me whenever I needed you, and you can always make me laugh or smile.
Irene, I appreciate your kindness and cheerful nature.
Fiorenza, sei l’insegnante di italiano più meravigliosa, ovviamente, non c’è neanche bisogno di dirlo. Continuerò a praticare il mio italiano e ti sono molto grata per avermi aiutato così tanto!
To Luis, Matlyn, Guido, Mike, Brian, Bodil, Ariel, and all of the other people who make Oneness a better place, thank you.
Finally, I would like to thank my family; Mother, Daddy, Alexandra, and our cat Trixie. You have always been there to help me and to listen to anything I wanted to talk about. There really can’t be a more supportive family than all of you.
As I conclude, I would like to say that while I cannot see what lies before me, I can look back at the journey I’ve had and truly appreciate what a big part Oneness has played in crafting the person I am today. Oneness-Family School may be an unusual name, but a better one couldn’t have been chosen – we are truly one family.
Thank you.
Julia Tchikine ’23
Explore The classroom
Arbor
Arbor is our two specially-designed learning environment where we offer our Lower Elementary program to grades 1 – 3.