Karter School of SOUTH RIDING

Karter School of South Riding is a private Montessori school near Chantilly, VA, serving infants through Kindergarteners, with additional after school and summer programming for older students. We’re proud to be an award-winning Montessori school in South Riding, offering an innovating, child-led curriculum that prepares learners for future success. Schedule a tour of our preschool in South Riding, VA, to see how our independent learners thrive in an environment that puts them first.

South Riding Montessori Campus
25235 Elk Lick Road, South Riding, VA 20152
(703) 327-2003

What is Montessori Inspired Curriculum?

At Karter School of South Riding, we take pride in offering a Montessori-inspired classroom experience that seamlessly integrates the principles of Maria Montessori’s renowned educational philosophy with cutting-edge 21st-century STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) curriculum.

Our commitment to hands-on Montessori materials empowers students to explore and learn through tactile experiences, fostering a deep understanding of foundational concepts. By merging these time-tested methods with a forward-looking STEAM approach, we prepare our students for a dynamic future where creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills are paramount.

At our preschool in South Riding, VA, we believe in nurturing well-rounded individuals who are not only academically proficient but also equipped to excel in our ever-evolving world.

Enrichment Program at Karter Schools

At Karter Schools, we are dedicated to providing a well-rounded educational experience that extends beyond the traditional classroom setting. Our students benefit greatly from a diverse array of enrichments that foster creativity, curiosity, and personal growth.

At our South Riding campus, children receive weekly Music, Science, Mandarin, and Creative Movement classes, each carefully designed to enhance their holistic development. These enrichment experiences not only expand their horizons and cultural awareness but also cultivate a lifelong love for learning, setting them on a path to success in an ever-evolving world.

PROGRAMS WE OFFER:

Why Choose Karter School of South Riding?

Karter School of South Riding is one of the accredited Montessori schools in Chantilly, VA. Our Montessori education is student-led and self-paced. Through our knowledgeable and loving teachers and school administrators, we nurture an environment to guide, care for, and enrich the skills of our students.

Our private Montessori school lets children embrace multi-sensory learning and passionate inquiry. Our multi-age classrooms are designed to foster a community and develop independence, citizenship, and accountability, allowing students to pursue their interests at their own speed, dedicating the time necessary so they understand each idea and achieve their own learning objectives.

5 Areas of Learning at Our Montessori School in South Riding

1. PRACTICAL LIFE

The practical life area will help children learn how to care for themselves and their surroundings. They will acquire skills in food preparation, grace, and manners. As each kid gains skills in time management, multi-step tasks, and problem-solving, these will help develop their executive functioning. Through high-quality education, children will gain confidence and independence.

2. SENSORIAL

Sensory activities teach children to distinguish one object from another, which broadens and hones their senses. Children are capable of absorbing information whether consciously or subconsciously, helping them in identifying and understanding the world. The use of Montessori materials and sensory activities helps the child develop, perception, and awareness of their surroundings.

3. Mathematics

Your child will develop numeracy skills in this subject area which will help them succeed in math classes in the future. The self-correcting nature of Montessori materials encourages your kid to learn independently. They will be able to identify any errors they may have made and then fix them.

4. Cultural Studies

Your kids will discover more about the larger world in the Cultural Studies area. They will learn items related to geography, history, science, art, and music. As a result, a wide variety of materials will be available here, including maps, globes, flags, instruments, artwork, and art materials.

5. Language

Your kid will begin studying letters, phonics, and reading. As your child learns about language and hones their early literacy abilities, they will utilize storybooks, the moveable alphabet, paper, writing tools, and other items in the language area.

Picture Your Child at Karter School of South Riding

Karter Schools is dedicated to providing your child with the best education possible. We cater to children ages 6 weeks and up, providing comprehensive learning programs for infants, toddlers, preschool, pre-kindergarten, junior kindergarten, private kindergarten, and elementary. As an award-winning private Montessori school, our Montessori-inspired curriculum is made to support your child’s physical, emotional, and social growth while laying a solid academic foundation.

Specialized Immersive Programs

Taught by Experts

Whether they are teaching foreign languages (Mandarin and Spanish), music and the performing arts, physical education, STEAM, or robotics, our full-time Montessori-trained professors all possess a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree and are subject matter experts in their fields.

A Safe Learning Environment

We provide healthy home-cooked meals to meet your child’s nutritional needs throughout the day. Our on-site housekeeper and a nightly cleaning crew are dedicated to ensuring our facilities are always clean.

100%

HAPPINESS GUARANTEED

Simply put, your happiness is our top priority, and we want you to 100% love Karter School of South Riding. With our 100% Happiness Guarantee, if for any reason you are not completely thrilled with our program, let us know as soon as possible within your first two weeks from the start date and we’ll work with you to do whatever we can to make it right. If you are still not happy, we will refund a full week of your tuition back to you.

Please note that this guarantee does not include seasonal programs such as summer camp, spring break, or drop-in care.

Karter School of South Riding Is an Accredited School

How does this
benefit your child...

Your child learns from teachers who use strategies that individualize your child’s experience.
Your child meets and exceeds National Standards of Learning.
Your child will always receive the latest and most current educational strategies backed by research.

Karter Schools’ team of professional educators wants to become your trusted partner in supporting your child’s educational development. We also offer a nurturing and educational environment for preschools in where your child can enjoy learning and growing.

Call us today to book an appointment for prospective students.

Ready to Visit our School?

Check out the Calendar to Book a Time to Visit Us

Karter School of South Riding Reviews

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 46 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Jennifer & Minh Truong 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I LOVE Karter South Riding. It's the perfect school. My kids have learned so much here. I love that it's so well-run, the kids are loved and the classrooms are not too big. Food is provided for and they are always open. It's also really differentiating to be run by a board instead of an individual because the set up for success and continuity makes a huge difference. On top of that, this privately owned set of schools goes ABOVE AND BEYOND to ensure the teachers are happy. There are quarterly parties with really nice appreciation gifts (spas, luxury bags, etc) to help teachers know that they are loved. Happy teachers = happy children. I can't complain that my kids know how to read, write, and be independent... They are more than advanced.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   S K 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My child has been attending Karter South Riding for a couple of months now and we are so happy we chose this school. The teachers in my child’s class, Ms. Navodi, Ms. Deanna, and Ms. Shamli, are absolutely wonderful! Their dedication, patience, and genuine care for each child shine through every day. They create such a warm and nurturing environment where the kids feel valued and excited to learn. The lessons are engaging and thoughtfully planned, blending creativity and fun with education. My child comes home with a big smile and stories about the activities they enjoyed, and it’s clear that the teachers truly understand and embrace each child’s unique strengths. We feel so grateful to have such passionate and talented educators shaping our little one’s future. Thank you for all that you do!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   John Bonneville 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. As a first-time parent, you may be wondering if there is a daycare that can provide the same amount of time and the same level of love to support your baby's development. When reality hits and you find yourself searching for a home away from home, know that Karter School of South Riding is that home. Expert professionals like Ms. Eunice, Ms. Tammy, and everyone involved with the infant room will put your mind at ease as your child lights up getting to the door in the morning knowing that they’re going to have another full day of unparalleled care and growth support. You may be disappointed when you go to pick them up at the end of the day, hoping to receive the smiles and love you've missed all day, and watch the smiles and love actually go to Ms. Latasha or Ms. Katie—a sign of how much baby and staff reciprocate the passion, joy, and appreciation. There is truly no better place you could entrust the development of your child. We’re more confident that our daughter will be ready for her near- and long-term challenges with the collaborative care of the Karter School of South Riding staff.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   jonandshikha korringa 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We enrolled our kids at Karter about 5 months ago and they have flourished.  Though they have very different personalities, they have both grown and developed tremendously in such a short time - both academically and socially. The Montessori approach and the amazing, experienced teachers (our kids rave about their teachers and even asked to invite them to their birthday parties 💙) have greatly increased their independence and confidence, and have helped them learn in an engaging way with a diverse curriculum.  We are thrilled with Karter and would absolutely recommend them to anyone looking for a place for their child to learn, grow and have fun with fabulous teachers in a beautiful environment.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Katie Salazar 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing school. Our kindergartener was more than ready for public school. All the teachers are kind and helpful. Each one of our children has a personalized experience that caters to their individual needs. No where else would i trust as much to send our kids all day!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Emily Ward 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We love Karter School! As first time parents we couldn’t have asked for a better experience when it came to trusting a daycare provider with our infant. They encouraged her growth and helped her thrive from day one.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   mack spees 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We highly recommend Karter Schools! A few things that we have really appreciated over the past 2.5+ years in which our kids have been attending Karter include: 1 - Communication - Karter uses an application to share personalized messages, updates, pictures, announcements etc. which makes it easy for us to communicate with teachers and leadership throughout the day. 2 - Community - Karter hosts a handful of seasonally themed events throughout the year which fosters a sense of community. This has been very beneficial for us to get to know other parents, students and teachers. 3 - Excellent Staff - It's clear that Karter puts an emphasis on hiring the right staff. Through the years, our children have been in each "classroom" and our kids have developed great relationships with each one of their teachers. Also, it's evident that the content/curriculum the teachers follow coupled with their style has been very beneficial to our kids growth and development. The teachers are loving and caring. We know our kids are in good, safe hands everyday. Thank you Karter!       - The Spees
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   K. W. 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. After returning to Mrs. Linh from our previous experience she provided our first child, we were so thrilled to have our second start with Karter’s of South Riding.  Greeted by some familiar faces, such as Giana and Terry, and immediately remembering our first child, was such a breath of fresh air and the stress of changing schools was immediately gone.   Katie is wonderful in welcoming and handling the intake as a new member to Karter’s, and everyone is a joy to see every day.  Ms.Deanna, Ms.Navodi, and Ms.Shamli all welcome our child with the utmost care and excitement to educate them.  Thank you ladies for all you do!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Amy Denton 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Karter is a wonderful place to send your child! I sent two of my children there and they were happy, loved, and safe. I was so impressed with how amazing the Montessori approach was and how independent my kids became. My youngest was eating with silverware, drinking out of a regular cup, and putting on his own jacket at 1 year old! I also love all the ways they include the family through performances and celebrations. So much fun. We’ve since moved away to Charlottesville and I wish they’d put a Karter school here as we miss it so much!

Winner of Best Preschool

Frequently Asked Questions About Karter School of South Riding

Does Karter School of South Riding offer infant care?

Yes. Karter School of South Riding offers infant childcare for the youngest children, with classrooms designed for nurturing care, movement, exploration, and early learning. Infants are introduced to age-appropriate sensory activities, outdoor play, music, early vocabulary, and basic concepts like colors, shapes, and numbers. Families can also expect regular progress updates with photos, videos, and information about meals, diapering, naps, and developmental milestones.

Does Karter School of South Riding offer before and after school care?

Yes. Karter School of South Riding offers school-age programs for families who need care beyond the regular school day. The South Riding campus provides pickup from select local elementary schools, including Buffalo Trail Elementary, Pinebrook Elementary, Cardinal Ridge Elementary, Little River Elementary, and Hutchinson Elementary. Students can participate in homework time, rotating clubs, physical education, and enrichment activities designed to keep them engaged after school. Families can also ask about school-out days, winter and spring break options, and summer camp availability.

What type of school community can families expect at Karter School of South Riding?

Families can expect an engaged, community-oriented school experience that feels like more than a drop-off and pick-up routine. Karter Schools hosts seasonal events, performances, celebrations, and other family touchpoints that help parents connect with teachers, staff, and other families. The South Riding campus also emphasizes consistency, warm staff relationships, and a polished private-school feel, helping children feel supported while families feel included in the school community.