Beyond the Classroom
We often talk about honoring each child’s natural curiosity and sees learning as something far bigger than the classroom itself. While our prepared environments in Sterling offer a rich and thoughtful foundation, some of the most meaningful moments of discovery unfold when children step out into the world around them.
​
For our kindergarten students, field trips are not simply a break from the daily routine—they are an essential extension of learning. These experiences bring lessons to life, connecting ideas to real places, people, and stories. Whether exploring the history of Loudoun County or engaging with the cultural richness of the greater Washington, D.C. area, our students begin to understand their place in a wider, interconnected world.
​
The Heritage Farm Museum
Because of Parkside’s unique location, our oldest early childhood students have the special opportunity to take a walking field trip to the nearby Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum. This journey on foot is an exercise in Practical Life, requiring students to navigate their environment with grace, courtesy, and physical coordination.
​
At the museum, history comes alive as children explore the agricultural legacy of Loudoun County. They don’t just read about plants; they witness the life cycles of the crops that have sustained this region for generations. This hands-on connection to the earth reinforces our classroom lessons on botany and the interconnectedness of all living things.
A World of Culture and Art
Our proximity to the nation’s capital allows us to treat the entire D.C. area as an extended campus. Throughout the year, our Kindergarteners experience the magic of professional theater and fine arts:
​
-
Wolf Trap Theater for the Performing Arts: Students enjoy cultural performances at the renowned "Theatre-in-the-Woods." Watching music and dance under a canopy of trees fosters auditory discrimination and an appreciation for creative expression.
​​
-
Seasons of Light at the Smithsonian: This Discovery Theater performance introduces children to global traditions and festivals of light. It is a cornerstone of our Cultural Studies, helping children build empathy and an understanding of the diverse world they inhabit.
​​
-
An Immersive Art Journey: Each year, our students take a trip to a major art museum to see first-hand the masterpieces they have learned about during our extended art enrichment activities. Whether we are marveling at the scale of the National Gallery of Art, exploring the bold textures and modern shapes at the Hirshhorn, or identifying familiar historical figures at the National Portrait Gallery, these visits build visual literacy. Seeing "real" art helps children move from the process of creating to the appreciation of the human spirit’s capacity for expression.
Udvar-Hazy Air & Space Museum
Science and exploration take center stage during our annual trip to the Smithsonian’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. Standing in the shadow of the Space Shuttle Discovery, the children explore the heights of human ingenuity. The visit is made even more impactful by an interactive lesson provided by museum staff, designed specifically to spark the imagination of young learners as they ponder the mysteries of flight and space.
The Developmental "Why" Behind the Journey
Beyond the excitement of the bus (or the hike), these excursions serve critical developmental roles for the five- and six-year-old child:
Social-Emotional Growth: Navigating public spaces requires a high level of self-regulation and "Grace and Courtesy." Students practice patience, safety awareness, and respectful observation of their surroundings.
Cognitive Integration: Montessori education moves from the "concrete" to the "abstract." Seeing a space shuttle or a colonial plow in person provides the concrete experience necessary for children to truly grasp the abstract concepts of history and physics.
Sensory Enrichment: A museum isn't just a place to look; it’s a place to experience. The scale of the Udvar-Hazy hangars or the textures found at the Heritage Farm Museum provide a rich sensory landscape that fuels brain development and language acquisition.
​
Building Connections Together
While our field trips are subject to ticket and programmatic availability, our kindergarteners typically enjoy four to five excursions per year, each carefully chosen to support our curriculum in science, culture, and the arts.
​
These trips are a highlight of the kindergarten year, and they are made even more special by our community. Parents are always welcome to join us, serving as chaperones and sharing in the joy of discovery alongside their children. Together, we are showing our students that the world is a vast, beautiful classroom waiting to be explored.
