Parkmont School is a

private school Private or privates may refer to: Music * " In Private", by Dusty Springfield from the 1990 album ''Reputation'' * Private (band), a Denmark-based band * "Private" (Ryōko Hirosue song), from the 1999 album ''Private'', written and also recorde ...

, located at 4842 16th St NW in

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., that serves grades 6–12. Parkmont was founded in 1972, by a parent group in

McLean MacLean, also spelt Maclean and McLean, is a Goidelic languages, Gaelic surname Mac Gille Eathain, or, Mac Giolla Eóin in Irish language, Irish Gaelic), Eóin being a Gaelic form of Johannes (John (given name), John). The clan surname is an A ...

Virginia Virginia, officially the Commonwealth of Virginia, is a state in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern regions of the United States, between the Atlantic Coast and the Appalachian Mountains. The geography and climate of the Commonwealth ar ...

, as a cooperative

middle school A middle school (also known as intermediate school, junior high school, junior secondary school, or lower secondary school) is an educational stage which exists in some countries, providing education between primary school and secondary school. ...

. Parkmont was designed for parents looking for

alternative education Alternative education encompasses many pedagogical approaches differing from mainstream pedagogy. Such alternative learning environments may be found within state, charter, and independent schools as well as home-based learning environments. ...

for their child. The school uses more of a hands-on, individual, and dynamic approach than more traditional schools. Parkmont is non-sectarian and an Association of Independent Maryland and DC Schools accredited school.

History

Parkmont was founded in 1972, as a

cooperative A cooperative (also known as co-operative, co-op, or coop) is "an autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly owned and democratically-control ...

parent-run middle school and became a board-operated

501(c)(3) A 501(c)(3) organization is a United States corporation, trust, unincorporated association or other type of organization exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of Title 26 of the United States Code. It is one of the 29 types of 50 ...

in 1995. The school derived its name from the Parkway Program (Park) and the philosophy of

Montessori education The Montessori method of education involves children's natural interests and activities rather than formal teaching methods. A Montessori classroom places an emphasis on hands-on learning and developing real-world skills. It emphasizes indepen ...

(mont). Until 1977, Parkmont School was located at 16670 Chain Bridge Road in McLean, Virginia. With the help of a $100,000 grant, the school was able to relocate to Washington, D.C., to take better advantage of the educational opportunities available in the city. In the spring of 1991, Parkmont School merged with Somerset School and moved to its current home.

Parkmont teaching method

Parkmont School's approach of education uses

Montessori The Montessori method of education involves children's natural interests and activities rather than formal teaching methods. A Montessori classroom places an emphasis on hands-on learning and developing real-world skills. It emphasizes indepen ...

Philosophy, founded by the progressive educator, Maria Montessori (1870-1952). The Montessori philosophy is based on "supporting the complete development of the child as they progress from birth to adulthood. It takes the broad vision of education as an aid for life." One of Montessori's many accomplishments was the

Montessori method The Montessori method of education involves children's natural interests and activities rather than formal teaching methods. A Montessori classroom places an emphasis on hands-on learning and developing real-world skills. It emphasizes indepen ...

. This is a method of education for young children that stresses the development of a child's initiative and natural abilities, especially through practical play. This method allowed children to develop at their own pace.

Administration

, the head of school is Ron McClain since 1981.

References

External links

* {{Official website, https://parkmont.org/ Educational institutions established in 1972 Montessori schools in the United States Private high schools in Washington, D.C. Private middle schools in Washington, D.C.