In 1970, a group of interested citizens felt the need to have a Montessori School within the Alexandria city limits. In September
of the same year, the Montessori School of Alexandria, Inc (MSA)
was established as a nonprofit, nonsectarian, private school run
by a small Board of Directors. The doors of the school were opened with two primary classes in the rented facilities of a church. In January of 1971, a third primary class was established. By then, the need to provide continuity by opening an elementary class was also foreseen.

Believing that all children should have the opportunity to have a Montessori education, MSA was the first Montessori school to offer
an extended day care program, making the school available to children of two-career families and single parents who were able to look at MSA as a second “home away from home” for their children.

In 1986, MSA moved to its current location at 6300 Florence Lane and, in 1988, the school was expanded with an addition of three classrooms and a modern kitchen.

Thanks to the faith and trust parents put into the school, and the tenacity and determination of the founders, MSA celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2010.