Seneca Academy

Preserving the Wonder of Childhood

  • About
    • Letter from Head of School
    • Mission, Vision, and Philosophy
    • Strategic Plan
    • History
    • Virtual Tour
    • Calendar
    • Faculty & Staff
    • Board of Trustees
    • Employment
  • Admissions
    • Preschool Admissions
    • Preschool Tuition & Fees
    • Elementary Admissions (K-6)
    • Elementary Tuition & Fees
    • Register for a Virtual Open House
  • Preschool
    • International Baccalaureate Program
    • Curriculum
    • Before and After School
    • Tuition & Fees
    • Parent’s Day Out for 2-Year-Olds
  • Elementary (K-6)
    • International Baccalaureate Program
    • Curriculum
    • Sixth Grade
    • Before and After School
    • Tuition & Financial Aid
    • Summer Camp at Seneca Academy
  • Parent Resources
    • Back to School 2022-2023
    • COVID-19 Response
    • Resources for Talking to Children About Race
    • Seneca Parent Portal
    • Summer Fun
  • Giving
    • Donate to the Annual Fund
    • Corporate Matching Inquiry
  • Contact Us

Mission, Vision, and Philosophy

Two elementary school girls smiling at the camera

Mission

Seneca Academy fosters children’s natural curiosity and ignites a love of learning through a collaborative, inquiry-based program in a dynamic and welcoming community.

Vision

Through the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program (IB PYP), students develop into globally-aware citizens who are compassionate and confident problem-solvers. The academic and social-emotional skills they gain at Seneca Academy prepare them to excel in a rapidly changing world.

We believe:

  • Children learn best when given the gift of time to wonder, to explore, and to reflect.
  • The foundation of academic excellence begins with learning how to ask questions and seek answers with passion and purpose.
  • Partnership between school and home is essential for children’s healthy academic, social, and emotional development.
  • To thrive in the twenty-first century, children will need to be resilient individuals who can creatively address problems and see setbacks as opportunities for growth.
  • Small classes led by dynamic teachers provide opportunities for students to develop self-confidence and find their voices.
  • When diversity is valued, ideas can be debated respectfully and conflicts can be resolved effectively.
  • Time spent outdoors, both structured and unstructured, is fundamental to children’s well-being and academic engagement.

Approved by the Seneca Academy Board of Trustees in August of 2021.

Get in Touch

Elementary, Preschool and Parent’s Day Out

  • Learn more about our Elementary program for grades K-6
  • Learn more about our Preschool program for 3- and 4-year-olds
  • Learn more about our Parent’s Day Out program for 2-year-olds

Diversity Statement:

Seneca Academy actively and routinely promotes and celebrates our diverse community. Our hiring and admissions practices, as well as curriculum and programs, are designed to advance understanding and inclusion of individuals and families of diverse ability, age, ethnicity, gender, race, religion, politics, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status. Furthermore, in order to achieve our vision of “developing globally aware citizens who are lifelong learners and leaders,” Seneca Academy is an International Baccalaureate World School. As such, we are guided by the IB mission statement:

The International Baccalaureate aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.

To this end the organization works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programmes of international education and rigorous assessment.

These programmes encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.

Nondiscrimination Policy:

Seneca Academy is nondenominational and does not discriminate on the basis of ethnicity, gender, race, religion, politics, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status in the admission of children or the hiring of staff members. Seneca Academy seeks to admit students who will benefit from its philosophy, values, and program.

Why choose a small school?

Visit www.washingtonsmallschools.org.

Seneca Academy is accredited by and a member of the Association of Independent Maryland and DC Schools (AIMS).

Seneca Academy provides an engaging, challenging, inquiry-based education in a nurturing and diverse environment as an International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program (IB PYP) World School.

15601 Germantown Road, Darnestown, MD 20874
Phone: (301) 869-3728 • Fax (301) 869-3348

International Baccalaureate Organization logo
Accredited by and a proud member of the Association of Independent Maryland and DC Schools
Photography by Christopher Knowles | Site Design by Bethany Ruth | Content © 2022 Seneca Academy
Thank you!

You have successfully submitted your Parent’s Day Out application for the 2020-2021 school year! Once again, we appreciate you being a part of the Seneca Academy village.

 

Thank you so much for your sponsorship of Seneca Academy’s 2020 auction and gala, “Around the World.” Because of you and other generous supporters, we are able to continue serving the children and families in our school as well as the community at large. We appreciate your gift to help us preserve the wonder of childhood for years to come!

 

Thank you so much for your donation to Seneca Academy’s 2020 auction and gala, “Around the World.” Because of you and other generous supporters, we are able to continue serving the children and families in our school as well as the community at large. We appreciate your gift to help us preserve the wonder of childhood for years to come!