The Vision: From Town Halls to Tall Trees
The story of Brooksfield began with Mary Anne Duffus, the school’s founder and Executive Director. Growing up in McLean, Mary Anne spent her childhood exploring the woods and climbing trees. This sense of freedom is something she believes is essential to a child's spirit. In 1987, after years of holding town hall meetings and connecting with local churches to share her vision for a school that respected individual learning styles, she opened the doors with just five students.
An Oasis in a Digital World
While the landscape of Northern Virginia has changed, the fundamental needs of children remain the same. In an age where digital distractions and structured schedules often dominate, Brooksfield serves as a vital oasis. The school’s curriculum is an intentional tapestry of Montessori principles, nature-infused learning, and holistic development.
Through organic gardening and exploration of local parks, the school prioritizes time spent in the natural world. "We have become aware of the profound need for children to spend more time outdoors," Mary Anne explains. "It grounds them and calms their nervous systems." This nature-first approach is balanced with artistic programs, such as music, art, and dance, which give children the space to build lifelong habits of curiosity, problem-solving, independence, self-regulation, and mindfulness.
The Power of Mentorship
One of the most distinctive features of the Brooksfield experience is its mixed-age classrooms for children ages two to six. In this setting, the traditional age-segregated model is replaced by a collaborative community. Older children naturally step into leadership roles as mentors, while younger students learn from their example.
This model allows for highly personalized learning. For instance, a curious three-year-old might overhear a math or reading lesson intended for an older peer and begin to grasp advanced concepts through simple exposure. This dynamic creates a socio-emotional environment where children learn to support one another, fostering empathy alongside cognitive flexibility.
A Partner for the Modern Family
Mary Anne and her team understand that for busy families in McLean and surrounding areas, time is a precious commodity. To support working parents, Brooksfield offers a full-day program with flexible hours and a dedicated summer camp. Through the Dragonfly Club, students have access to before- and after-care, ensuring they remain in a nurturing environment while their parents manage the demands of professional life.
Beyond childcare, the school acts as a partner in parenting. From offering classes on coping strategies to organizing the Outdoor Adventures Program, which has brought families together for ice skating and hiking for over 30 years, Brooksfield strives to create a unified message between home and school.
A Legacy of Belonging
The true measure of Brooksfield’s impact is found in its enduring bonds. It is common to see alumni return as camp counselors or as parents themselves, eager to give their own children the same cherished childhood moments they once enjoyed. One family even moved back from the West Coast specifically so their children could attend the school.
As Brooksfield looks toward the future from its state-of-the-art building at Lewinsville Presbyterian Church, it remains committed to the idea that early childhood is a phase to be celebrated, not just a step toward public school.
"At its heart, Brooksfield is more than a school," Mary Anne reflects. "We are family!"
At its heart, Brooksfield is more than a school: we are family.
We have recognized a profound need for children to spend more time outdoors, as nature grounds them and calms their nervous systems.