Founded in 1939, Congressional School is a co-ed, independent, day school on a beautiful 40-acre campus in the heart of Falls Church, Virginia. Dedicated to young learners (infants-8th grade), Congressional School serves more than 480 students and 1,500 campers annually through its academic and summer programs. Congressional School develops great thinkers and leaders by encouraging students to explore, embrace challenge, and grow through an innovative academic program – all in a diverse and welcoming community.
Well-prepared for excellent secondary schools, Congressional School graduates have confidence, a sense of ethics, and the desire to continually and respectfully question, collaborate, create, and lead. Our balanced, research-based program offers advanced academics in a student-centered, active learning environment. The best of both innovative and traditional approaches, our rigorous curriculum fosters a growth mindset and challenges students to think critically, take risks, and reach their full potential.
Congressional School takes students on an amazing journey of discovery. Inquisitive young minds reach new educational frontiers by asking questions and, with the right instruction and guidance, figure out solutions. The goal is not just to get answers, but to retain and apply knowledge, and to continue adapting and learning. And our students do – confidently and voraciously. Curious youngsters make for enthusiastic explorers. Where exploration is fostered, discoveries happen daily.
The shape of education has changed. As our world has become multidimensional, so has learning. Instead of teaching to tests, we teach for the long term by encouraging students to dig deep and apply what they have learned. Knowing becomes more than recalling; it becomes understanding. Our dynamic, talented, and experienced teachers employ a student-centered and child-empowering approach as part of our academic, social, and emotional curricula. Committed to each student’s intellectual and personal growth, our teachers offer a nudge, a hug, or anything that is needed, and work with students, as well as parents and fellow faculty, to engage and inspire.
Our diverse student body represents a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, and we embrace them all. Sharing and celebrating our differences bring us together, while teaching and modeling values like integrity, kindness, respect, perseverance, and responsibility further strengthen our sense of unity. The result is a cohesive and supportive community where children are free to be their authentic selves.A Congressional School graduate is inspired to celebrate life’s opportunities, demonstrates a continued passion for learning, and embraces challenges for both personal fulfillment and compassion for others. To truly understand our school, come for a tour or an open house to see our school in action and experience first-hand this place we call home.
