The Atrium is the white house located in the NW corner of the Saint Louis Church parking lot between Msgr. Walsh Hall and the Adoration Chapel.

Saint Louis Montessori Atrium is temporarily closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

In seeking to build up the Domestic Church during this unique season, the National Association for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd offers catechetical support to children, parents and families at home.  Content is updated weekly (sometimes daily)! 

Click here for catechetical resources for atrium in the home during COVID-19.
 

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (also referred to as the Atrium) is an approach in the spiritual formation of children which is grounded in prayer, Scripture, Liturgy, and the Montessori method. At the heart of the Catechesis is the cultivation of the religious potential of every child in a loving and lasting relationship with Jesus.  The primary theme presented is that Jesus, the Good Shepherd, knows each of us, calls us by name, and attends to our every need.

The Atrium environment is more like a retreat than a classroom. It is prepared especially for children to contemplate the life of Jesus and the liturgy of the Church through scripture and many sensorial materials, including infancy narrative figures, topographical maps of Israel and Jerusalem, a model altar and a model baptismal font.

Dr. Maria Montessori’s approach follows St. Thomas Aquinas’ understanding that “all our knowledge has its origin in the senses.” This concrete method of presenting the faith is similar to the way the Church instructs and nurtures her flock through the Sacraments and sacramentals: (i.e. holy water, incense, sacred art, etc...).

The Montessori Atrium follows Fairfax County’s School Policy for inclement weather or emergency closures and delays.  To check the status of Fairfax County Public Schools, visit www.fcps.edu, check the @FCPSnews Twitter account, or listen to WTOP 103.5 FM radio station. Due to scheduling constraints, we are unable to make up missed days caused by inclement weather. 
 
If Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) close, the Atrium is closed.
If FCPS are delayed 1 hour, all Atrium session are open on time.
If FCPS are delayed 2 hours, the morning atrium session is delayed 1 hour and will run from 11am-12:30pm, and afternoon sessions are open.
If Fairfax Afterschool programs are closed, the afternoon Atrium session is closed.

The Montessori Atrium welcomes families from other parishes or those families who are not registered at Saint Louis Catholic Parish. 

Out of Parish Families: Out of Parish rates are for those families who are not registered with and participating in the life of Saint Louis Catholic Parish.

Active In Parish Famlilies:  The Montessori Atrium offers discounted In Parish rates for families who are actively participating the life of Saint Louis Catholic Parish.  According to atrium policy, to qualify for the Active In Parish tuition rate, the child must be Catholic and the family must be registered at Saint Louis Catholic Parish, attending weekly Mass, and actively participating in the life of Saint Louis Catholic Parish. Families must also be financially contributing through the parish offertory on a regular basis with the contribution being up to their own consciences. 

Active-Duty Military Families:  Active-duty military families who are practicing Catholics qualify for the In Parish tuition rate, provided that they meet the in-parish requirements as described in the paragraph above.  Please show your active duty military identification.