Academy of Thought and Industry at Chantilly
We are a Montessori-inspired middle school located inside the same building as our sister school, Guidepost Montessori Chantilly. We deliver a powerful education for independence, to develop curious, self-motivated youth who thrive in school and in life. Contact an admissions to learn more or book a tour: (917)-410-2235.
A modern Montessori-inspired Middle School
Welcome to the Academy of Thought and Industry (ATI), a modern Montessori-inspired Middle School located at 4550 Walney Rd, in Chantilly, Virginia!
Serving grades 6, 7, and 8 in small, personalized classes, our curriculum uses the foundations of Montessori to deliver a rich academic experience. Our learning community is intentionally small, so that we are able to deeply know each student, help them thrive emotionally and socially, and support their individual path to excellence.
We combine a rigorous, intellectually demanding liberal arts education with cultivation of student independence, agency and responsibility. Deep learning consists of both ‘learning’ and ‘doing’—thought and industry. We help each student become a great thinker and a great doer in a way that follows their interests and passions. Each student is supported by their own coach, which ensures personalized fulfilment of their own short and long-term goals.
Our community partnerships with local and international organizations to help expose students to potential interests that they may want to develop further.
Whether you are a student, parent, or interested community member, we want to connect with you. We invite you to reach out and get involved in our revolutionary school.
Contact admissions to learn more or to book a tour - we can't wait to meet you!
Meet the faculty
Head of School
Nancy Kaplan
Head of School
Middle School Lead Guide
Emma Godwin
Middle School Lead Guide
A look at our campus
Our Middle School program offers rolling-admissions to meet the needs of your family and is now enrolling for grades 6-8. The ATI Middle School program operates out of the same building as our early years school, Guidepost Montessori at Chantilly.
You may notice we do not have individual classroom desks for each student! Instead, our classroom is designed as an open environment that allows for freedom of movement and exploration without the constraints of a traditional school setting.
Students are encouraged to get up, move around, lay down, relax, focus, and most importanlty, feel at ease in our middle school.
A look at our campus
Our Middle School program offers rolling-admissions to meet the needs of your family and is now enrolling for grades 6-8. The ATI Middle School program operates out of the same building as our early years school, Guidepost Montessori at Chantilly.
You may notice we do not have individual classroom desks for each student! Instead, our classroom is designed as an open environment that allows for freedom of movement and exploration without the constraints of a traditional school setting.
Students are encouraged to get up, move around, lay down, relax, focus, and most importanlty, feel at ease in our middle school.
Reimagining Middle School Education
Middle School is a critical period of development. Students are constantly growing in higher-order thinking skills, peer relationships, personal responsibility, and more. They're searching for their place in the world and beginning to form the values that will shape their lives.
Recent studies have shown that enthusiasm for school drops dramatically between fifth and twelfth grade, with nearly 75% of students reporting negative feelings towards school.Now more than ever, students are tired, stressed, and bored.
They need an educational option that is appropriate for their developmental stage, and tailored to their individual needs.We believe there's a better way.
Middle School is a critical period of development. Students are constantly growing in higher-order thinking skills, peer relationships, personal responsibility, and more. They're searching for their place in the world and beginning to form the values that will shape their lives.
Recent studies have shown that enthusiasm for school drops dramatically between fifth and twelfth grade, with nearly 75% of students reporting negative feelings towards school.Now more than ever, students are tired, stressed, and bored.
They need an educational option that is appropriate for their developmental stage, and tailored to their individual needs.We believe there's a better way.
Reimagining Middle School Education
Middle School is a critical period of development. Students are constantly growing in higher-order thinking skills, peer relationships, personal responsibility, and more. They're searching for their place in the world and beginning to form the values that will shape their lives.
Recent studies have shown that enthusiasm for school drops dramatically between fifth and twelfth grade, with nearly 75% of students reporting negative feelings towards school.Now more than ever, students are tired, stressed, and bored.
They need an educational option that is appropriate for their developmental stage, and tailored to their individual needs.We believe there's a better way.
An Education for Independence
At ATI, students are given both freedom and support to help them excel beyond their own expectations. Our students don't just study for tests—they become life-long learners. Each step our students take is designed to help them explore their unique passions, inspire their creativity, and develop greater independence.
We don’t offer just one path for academic excellence. We strive to create a total school experience that will unlock each student’s unique potential—to prepare them for the world, and to help them access that world today!
Book a TourAt ATI, students are given both freedom and support to help them excel beyond their own expectations. Our students don't just study for tests—they become life-long learners. Each step our students take is designed to help them explore their unique passions, inspire their creativity, and develop greater independence.
We don’t offer just one path for academic excellence. We strive to create a total school experience that will unlock each student’s unique potential—to prepare them for the world, and to help them access that world today!
An Education for Independence
At ATI, students are given both freedom and support to help them excel beyond their own expectations. Our students don't just study for tests—they become life-long learners. Each step our students take is designed to help them explore their unique passions, inspire their creativity, and develop greater independence.
We don’t offer just one path for academic excellence. We strive to create a total school experience that will unlock each student’s unique potential—to prepare them for the world, and to help them access that world today!
“I love working on my projects and setting goals with my coach. I thought I would struggle with my work load, but there's always someone to talk to when I'm feeling overwhelmed.”
An open and accepting community
An open and accepting community




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Where to find us
ATI Chantilly is located at 4550 Walney Rd, Chantilly, VA 20151, in the same building as our early years school, Guidepost Montessori. We'd love for you to come visit!
- E-mail: admissions@thoughtandindustry.com
- School: (571)-321-0364
Book a TourATI Chantilly is located at 4550 Walney Rd, Chantilly, VA 20151, in the same building as our early years school, Guidepost Montessori. We'd love for you to come visit!
- E-mail: admissions@thoughtandindustry.com
- School: (571)-321-0364
Where to find us
ATI Chantilly is located at 4550 Walney Rd, Chantilly, VA 20151, in the same building as our early years school, Guidepost Montessori. We'd love for you to come visit!
- E-mail: admissions@thoughtandindustry.com
- School: (571)-321-0364




Experience school on your terms
Join a school community designed to support your education with coaching, small classes, and a commitment to our core values. Engage in deep study and personal exploration as a student at ATI.
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