The Siena School is a private 4th–12th grade school headquartered in Silver Spring, Maryland.[1] In 2021, Siena opened a second campus for grades 3–8 in Oakton, Northern Virginia. The school's mission is to prepare "bright, college-bound students with language-based learning disabilities [a.k.a.: learning differences], such as dyslexia, to become confident, curious learners who understand their personal strengths and gain the tools and strategies to excel."[2]

The Siena School
Location
Map

United States
Coordinates39°1′0″N 77°1′52″W / 39.01667°N 77.03111°W / 39.01667; -77.03111
Information
TypePrivate
Established2006
Grades4-12
Enrollment135
Color(s)Red and black
MascotWiley the Wildcat
Team nameSiena Wildcats
Websitewww.thesienaschool.org

History

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The Siena School was founded in 2006, serving students in grades 5–9. They were originally located at the Montgomery Hills Baptist Church along Georgia Avenue in Silver Spring, MD.[3] In 2008, Siena became fully accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. By the 2012–13 school year, Siena had school expanded to serve students in grades 4–12, and moved into its permanent location on Forest Glen Road in 2013.[4] Siena opened a second campus for grades 3–8 in Oakton, Virginia in 2021.

Siena is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS).[5] The school's namesake is Siena, Italy for two reasons: (1) this Tuscan city is well known for its art, a theme which Siena incorporates into its day-to-day curriculum, and (2) Catherine of Siena, their patron saint, did not learn to read until later in life and often used accommodations like dictation.

Academics

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The Siena School's curriculum is framed around the Common Core Standards and National Standards. Multisensory techniques, experiential learning, and guest speakers are key components of every class. Siena's arts program includes studio art, photography, and music classes, and spans across all divisions. Students participate in the arts every day as they are often strong visual learners.[6] A yearly tuition costs between $48,426 and $49,755. [7] (As of the 2023 to 2024 school year)

References

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  1. ^ "Private School Guide," Bethesda Magazine
  2. ^ "The Siena School -> About -> Mission". www.thesienaschool.org. Archived from the original on 23 October 2015. Retrieved 13 January 2022.
  3. ^ Granderson, Daniel. "School to focus on learning disabilities", The Gazette (Maryland), Silver Spring, MD, 16 August 2006.
  4. ^ French, Esther. "The Siena School Celebrates New Building in Silver Spring", Patch Media, Wheaton, MD, 21 February 2013.
  5. ^ "MSA-CESS -> Home". www.msa-cess.org.
  6. ^ "The Independent School Experience: Learning Differences Honored at Siena", The Washington Post Magazine, Washington, D.C., November 2013
  7. ^ "Tuition - The Siena School". www.thesienaschool.org. Retrieved 2020-10-10.