Circle time brings the classroom community together for group lessons led by experienced, certified Montessori teachers.
One of the most common questions from families before enrolling at Children’s House Montessori School (CHMS) is: “What does the day actually look like?”
The answer begins the moment a child walks through the door.
In CHMS toddler classrooms, children begin each morning with outdoor playground time, followed by a predictable routine that helps children navigate transitions with confidence. After coming inside, children hang up their tote bags on a low, child-sized hook, wash their hands at the sink, and then join their friends for circle time. This small but meaningful act of independence signals the start of their school day. These morning routines are intentional moments that help toddlers develop self-help skills, responsibility, and a sense of belonging within the classroom community.
Throughout the morning lesson time, children learn how to care for their classroom and surroundings. After working with an activity, they return it to the shelf just as they found it. If something spills, a child learns to clean it up with the small mop or cloths kept nearby for exactly that purpose. In Montessori education, these small courtesies reflect a child’s growing sense of responsibility and care for their surrounding environment.
Circle time brings the classroom community together for group lessons led by experienced, certified CHMS teachers. Children gather to sing songs, read books, and engage in discussions that build listening skills and early literacy. These moments foster a sense of connection and give toddlers a gentle, structured touchstone within the broader freedom of the Montessori day. After circle time, children move into individualized and small group hands-on learning. From child-sized shelves carefully organized by subject area, toddlers choose lessons that call to them. One child might practice pouring water between small pitchers. Another may work on a floor mat, carefully matching objects to their corresponding picture cards, building observation skills and vocabulary. (more…)
It's that persnickety Lady Justice again, insisting on adherence to statutes and the Separation of Powers.
In the months of November and December 2025, the Trump Administration took four related actions: (1) they froze all adjudication of applications for nationals subject to a related travel ban, (2) they announced that being from one of those countries would be a ‘significant negative factor’ in benefits adjudication, (3) they froze adjudication of all affirmative asylum claims, and (4) they announced a ‘re-review’ of all immigration benefits granted to people from a list of thirty-nine countries since the beginning of the Biden Administration. We told you, as these policies were introduced, that they were going to be controversial – we told you that litigation would put an end to them, because “[s]ome federal judge, somewhere, will say ‘enough.'”
Last week, a federal judge, John J. McConnell of the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island, said “Enough!” in vigorous language, striking down all four policies in a strongly worded decision. The purpose of this advertorial is to explain: (1) why the federal district court took this action, (2) what real-world effects we expect this to have, and (3) what the Trump Administration’s prospects on appeal are.
First, what did Judge McConnell’s decision say?
In short, Judge McConnell flatly rejected the government’s claim that its decisions were non-discriminatory and rooted in a reasonable desire to ensure security and accurate adjudication. It’s worth lingering over the language that Judge McConnell employs in his introduction.
“But the rule of law has to apply to everyone equally and, as evident here, USCIS has neither “followed the law” nor “done things the right way.” Indeed, the agency has violated the very immigration laws that Congress has charged it with administering, as well as the administrative laws that govern the agency’s actions. In enacting its latest immigration policies, USCIS: claims statutory and regulatory authority that it does not possess; makes decisions without the reasoned explanations that it must provide; acts without regard for the reliance interests of applicants that it must consider; and justifies its actions with pretextual concerns of “national security” that mask anti-immigrant sentiments that it is forbidden from letting influence its decision-making. In legal terms, that means USCIS’s actions are contrary to law and arbitrary and capricious.”
What Judge McConnell means, more or less, is that the Trump Administration can’t use the administrative apparatus of USCIS to accomplish its policy goals without either passing a statute or promulgating a regulation. As a reminder, the Trump Administration didn’t even try to promulgate a regulation concerning any of the above memoranda, it simply announced them, one ukase after another.
Now, what will the Trump Administration do?
Our prediction is cynical: The Trump Administration will do nothing. They’ll slow-walk any compliance with Judge McConnell’s order while they file an appeal to the First Circuit Court of Appeals, seeking an emergency stay of Judge McConnell’s order. If they lose at the First Circuit, they’ll seek another form of emergency relief, via the Supreme Court’s so-called “shadow docket.” Only if the Administration loses twice on appeal will they even contemplate compliance with this order.
What should applicants for benefits affected by these newly unfrozen orders do? The right answer depends on the individual case. The great majority of applicants, we suspect, will choose to wait and see what the outcome of the government’s appeal will be. We’ll report on that, too, when the next round of litigation is concluded.
Address:1600 N Oak Street #1119 Neighborhood: Rosslyn Type: 3 BR, 3 BA condo – 2000 sq. ft. Open House: Sunday, June 14th 1 pm – 3 pm Listed: $1,325,000
Noteworthy: Rare 3-bedroom floor plan with over 2,000 square feet and Potomac River Views
Three-bedroom condos at The Belvedere don’t come along often, and even fewer offer this combination of space, updates, and Potomac River views. Spanning over 2,000 square feet, this renovated residence features three bedrooms, three full bathrooms, an enclosed sunroom, two garage parking spaces, and a storage unit.
The kitchen has been thoughtfully reconfigured to better suit modern living. By opening the wall between the kitchen and dining room, the kitchen now feels brighter and more connected. A large peninsula and a walk-in pantry provide exceptional storage, while relocating the electrical panel created even more cabinet space.
Wide-plank flooring, updated bathrooms, modern finishes, and generous room sizes make this home truly move-in ready. Large windows and the enclosed sunroom showcase the Potomac River views and provide an ideal setting for morning coffee, evening relaxation, or entertaining guests.
Whether you are downsizing from a single-family home, upsizing from a smaller condominium, or simply searching for space that’s increasingly difficult to find in Rosslyn, this home offers a rare blend of size, convenience, and lifestyle.
The Belvedere is a full-service building with an extensive amenity package including a large outdoor pool, fitness center, tennis courts (lined for pickleball), 24-hour front desk, party room, convenience store, car wash area and more. Located just a short walk to the Rosslyn Metro, Target, Starbucks, and Safeway, and minutes to Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, and Washington, D.C., the location offers unbeatable convenience.
Starting a business often begins with recognizing a need, and for professional organizer Kathryn “Katie” Kersavage, that need was closer than she realized.
Kersavage officially launched Organized by Katie in March 2026, turning more than 15 years of informal experience helping friends and family declutter into a professional service designed for real life. Based in Arlington, the business helps residents organize their homes in ways that are functional, sustainable and tailored to individual needs — not just picture-perfect aesthetics.
“I help people declutter, organize and create spaces in their home that function for real life, not just Instagram,” Kersavage said.
Organized by Katie offers a flexible approach, working on projects of all sizes, from simple refreshes to full-scale downsizing. Kersavage also acknowledges the emotional and mental challenges that often come with letting go of belongings, an aspect she believes sets her work apart.
“For me, it’s not just about doing the work,” she said. “It’s about understanding why someone feels the way they do and creating a plan that addresses their concerns.”
Kersavage balances her organizing business alongside a full-time role as a senior program manager at a tech company, which allows her to offer evening and weekend appointments — a key benefit for busy Arlington residents.
As a new entrepreneur, she worked with Arlington Economic Development’s BizLaunch program to navigate the early stages of launching her business. She credits BizLaunch with helping her understand the business registration process and the marketing and promotional resources available to small businesses in Arlington. (more…)
This family home in the Maywood Historic District was expanded by Alair Arlington with a thoughtfully designed side addition that worked within tight lot constraints. Photo by Christy Kosnic Photography.
Is your home starting to feel a little too cozy?
Summer is often the time when many Arlington homeowners start to notice their homes feeling cramped, whether you have school-aged kids still at home, your college student has moved back in for the summer, or you’re preparing to welcome aging parents for an extended stay.
While it’s too late to complete a major renovation this summer, it’s the perfect time to start planning so you can live more comfortably next year. Your Arlington lot may be small, and Arlington zoning ordinances are notoriously tricky to navigate, but your property likely has untapped potential. You can maximize your lot through a side or rear addition, popping the top, adding an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) or outdoor living space, and/or finishing an underutilized basement.
With thoughtful planning, you can create the space your family needs while staying in the community you love, even on a small lot.
The Golden Rule to Remodeling: Start With a Master Plan
Before jumping into any addition or major renovation, it’s important to understand what your property can support and how your family’s needs may evolve over time.
One of the first steps is reviewing your plat (survey) to understand your buildable area, as one of the unique home-construction challenges in Arlington is that a majority of homes were built before current setback requirements were enacted, which impacts the scope of many construction projects. Setback requirements refer to the distance by which a home must be “set back” from the front, side, and rear property lines.
A word of caution: If your builder isn’t deeply familiar with Arlington’s setback rules and the available legal workarounds, your project can be derailed before it even starts.
As part of the strategic planning process, make sure you evaluate your long-term goals and create a master plan that accounts for all the spaces you intend to renovate. For example, renovating a basement without considering future plumbing, electrical, or HVAC needs can lead to unnecessary rework later.
And if you are undertaking a significant addition project, we generally recommend including a basement foundation, as it is not feasible to add one after initial construction is complete. Even if you choose to finish the basement later, it remains a more cost-effective way to add square footage than other areas of the house.
A thoughtful, whole-home approach helps create a smoother renovation process and a home that continues to meet your needs over time. Additionally, consider if you plan to live in your home late in your life – something we call aging in place. If so, knowing that is your long-term goal will influence your renovation project.
1. Expand Your Footprint With a Rear or Side Addition
For many Arlington homeowners, a rear or side addition is the most straightforward way to gain usable square footage, as long as their plat allows for it. By adding square footage to your home, you can make space for a larger kitchen and family room, add a mudroom as your dedicated “drop zone” for all your kids’ sports equipment, and even add a main-level guest suite. Rear and side additions can be single or multi-story, even if you don’t pop the top on the existing structure.
One key consideration for a home addition in Arlington County, however, is understanding how the Department of Environmental Services calculates whether you are over or under 2,500 square feet of disturbed area. If your project clears, digs up, or grades more than 2,500 square feet of land, per their definition, you’ll be required to pay for extra county permits, civil engineering plans, and potentially expensive drainage systems to handle rainwater runoff.
2. Build Up With a Pop-Top Addition
When your lot coverage is limited by setback requirements, the only way to go is up!
We recently transformed an outdated 1,300-square-foot rental property in Highview Park into a spacious, modern home for a young family. Adhering to zoning guidelines required preserving the existing foundation, so we took the three-bedroom, two-bathroom home down to its foundation, expanded it slightly on the left side, and built up! The result is an essentially brand-new four-bedroom, three-and-a-half bath custom home that boasts 2,916 square feet across three floors.
Award-winning home addition recently completed by Alair Arlington in Highview Park. Photo by Christy Kosnic Photography.
Each week, “Just Reduced” spotlights properties in Arlington County whose prices have been cut over the previous week. The market summary is crafted by Arlington Realty, Inc. Maximize your real estate investment with the team by visiting www.arlingtonrealtyinc.com or calling 703-836-6000 today!
Please note: The properties featured here may be listed with other brokerages– but that doesn’t limit your options. Arlington Realty, Inc. is ready to represent you, arrange showings, analyze value, and negotiate the best possible terms on your behalf. We understand the neighborhoods, pricing trends and market timing — and we usethat knowledge to your advantage.
As of June 8, there are 178 detached homes, 13 townhouses and 264 condos for sale throughout Arlington County. In total, 47 homes experienced a price reduction in the past week, including:
Please note that this is solely a selection of Just Reduced properties available in Arlington County. For a complete list of properties within your target budget and specifications, contact Arlington Realty, Inc.
Address:29 N Bedford Street Neighborhood: Lyon Park Type: 3 BR, 3 BA duplex – 1344 sq. ft. Open House: Saturday, 6/13, 2-4 PM Listed: $850,000
Noteworthy: NO HOA! Charming and beautifully updated brick duplex in North Arlington!
Offering 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and 1,344 square feet across four levels, this light-filled home blends classic character with modern updates. A welcoming screened front porch sets the tone for this home. Inside, you’ll find hardwood flooring throughout the main and upper levels, fresh neutral paint, crown molding, and natural light. The spacious living room flows into the dining room, featuring built-in shelving and a window seat that adds both charm and functionality. The updated kitchen showcases quartz countertops, newer stainless-steel appliances, pantry storage, and access to the backyard. Upstairs, you’ll find two bedrooms, one with custom built-ins, along with a full hall bathroom. On the fourth level, top-floor bedroom suite features an en-suite bathroom, creating a primary retreat, guest suite, home office, or additional living space. The finished lower level offers a recreation room with flexibility for a home office, gym, or guest space, complete with a full bathroom, laundry area, storage, and walkout access. Outdoor living is highlighted by a fully fenced rear yard, hardscape patio, and mature trees that create a private setting for entertaining or everyday enjoyment. Thoughtful improvements include major electrical and plumbing upgrades, attic and 3rd floor insulation, custom window treatments, a screened porch addition, updated appliances, a newer roof (2022), and HVAC (2019). Located less than one mile from Clarendon and Metro access, with convenient proximity to Route 50, parks, bike trails, shopping, dining, and conveniences, this move-in-ready home offers the best of Arlington living, all without a monthly HOA or condo fee.
This regularly scheduled sponsored column is written by Carolanne Korolowicz, Arlington-based Realtor and Arlington resident. If you would like to work with Carolanne in Northern Virginia and the greater D.C. Metro area, you can reach her directly at [email protected].
There is something special about establishing a home within walls that hold history. Arlington consists of a handful of late 19th-century houses, but few have helped shape a community like Glencarlyn’s 5501 3rd Street South. Coming soon to the market, a new owner gets the opportunity to continue this property’s story.
(Photo Courtesy of Pauline Leonard, Long & Foster Real Estate)
Nestled within the Historic Glencarlyn Neighborhood, surrounded by parkland, this Late Victorian home was once the community’s educational epicenter. In 1892, The Village Improvement Association (now the Glencarlyn Civic Association) approached Alexandria County School Board requesting a grade school for the hamlet During this time, the lack of childhood education had become an issue for the community, with many neighborhood children never receiving proper schooling. The School Board proved unresponsive, so families banded together to pay Mrs. William King to teach out of her home — 5501 3rd St. South. The schoolhouse grew quickly with an estimated fifteen children, ages six to twelve, attending Mrs. King’s class. By 1894, the School Board was persuaded to finally pay a teacher’s wage ($25 a month) if they furnished a new schoolroom, motivating the village school to move out of Mrs. King’s home. Though a short-lived location, 3rd Street was the catalyst for Glencarlyn’s public education. (more…)
Address:1527 N. Randolph Street Neighborhood: Cherrydale Type: 5 BR, 4 (+1 half) BA single-family detached – 4800 sq. ft. Open House: Sunday, June 7, from 1 to 4 pm Listed: $2,295,000
Noteworthy: Walk to Ballston Metro, urban amenities from exceptional home
A perfect combination of tasteful well appointed space in a home that is walkable to Ballston Metro, shops, restaurants, library, bike and walking trails, three schools, and a neighborhood park. Chef worthy kitchen with SubZero fridge, Bertazzoni gas range, Bosch dishwasher, MX Custom cabinetry, tile backsplash, and quartz tops. Piano size living room flows into traditional dining room with butler’s pantry and mudroom to garage. Kitchen, breakfast area, family room span the back of the home and open to a deck and landscaped yard. Upstairs, the primary bedroom has space or an office or reading, walk in closet and spa style bathroom. Three more large bedroom, two bathrooms, and the laundry room complete this level Daylight lower level with expansive rec room, bedroom, bath, den, and storage. An impressive home in an enviable location.
Address:307 N Upton Court Neighborhood: Ballston Type: 3 BR, 3 (+1 half) BA townhouse – 1686 sq. ft. Open House: 6/4 5-7pm and 6/6 2-4pm Listed: $1,099,900
Noteworthy: Stunning Brick Townhome with Light-Filled Floor Plan!
Beautifully maintained four-level brick-front townhome built in 2014 and ideally located just minutes from Ballston, the Metro, Lubber Run Park, the W&OD Trail, and major commuter routes including Route 50 and I-66. This light-filled home offers 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, a two-car rear-load garage, and professionally landscaped curb appeal.
The open-concept main level features hardwood floors, tall ceilings, recessed lighting, and abundant natural light. The gourmet kitchen includes granite countertops, a ceramic tile backsplash, 42-inch cabinetry, stainless steel GE Profile appliances, gas cooking, pantry storage, and a spacious eat-in area.
Upstairs, the primary suite offers hardwood floors, a walk-in closet with custom organizers, and a luxurious bath with dual vanity, glass-enclosed shower, and private water closet. A second bedroom, full hall bath, and convenient upper-level laundry complete this floor.
The top level features a private third bedroom suite with a full bath and access to a rooftop balcony with a built-in gas line—perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Additional updates include a ducted mini-split system installed in 2023.
A rare opportunity to own a move-in ready townhome in one of Arlington’s most convenient and desirable locations.
Welcome to Kami’s Korner where we’ll take a deep dive into Arlington’s condominium market by focusing on what’s coming next. From emerging developments to shifting trends, this space will spotlight the opportunities and insights shaping the future of condo living in Arlington.
I had the pleasure of attending the local Urban Land Institute’s Building Healthy Places Summit this week at Georgetown University. Our region benefits greatly because the ULI Global Headquarters is here in DC. More info about this fantastic organization here: https://washington.uli.org .As a longtime member of ULI, I am continuously curious about the places that “thrive beyond the 9-5” and what is required to create active and economically vibrant neighborhoods in Arlington.
This includes a strong employment base, growing residential population, restaurants, entertainment, walkability, reliable transportation, mixed use development, safety, parks, and services that support daily life. In Arlington, we have a few of these exciting environments such as Clarendon and Shirlington, maybe Ballston, Columbia Pike, and Crystal City.
There is a new high-end condominium district emerging in Rosslyn centered on Gateway Park which will transform Rosslyn into more of an 18-hour city. As much as we like Rosslyn, it’s not there yet, but with three new communities coming, it’s the area that will see the heaviest influx of new condos in the next cycle. Residents are looking for an experience in their neighborhood.
Rosslyn is at an inflection point and with early renewed economic confidence, a micro-district surrounding Gateway Park is emerging. The condominium market has suffered a one-two punch and has yet to return to normal. The real estate development world was hit with COVID and brought the market to a standstill. I fondly call the current time period the “COVID hangover.” Let me explain.
It takes years to bring a new condominium to market including at least 1-2 years of entitlement and financing, 1 year of design, and 2 years of construction. If you count back 5-6 years, no one local was doing any of that with any real enthusiasm. Commercial markets then got hit with interest rates that roughly doubled, and then federal downsizing upset the situation.
Arlington is well poised for the return of luxury condos. It’s the second most educated city (behind Cambridge, Mass.) in America with 77% possessing college degrees. All the capital wealth makes 22207 the 36th most expensive zip code in the US with a median home price of $2.6M. Virginia is in the top 10 of US states for millionaires (roughly 275,000 or 8% of the residents). What do these people expect in the urban environment?
The next 3 luxury condo projects will all be overlooking Gateway Park, the new social epicenter of Rosslyn. To understand the effect this has today, just go visit Columbus Circle or Meridian Hill in DC. The parks are beautiful and safe again. Residents are visiting, smiling, taking pictures, enjoying the weather, lingering for longer, spending money, socializing, and proud to be there.
I, for one, can’t wait to witness the transformation. It will be a few years in the making and I’m here for it. Gateway Park is the connector for the next luxury condo district coming to Rosslyn in Arlington and it should produce an area that will “thrive beyond the 9-5.”
Do send along your questions, inquiries, and design preferences for the next generation of condominiums to our market. My personal email is: [email protected]
Between the ages of 18 months and 2.5 years old, children experience enormous growth. During this stage of development, children learn how to communicate feelings, navigate transitions, develop critical thinking skills, and build friendships. More families are turning to Montessori education because it empowers children to become more independent, motivated, and capable through hands-on learning and thoughtfully prepared classroom environments.
The Children’s House Montessori School Difference
At Children’s House Montessori School (CHMS) in Arlington and Alexandria, that development begins with classrooms intentionally designed for toddlers. Walk into a CHMS toddler classroom, and you will see children pushing in their chairs, preparing their own snack, cleaning up after themselves, watering plants, practicing language skills, and independently choosing lessons from child-sized shelves. Every material and lesson has a purpose: to help young children build coordination, concentration, and the foundation for academic and social success during one of the most important stages of development.
Throughout the school day at CHMS, toddlers naturally build meaningful friendships with one another, whether that means engaging in parallel play on the playground, working on a lesson beside a friend, or helping a classmate clean up spilled water. These small everyday moments help children develop empathy, social skills, and patience within the classroom community.
As children grow more comfortable expressing themselves, experienced and certified CHMS teachers gently guide them to learn how to communicate their needs and interact respectfully. The calm and collaborative Montessori environment gives young children opportunities to build emotional awareness alongside academic readiness from an early age.
Outcomes
At CHMS, parents often notice the impact of the Montessori approach early on. Toddlers begin taking greater initiative in everyday routines, communicating their needs more clearly, and navigating transitions with confidence.
These outcomes reflect what research has consistently shown about high-quality Montessori education. Children flourish in environments that support child-led learning, intrinsic motivation, and concentration. In CHMS toddler classrooms, those skills are developed through purposeful daily activities that actively engage their hands with their mind.
Since 1999, CHMS has provided an authentic Montessori education in a warm, connected school community.
CHMS is currently welcoming toddler and preschool families for the upcoming 2026-2027 school year. Families interested in learning more are encouraged to connect with the admissions team and schedule a tour to experience the CHMS approach and community firsthand.
