Empowering students with language-based learning differences
20th Anniversary
About
“Siena provides an excellent education and unique opportunities for kids to explore and fulfill their potential in an environment that supports how they learn.” –Siena Middle School Parent
Welcome from Our Executive Head of School
Thank you for being with us this year to celebrate an extraordinary milestone: 20 years of The Siena School’s journey in making a difference in the lives of so many students with learning differences.
It’s hard to believe that 20 years have passed.
As we mark this special anniversary, it’s a time to reflect, celebrate, and look forward to the future. Just as we’ve nurtured our students to grow academically, socially, and emotionally, we too have grown as a school. From humble beginnings to offering a wide range of electives, extracurriculars, and opportunities that our students have seized with enthusiasm. Our students continue to excel in academics, athletics, arts, and leadership, all while gaining the confidence to embrace their learning differences and use them as a springboard for success.
As we look back, we see the vibrant tapestry that makes up our school’s history — each year, each student, each teacher and administrator adding their unique thread to the fabric of our story. We have grown from a handful of students in the lower level of a church to a diverse and dynamic community that now spans multiple campuses. From our first graduating class to today’s innovative programs, every milestone has been a stepping stone to something greater.
In sustaining excellence over these past 20 years, we’ve never wavered in our commitment to nurturing each student’s individual strengths. We’ve remained committed to fostering an environment where students not only survive but thrive, where their learning differences are not seen as obstacles, but as opportunities to build resilience, creativity, and leadership.
Sustaining excellence is also about looking forward. It’s about growth — and growth is never easy; it’s a continuous journey of improvement, adaptation, and innovation. As we continue to grow, we’ll keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible for our students, providing them with new opportunities to discover their passions and reach their full potential.
From the beginning, we have celebrated the strength of our community — a community that has, over two decades, remained steadfast in its mission to empower students with language-based learning differences. Together, we will continue to innovate and create an environment where every student is empowered to shine in their own vibrant and exciting way.
Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey!
Dr. Jilly Darefsky
Executive Head of School
Looking Back
The 2025-26 school year is a dual milestone for The Siena School: it's the 20th anniversary of The Siena School and the 5th anniversary of Siena's Northern Virginia campus.
As we look back, we see the vibrant tapestry that makes up our school’s history — each year, each student, each teacher and administrator adding their unique thread to the fabric of our story. We have grown from a handful of students in the lower level of a church to a diverse and dynamic community that now spans multiple campuses. Scroll down for historical images from our Maryland and Northern Virginia campuses.
As we continue to grow, we’ll keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible for our students, providing them with new opportunities to discover their passions and reach their full potential.
Support The Siena School Scholarship Fund
Since April 2009, The Siena School Scholarship Fund has raised over $2.3 million to enable students to receive the rich, supportive education they deserve. The Scholarship Fund is a nonprofit, tax-exempt entity separate from The Siena School; it is managed by The Greater Washington Community Foundation. All donations are fully tax-deductible and go directly to the scholarship fund to raise money for financial aid.
All donations go to one place for one purpose: increasing access to Siena for families in need.
Thank you for supporting our decades-long commitment to ensuring that a student who can benefit from Siena, attends Siena. Your participation both honors our founding vision and helps sustain that vision for the future.
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