A small group of parents and educators founded Lorien Wood with big ideas and a desire to build a school in Vienna, Virginia where God is the head.
They wanted a school committed to worthy areas of study with materials that are truthful, authentic and of the highest quality. They wanted students to learn how to think independently and develop discernment. They wanted a joyful, hands-on environment that daily celebrates the beauty of God’s creation. They wanted a school where virtues are not only modeled and encouraged, but are foundational to all aspects of the community. They wanted a school that comes alongside each family and supports the parents’ efforts in raising their children and where parents play an integral role in the school.
This group began praying for the Lord’s wisdom and provision in carrying out their vision. They partnered with Esther Powell, a teacher at Rivendell School who had helped start several schools, to explore what it would take to launch such a school. With her guidance they began a relationship with many of Rivendell’s founding board members and met with them regularly to study their successful model for structuring and running a school. Lorien Wood adopted Rivendell’s distinctives, modifying them slightly and adding our own distinctive regarding finances.
After two years of rigorous preparation, Lorien Wood opened its doors in the fall of 2004 with 18 families and 23 students in grades K-2 at The Church of the Good Shepherd. Since opening its doors, Lorien Wood has been blessed with significant growth and expansion as an additional grade was added each year, faculty grew, enrollment increased, the current campus secured a long-term lease at New Song Church (previously Christian Assembly), a mature administrative staff was integrated, and an engaged Board of Trustees and parents continued to execute the Founder’s vision for Lorien Wood. 
We have been blessed by a committed faculty team and gifted administrators to lead the school. The active engagement and service of our parent community continues to flourish and enhance the learning experience for all our students. Our graduates have successfully moved on to continue their education in area high schools and top colleges around the country.
Lorien Wood began in faith many years ago, and we have witnessed how God has mightily and faithfully provided!
Our Name
The name of the school comes from J.R.R. Tolkien’s trilogy, The Lord of the Rings. In Fellowship of the Rings, Lorien Wood is a place of preparation where one becomes increasingly mindful of the beauty of God’s creation, respectful of ancient things, and imaginative, curious creatures. Similarly, at Lorien Wood School we seek to be an environment where children grow in their awe of and concern for all that God has created and are prepared for a lifelong journey serving Christ while extending his kingdom now.