Just 30 minutes from Potomac, a new kind of private school is promising to compress a child's entire academic day into two hours.

Alpha School is opening its Chantilly, VA campus this fall, targeting K-3 families with $65,000 annual tuition and a pitch that sounds like science fiction: AI tutors handle morning academics, while afternoons focus on life skills like financial literacy and public speaking.

The model claims students learn 2.6 times faster than traditional peers using adaptive software that adjusts to each child's pace. Instead of teachers delivering lectures, adult "Guides" provide motivational support while algorithms do the heavy lifting.

Critics question whether unverified internal metrics tell the whole story, and Pennsylvania already rejected a similar charter application, calling the AI model "untested." The $65,000 price tag puts it among the region's priciest private options.

For families navigating private school waitlists, Alpha represents either the future of learning or an expensive experiment with childhood development.

Read the Washington Post's full coverage of the Chantilly opening

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Explore Alpha School's complete program details

🥟 Bao Bei now open in Rockville. Food Network’s Great Food Truck Race finalist Bao Bei makes the leap from a three-year ghost kitchen run to its first restaurant, helmed by a Gaithersburg High grad. The spot brings handcrafted Taiwanese street food to a sit-down dining room. Check out their menu

🏛️ Historic Prospect House Under Contract. Georgetown’s Prospect House, built in 1793 and once used as White House guest quarters under Truman, is under contract for $12.5 million. Read the full story (DCUrbanTurf)

🔬 MCPS Seeks STEAM Volunteers. Montgomery County Public Schools is looking for scientists, engineers, technologists, artists, and mathematicians to share expertise in K–12 classrooms. Volunteers help teachers with hands-on projects and inspire students with real-world career insights. Learn how to volunteer

🏒 Last Call for Youth Hockey Registration. Montgomery Youth Hockey Association’s fall/winter sign-ups are about to close. Boys and girls ages 5–18 can join house leagues or instructional programs out of Cabin John & Rockville rinks. Register now

Your home deserves pieces that tell a story, not mass-produced filler. 

A well-chosen rug, especially one made from natural fibers with rich, hand-dyed color, can ground a room with warmth and intention. 

Oushak rugs are known for their softness and subtle patterning that ages beautifully over time. 

Paloma Home Interiors sources theirs directly from skilled artisans in India, using 100 percent wool and natural dyes. The result is a rug that adds depth and history without shouting for attention.

See Paloma’s latest heirloom rugs

*This space sponsored by a friend of the Loop

DC Jazz Festival. Aug 27–31 @ Multiple DC Venues
The first of 5 days of world-class jazz featuring NEA Jazz Masters Ron Carter, Branford Marsalis, and Grammy winner Lalah Hathaway. The main waterfront action happens at The Wharf on Saturday-Sunday with six stages along the Potomac. Get tickets in link 🎷

Demystifying Dementia Virtual Discussion. 11am-12pm @ Virtual
Dr. Doug Elwood from Sunday Health explores the latest in cognitive health research, FDA-approved treatments, and prevention strategies that actually work. Learn about new blood-based diagnostic tools and lifestyle factors that support brain health. Register in link🧠

Potomac Chamber Networking Event. 3:30–5:30pm @ Hunters Bar & Grill
River Road's classic business mixer returns with complimentary hors d'oeuvres from Hunter's and a cash bar. Bring business cards and your best conversation. 🤝

The Parkinson’s Plan Book Talk. 7pm @ Politics & Prose, Conn Ave
Two top neurologists join health journalist Joanne Kenen to discuss Parkinson’s as a preventable disease, their four-part PLAN framework, and a practical “Parkinson’s 25” checklist. First come, first serve seating + livestream option 📚

Adaptive Mountain Biking Group Rides. 5-7pm @ Cabin John Regional Park
Montgomery Parks offers inclusive "no rider left behind" trail adventures on specialized adaptive bikes. Try the TerraTrike recumbent foot-pedaled trike or Lasher all-terrain handcycle with e-assist power. 5-mile rides include bike fitting and volunteer guides and free equipment designed for riders with disabilities. Register in links 🚵‍♂️

Rising Stars DMV Kickoff Event. 6:30-9:30pm @ Three Fox Pond
Young professionals connect at this networking launch for the DMV's newest entrepreneurial community at a stunning private property with koi pond and gardens.. Open bar and refreshments to help fuel new connections. Get tickets in link, business casual dress code, ages 21+⭐

Line Dancing. 6:30-8:30pm @ The Crossvines
Come boot-scootin’ boogie at Poolesville’s award-winning winery where a lively instructor will guide dancers of all levels through classic line dance steps in a high-energy night of country music and fun. 🤠

DC Festival of Magic. Aug 29–31 @ Capital Hilton
World-class magicians transform Labor Day weekend into three nights of mind-bending illusions and comedy. Founded by mentalist Brian Curry, this 5th annual festival features jaw-dropping performances from Andi Gladwin, Lucy Darling, and David Corsaro. Get tickets in link ✨

Nail Art for Tweens & Teens. 4:30–5:30pm @ Potomac Library
Get glam with non-toxic nail polish, brushes, dotting tools, and stickers in this DIY program. All materials provided for ages 10-18 to explore the art of the manicure. 💅

Sunset Summer Movie Night. 8-9:30pm @ Meadowside Nature Center
Watch "The Great Outdoors" starring John Candy and Dan Aykroyd on the nature center lawn. The $25 ticket includes wine or beer (2 drink max), popcorn, and candy. Ages 21+ with ID check. Register in link, bring lawn chairs + blankets 🎬

Houseplants 101. 11am @ Good Earth Garden Market
As part of their “Houseplant Palooza” event all weekend, you can learn how to tame tricky houseplants at this free workshop with Rachel, Good Earth’s houseplant manager + bring photos of your wilting wonders for personalized troubleshooting. Free to attend 🌱

Chess Zone & Special Simul. 12-4:30pm @ Westfield Montgomery Mall
Join free play, lessons, and mini-tournaments, plus a special exhibition with U.S. National Master David Bennett playing 20 guests simultaneously. Registration starts on-site @ 12pm, all ages and skill levels welcome♟️

BiteMe Summer Food Festival Charity. 12–8pm @ The Square Rockville
Enjoy authentic Asian dishes, live cultural performances, a bustling goods market, and family-friendly showcases. Free admission, with all proceeds supporting the Maryland Food Bank. 🥟

54th Annual Labor Day Art Show. Aug 30-Sept 1, 12-6pm @ Glen Echo Park
More than 400 artists display sculpture, ceramics, painting, jewelry, and photography inside the historic Spanish Ballroom. Opening reception Friday night, show through Monday 🎨

Real Cake Decorating. 2pm @ Dov & Company
Learn pro techniques with Lillian Nathalie while decorating two mini cakes using pressed flowers, edible glitter, and luxe flavors. All materials provided. $85, tickets in link 🍰

Now go share this with that neighbor who saw the Waymo self-driving car in Westbard Square

-Potomac Loop Team