Preschool Elementary History FAQ's Enrollment Calendar Preschool Application Elementary Application Best viewed at 800 by 600. |
![]() Montessori Day School 1165 Weaver Dairy Road Chapel Hill, North Carolina (919) 929-3339 Contact Us MDS on Citysearch |
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| "Building a lifelong love of learning" |
Maria Montessori |
Maria Montessori was an individual ahead of her time. She was born
in 1870 in Ancona, Italy, to an educated but nonaffluent middle class family.
She grew up in a country considered most conservative in its attitude toward
women, yet even against the considerable opposition of her father and teachers,
Montessori pursued a scientific education and was the first woman to become
a physician in Italy. As a practicing physician associated with the University
of Rome, she was a scientist, not a teacher. It is ironic that she became
famous for her contributions in a field that she had rejected as the traditional
refuge for women at a time when few professions were open to them other
than homemaking or the convent. The Montessori method evolved almost by
accident from a small experiment that Dr. Montessori carried out on the
side. Her genius stems not from her teaching ability, but from her recognition
of the importance of what she stumbled upon. For more information, visit The International Montessori Index |
| "We had prepared a place for children where a diffused culture could be assimilated, without any need for direct instruction...Yet these children learned to read and write before they were five, and no one had given them any lessons." |
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Preschool The goal of the preschool is to help each child develop within himself or herself the foundational habits, attitudes, skills appreciations and ideas which are essential for a lifetime of creative learning. The programmed activities involving the handling, manipulating and working with materials designed around these goals prove to be intensely fascinating and absorbing for the young child. 'One must learn by doing
the thing, for though you think you know it,
Activities are prepared in the areas of practical life, sensorial, science, geography, mathematics, language, music and art. Field trips and guest speakers are interspersed throughout the school year to provide additional opportunities for learning. The preschool program is supplemented by professionally taught classes in music, Spanish and physical education. The classroom has 23-24 children, ranging in age from three to six. Each class is led by a Montessori certified directress and an assistant. To be eligible for the preschool, a child must be three years old on or before October 16 of the year in which they wish to enroll. |
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"Our aim is not merely to make the child understand, and still less to force
him to memorize, but so to touch his imagination as to enthuse him to his inmost
core." |
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Elementary The Montessori elementary curriculum provides a non-competitive, intellectually and chronologically diverse learning opportunity. Children are valued for their individuality and special gifts and talents. Through a culturally enriched curriculum, children take responsibility for exploring the universe and researching those areas of particular interest to them. The emphasis is on learning, not rote memorization. There is nothing that cannot be presented to the child if presented to appeal to the child's imagination. In addition to the regular academic curriculum which includes traditional educational expectations, there is enrichment in music, foreign language, field trips, physical education, guest speakers and library visits. Art is sponsored by the Parent Support Group. Children not previously enrolled in Montessori preschool are considered on an individual basis because independence, curiosity and an ability to concentrate are important characteristics to bring to the class. The Classroom: Children range in age from 6 to 9. There is a Montessori certified directress and an assistant with a four year college degree in the elementary classroom. |
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"To enjoy a lifetime of learning everywhere and throughout one's life, and to develop the skills and tools to make that possible is what Maria Montessori felt education could be." |
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History Montessori Day School (MDS), Inc., was established in March 1979 by Cathy Beemer and Liz Mallett. The goals for the school were to provide a faculty operated school, a well equipped and pleasant learning environment for children, and an enriched Montessori curriculum to meet the needs of children with a wide range of abilities.
The MDS Parent Support Group (PSG) was started in 1982 when the school moved to its present location. The PSG is very active and supports several enrichment programs for the children and school.
Location: The school is located in a large home on Weaver Dairy Road next to the Timberlyne Shopping Center just off of Hwy. 86 (Airport Road). In 1982, the home was customized for students and the Montessori philosophy.
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"It is true we cannot make a genius. We can only give each individual the
chance to become an independent, secure and balanced human being." |
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FAQ's
Why should you choose a
Montessori education for your child? What do you have to
offer that my child can’t get at more traditional schools?
What kind of child attends
Montessori?
How will my child adjust to
public schools after a Montessori school?
What is different about
Montessori Day School?
If my child is left to
choose his own projects, won’t he do the same thing day in and day out, or
do nothing at all?
I’ve heard Montessori is
too individualized and does not allow socialization. Is this true? |
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"Montessori education is based on the study of life. It is pure creativity, as all life is creation. Children are given the opportunity for intellectual exploration with the freedom to grow in social grace, inner discipline and joy." |
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Enrollment PRESCHOOL - Observation by a parent is required to receive an application. A preference is given to siblings of MDS students and to transfer students from other Montessori schools. The Montessori Day School does not discriminate on any basis whatsoever in reviewing applications. ELEMENTARY - Observations by a parent is required of applicants not enrolled in MDS. Existing MDS students are enrolled first, then students transferring from other Montessori schools and then non-Montessori students.
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"It is in childhood that a person learns to develop, guide and direct himself on the way of life." |
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