Montessori School of Durham (MSD) lays foundations for intellectual, moral, emotional, physical, social, and spiritual competence in our students.
We shape young people who have a sense of the grand order of the universe, who can assume their rights and responsibilities, find joy in learning, and who delight among the peoples and in the places where they live.
To accomplish these goals, MSD implements classic Montessori principles of respect for the child's capabilities, preparation of the environment in which the child can be successful, and observation of each learner's style and progress.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- School Type: Montessori School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-6
- Enrollment: 170 students
- Application Deadline: Jan. 17 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
School Overview
School Type
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-6
Year Founded
1977
Summer School Offered
Yes
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
170 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
40%
State avg.: 23%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
50 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
3:1
National avg.: 13:1
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Jan. 17 / rolling
Admissions Director
Natalie McFarlane
Sports
Total Sports Offered
1 sport
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
11 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Chess, Gardening, Lego Club, Spanish
Arts and Music Programs:
Art Classes, Music, Music Lessons, Performing Arts, Piano, Theatre
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Movement and Dance
Chess, Gardening, Lego Club, Spanish
Arts and Music Programs:
Art Classes, Music, Music Lessons, Performing Arts, Piano, Theatre
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Movement and Dance
School Notes
- Montessori School of Durham (MSD) lays foundations for intellectual, moral, emotional, physical, social, and spiritual competence in our students. We shape young people who have a sense of the grand order of the universe, who can assume their rights and responsibilities, find joy in learning, and who delight among the peoples and in the places where they live.
- To accomplish these goals, MSD implements the classical Montessori principles: the development of concentration, order, and coordination, which foster the discipline required for independence. These skills enable the child`s freedom of inquiry, while multi-age classrooms promote individualized education. Confidence and enthusiasm is gained from the ability to self-initiate and from success.
- These principles provide the framework for every level of our work -- the layout of the classroom, the design of the curriculum, the modeling of each activity, and the intention of each lesson with the individual child. The teachers each day guide children toward learning to make decisions in their practical lives, exploring a myriad of sensory experiences, savoring the power of words, reveling in the elegance of mathematics, cultivating their unique voice through the arts, discovering continents and cultures in geography, observing the marvelous wonders of the natural world, and linking the past to the present through historical studies
- In addition to our outstanding teaching staff, our programs are also set apart by a dedication to Montessori`s foundation in respect for the child. At MSD, we respect the child`s innate desire to learn and inborn power to be competent. Moreover, teaching children to be responsible members of their community, and imparting the skills they need to problem-solve and resolve conflicts, is as important as academic instruction. Students learn to care for themselves, for others, and for their environment, and practice community responsibility and service as part of the curriculum. Each classroom becomes a community built on respect and trust.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
What sports does Montessori School Of Durham offer?
Montessori School Of Durham offers 1 interscholastic sports: Soccer.
When is the application deadline for Montessori School Of Durham?
The application deadline for Montessori School Of Durham is Jan. 17 / rolling (applications are due on Jan. 17 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
In what neighborhood is Montessori School Of Durham located?
Montessori School Of Durham is located in the Duke Forest neighborhood of Durham, NC. There are 1 other private schools located in Duke Forest.
School Reviews
5 9/3/2020
My son has attended MSD for six years. We've had a incredible experience. He has been blessed to have caring teachers and enjoy a personalized curriculum that is tailored to him. The small, community feel builds confidence and allows children to be who they are truly meant to be. They care able to excel at academics without the stress and anxiety of being taught to the test. Overall, this is an amazing school.
5 5/17/2016
I have one child that has graduated and one child remaining in elementary school. What a great foundation this school and the Montessori method has provided our children to succeed academically. My children have a love of learning and more importantly a discipline and focus to get any work done. I credit MCHD's teachers and curriculum with providing the environment for my children to obtain these skills that will be with them forever.
5 2/28/2012
Hands down, the best school in Durham! I could not ask for a better place for my daughter.
I have watched my daughter develop into a self confident and intelligent young lady in the last year and a half and know that much of the credit is due to her teacher and MCHD. At only the age of 5, she is reading to herself, performing simple math calculations in her head for fun, and can name all seven continents without skipping a beat! Not to mention singing a new song practically every day and coming home to teach us all yoga!
As if that isn't enough, I am constantly amazed at the genuine, polite elementary students that I encounter daily. These children are happy and content at just being a part of society and being who they are. Every child on the MCHD campus is what I think we hope all children can be - children! I am honored to be a part of this school. Our family is excited for the new campus and the opportunities that will give this community for expanded offerings.
Montessori Children's House of Durham is an oasis for children and families. You will not be disappointed.
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