Business Details
45 Years
experience
Trusted Montessori Education for Ages 3-14 in Newton, NC
Montessori at Sandy Ford has provided child-centered education since 1981, serving the Catawba Valley as the oldest secular Montessori school. Founded on Dr. Maria Montessori's principles, we cultivate intellectual, emotional, and social growth through hands-on learning and environmental stewardship. Our accredited programs for ages 3-14 emphasize independence, multi-age classrooms, and community responsibility.Certified by MEPI and licensed by North Carolina regulatory bodies, our experienced educators maintain a 5-acre green campus designed for holistic development. We prioritize individualized learning, conservation efforts, and preparing students to become compassionate global citizens.
Services
Early Childhood Education
Elementary Programs
Before School Care
After School Care
Summer Program
Environmental Education
Details
- Year established: 1981
Highlights and features
- We offer 43 years of Montessori expertise since 1981 with certified educators.
- Our 5-acre green campus integrates environmental education into daily learning.
- Multi-age classrooms foster peer mentoring and individualized learning paths.
- Extended care available from 7:45 AM-5:30 PM for working families.
- Accredited by MEPI with state licensing for early childhood and elementary programs.
Associations and certifications
- Montessori Educational Programs International (MEPI)
What people say
Lifelong love of learning
Nurtures individual strengths
Compassionate community
Excellent preparation for future
Dedicated teachers
Services
Early Childhood Education
Our Early Childhood program for ages 3-6 uses Montessori materials to develop independence, fine motor skills, and foundational academic concepts through self-directed play. Children engage in practical life activities, sensorial exploration, and early literacy/mathematics. The curriculum prepares students for elementary learning while nurturing social-emotional growth in a prepared environment.
Elementary Programs
Elementary programs for grades 1-8 combine Montessori methodology with state standards, covering mathematics, language arts, history, and sciences through hands-on materials. Multi-age classrooms allow personalized pacing while fostering peer teaching. Students develop critical thinking through project-based learning and community service initiatives.
Before School Care
Before school care operates from 7:45-8:30 AM, providing supervised activities for students needing early drop-off. This service accommodates working families while maintaining structured routines before academic sessions begin. The program ensures safety and gentle transition into the school day.
After School Care
After school care runs from 3:00-5:30 PM, offering homework support, outdoor play, and enrichment activities. The program maintains Montessori principles through self-directed learning choices while providing flexibility for families. Weekly themes incorporate cultural studies and environmental education.
Environmental Education
Environmental education integrates conservation into all grade levels through campus gardens, recycling programs, and nature studies. Students participate in composting, water catchment, and sustainability projects. The curriculum develops ecological stewardship through hands-on experiences with local ecosystems and climate systems.
People
Mary Helen Cline
Head of School
Certified by the Montessori Institute of America, Mary Helen has led Montessori at Sandy Ford since 1981. She co-founded the original Children's House program and directed its transition to the current 5-acre campus. Her expertise spans early childhood education and Montessori pedagogy implementation.
Kenyon Kelly
Co-Director
Kenyon Kelly, co-director since 1984, holds Montessori certification from MEPI. He specializes in elementary program development and environmental curriculum integration. With decades of experience, he focuses on creating sustainable learning environments that align with Montessori principles.
Questions
What age groups do you serve?
We serve children aged 3-14, offering programs for Early Childhood (3-6), Elementary (6-12), and Middle School (12-14).
Is your school accredited?
Yes, we're accredited by Montessori Educational Programs International (MEPI) with state licensing for early childhood and elementary programs.
What extended care options exist?
Before school care starts at 7:45 AM and after school care runs until 5:30 PM for working families.
How does your curriculum address environmental education?
Our 5-acre campus includes gardens and trails for hands-on learning. Students participate in composting, recycling, and sustainability projects daily.
What makes Montessori different?
Our multi-age classrooms use self-paced materials that develop independence, with teachers guiding rather than lecturing, fostering intrinsic motivation.
Do you offer financial assistance?
While we don't offer direct scholarships, our tuition rates rank below regional Montessori schools to maintain accessibility.
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