Business Details
45 Years
experience
Trusted Montessori Education Ages 3-14 in Newton, NC
Montessori at Sandy Ford is the oldest established private secular school in the Catawba Valley, serving children ages 3-14 since 1981. Our mission is to nurture intellectual, emotional, physical, and social growth through Dr. Maria Montessori's philosophy, emphasizing independence, community responsibility, and environmental stewardship. Accredited by Montessori Educational Programs International (MEPI), we provide a prepared environment with certified educators dedicated to fostering lifelong learners. Our 5-acre campus supports hands-on learning, conservation efforts, and multi-age classrooms that cultivate critical thinking and mutual respect. With over four decades of experience, we prioritize individualized education while maintaining affordable tuition rates below regional Montessori averages.Our programs feed seamlessly from early childhood through middle school, ensuring continuity in academic and character development. Parental involvement and community partnerships strengthen our educational approach, which includes before/after care and summer programs. We emphasize practical life skills, cultural studies, and outdoor exploration to prepare students as responsible global citizens. Our alumni consistently demonstrate exceptional critical thinking and adaptability in subsequent educational settings. By blending traditional Montessori methods with modern sustainability practices, we prepare students to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Services
Early Childhood Education
Elementary Programs
Before School Care
After School Care
Summer Program
Conservation Education
Details
- Year established: 1981
Highlights and features
- 40+ years of Montessori expertise in Catawba Valley
- MEPI-accredited programs with certified Montessori educators
- Seamless educational progression from early childhood through 8th grade
- Before/after school care and summer programs available
- Sustainability-focused curriculum with 5-acre nature campus
Associations and certifications
- Montessori Educational Programs International (MEPI)
What people say
Positive growth in child
Lifelong love of learning
Supportive community
Exceptional critical thinking
Beautiful campus
Services
Early Childhood Education
Our Early Childhood Education program serves ages 3-6 through Montessori methods emphasizing independence and self-directed learning. Students engage with tactile materials to develop foundational academic skills while cultivating social-emotional growth. The curriculum integrates practical life activities, sensorial exploration, and early literacy/numeracy in a prepared environment that nurtures curiosity and confidence.
Elementary Programs
Elementary programs for grades 1-8 focus on self-motivated learning through interdisciplinary studies. Students explore history, science, and mathematics using Montessori materials while developing research skills and collaborative problem-solving. Multi-age classrooms encourage peer mentoring and individualized pacing to maintain each child's natural love of learning.
Before School Care
Before school care operates 7:45-8:30 AM Monday-Friday, providing supervised activities for early arrivals. This program offers structured preparation for the academic day while accommodating working families' schedules. Students engage in quiet games, reading, and transitional activities to begin their day positively.
After School Care
After school care runs 3:00-5:30 PM daily, offering homework support, outdoor play, and enrichment activities. Certified staff maintain Montessori principles through practical life extensions and community-building exercises. This program supports working families while preserving educational continuity beyond regular school hours.
Conservation Education
Our conservation education integrates sustainability into daily learning through recycling, composting, gardening, and water catchment systems. Students care for campus animals like Daphne the pig while studying ecological systems. This hands-on approach develops environmental stewardship and practical understanding of ecological responsibility.
People
Mary Helen Cline
Director
Certified by Montessori Institute of America and MEPI, Mary Helen has led Catawba Valley's premier Montessori program since 1981. Her expertise in Montessori pedagogy shapes our educational philosophy and community partnerships.
Kenyon Kelly
Director
MEPI-certified educator Kenyon Kelly co-leads our school with 40+ years of Montessori experience. He oversees curriculum development and staff training while maintaining our commitment to Maria Montessori's vision.
Questions
What ages does Montessori at Sandy Ford serve?
We serve children ages 3-14, offering programs from early childhood through 8th grade.
Is Montessori at Sandy Ford accredited?
Yes, we're accredited by Montessori Educational Programs International (MEPI).
What are your class sizes?
We maintain small class sizes with two early childhood classrooms and one each for elementary and middle school.
Do you offer before/after school care?
Yes, we provide supervised care from 7:45 AM-5:30 PM Monday-Friday for enrolled students.
What makes your Montessori program unique?
Our 5-acre campus integrates environmental education with traditional Montessori methods, emphasizing sustainability and hands-on learning.
How do you handle inclement weather?
We make closure decisions by 7:00 AM and notify families via email and Remind App updates.
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