Montessori education gives every child a chance to learn the way that is best for him or her: through seeing, hearing and moving. Our environment is especially designed to incorporate all these ways of learning.

The best way to understand the Montessori educational approach is to experience it. Call today to make an appointment to observe a classroom and to find out more about this "cutting edge" method of education with almost 100 years of experience.

Montessori programs are designed to work in three-year increments. For best results, children should enter when they are three. Parents are encouraged to allow the child to complete the three year program. Primary children culminate their experience with the kindergarten year and are ready to join the Montessori Elementary Classroom or transition into traditional first grade. Elementary children who complete their third year have moved from hands-on materials to the abstract and are ready to continue into the next level of Montessori elementary education or join traditional fourth grade programs.

Why Montessori Discovery School?

Experience
MDS is known for its strong commitment to Montessori education. All our head teachers hold certificates from well-respected Montessori training centers. We encourage staff members to deepen their knowledge by attending conferences and workshops as well as observing other Montessori programs. MDS curriculum is set by our trained Montessori staff, so your child will receive a full Montessori experience in our classrooms.

Community
At MDS you will experience a community that seeks to involve your entire family. Your children are part of full Montessori program and you can be a part of a learning community. Our staff holds parent education evenings so you can learn more about Montessori philosophy and curriculum. There are pot luck suppers and committees to engage your energies. MDS offers opportunities for growth for all members of our community: children, parents and staff.

Dealing with Differences
Learning to communicate effectively is an important part of what happens at MDS. Children learn how to solve their differences using words. Staff members \facilitate discussions between children to help them learn to express their feelings and find common ground. The staff uses the same approach to model effective communication skills for children and parents. MDS employs a facilitator who helps our school community members seek resolution of differences. Our ongoing goal is to encourage all members of out school community to be effective communicators and to develop and use conflict resolution skills.

Setting
MDS' farm-like environment offers a unique outside curriculum while located in the city of Norwich. A renovated dairy barn house our classrooms, and our offices are in the farm house. We offer flower and vegetable gardening and are planning the addition of hens, sheep and llamas.

Benefits of Montessori Discovery School

Location

- 218 Dudley Street, Norwich, Connecticut
- Minutes from Interstate 395/Exit 80
- Farm-like setting
- Safely enclosed from traffic

- Founded in 1974
- Not-for-profit Corporation governed by a Board of Trustees
- Board members (generally parents) serve for 3 year terms and chair various committees
- The Board and Head of School make decisions jointly
- Board Committees are open to all MDS parents
- Approved by State of Connecticut Department of Education
- Affiliated with American Montessori Society

- Montessori Method
- Focus on whole child: cognitive, social, emotional, physical development
- Particular emphasis on communication and conflict resolution
- Mixed age groupings: 3-6 and 6-9
- Child is active participant in learning
- Child chooses own work according to interest and abilities
- Multi-sensory materials for physical exploration
- Five days/week

- Half-day and Full-day Programs
- Before and After School Programs
- Summer Programs
- Field trips for children 5 and older
- Gardening and Animal-care curriculum
- Physical education and recreation

- 3 Parent/Teacher conferences per school year
- Support of Montessori practices in the home environment
- Active interest in school events, curriculum and activities
- Support the growth of the school through referrals of potential students/parents

- Monthly and Quarterly payment plans
- Financial Assistance Available