MDS At A Glance Location - 218 Dudley Street, Norwich, Connecticut - Moments from Interstate 395/Exit 80 - Farm-like setting - Safely enclosed from traffic History/Profile - Approved by State of Connecticut Department of Education - Affiliated with American Montessori Society - Founded in 1974 - Not-for-profit corporation governed by a Board of Trustees - Board members serve for 3 year terms and chair various committees - The Head of School is responsible for day-to-day administration of the school - The Board holds school "in trust" for future students and makes broad policy decisions - Board Committees are open to all MDS parents Educational Approach - Montessori Method - Focus on whole child: cognitive, social, emotional, physical development - Particular emphasis on communication and conflict resolution - Mixed age groupings: 3-6 and 6-12 - 9-12 program under development - Child is active participant in learning - Child chooses own work according to interest and abilities - Multi-sensory materials for physical exploration - Five days/week Programs and Activities - Half-day and Full-day Programs - Before and After-School Programs for MDS students - Summer Programs - Field trips for children 5 and older - Second language program - Gardening and animal-care curriculum - Fiber arts curriculum - Physical education and recreation - Art and music curriculum Parental Commitment - Attend 3 Parent/Teacher conferences per school year - Support Montessori practices in the home environment - Participate in school events and activities - Support the growth of the school through referrals of potential students/parents - Children joining the MDS Primary Program must be able to use the toilet    independently Fiscal - Monthly and Quarterly payment plans - Financial Assistance Available