Welcome to MSD

More than 100 years ago, Maria Montessori (1870—1952) saw a great need to reform the educational system of her time. Her ideas have not only stood the test of time, but they have also proven to be more valuable than ever in teaching children for the 21st century.

Maria devoted her life to creating schools that develop the full potential of each individual child. She believed that education could be a powerful force in creating more responsible and caring individuals and that through observation, individual choice, and a carefully prepared environment, great success is possible.

The core Montessori principles resonate with so many parents and so many kinds of learners:

• Individual learning. Montessori education recognizes that each child learns at a different pace, and we allow time in the classroom for that growth to take place. The Montessori method is based on a deep respect for and understanding of child development.
• Multi-age groupings of children within a classroom. Multi-age groupings provide the necessary opportunities for older children to be role models for the younger students, both reinforcing their own learning and building self-esteem. In addition, these groupings contribute to a strong sense of community in the classroom.
• An emphasis on concrete learning first. A primary emphasis on concrete learning provides a firm foundation for abstraction later. Children need to experience concepts in concrete, hands-on ways before they can truly think abstractly. For example, we teach children to feel the difference in weight between the quantities of one, ten, 100 and 1,000.
• A focus on the joy of learning and a sense of discovery. Montessori students are deeply interested in learning and understanding the work itself. When a child asks a question in a Montessori classroom, the teacher will guide the student in the right direction to discover the answer on his or her own.
• Carefully prepared classroom environments. Classrooms are welcoming, child-centered, orderly, and stimulating. A thoughtfully prepared environment facilitates the child’s exploration and creativity. In addition, the classroom environment provides the structure for behavior expectations that are clear, predictable, and constant, reinforced by both children and adults.
• Self-correcting materials. Montessori materials are designed to allow students to get immediate feedback and correct mistakes on their own. This leads to the development of critical thinking skills.
• Schedules with large blocks of work time. Classroom schedules allow students the time to problem solve, see the interdisciplinary connections of knowledge, and to construct new ideas. Large blocks of time enable students to develop concentration and grit – the ability to stay with a challenging task to achieve a goal – necessary for life’s success.
• Teachers specially trained in the Montessori method. In addition to curriculum instruction and Montessori philosophy, teacher education includes child development, teaching strategies, observation, and leadership skills. In a Montessori classroom, teachers play an unobtrusive role to encourage children to be motivated internally, rather than by external rewards.

A Montessori education at MSD supports and nurtures a child’s development in all areas: physical, intellectual, language, and social-emotional. The foundation of Montessori education was built on developing the optimal learning environments for children, and that’s just what our campus is designed for.

Learn more: Research behind the Montessori model & MSD FAQ

Montessori School of Denver is committed to recognizing the rich diversity of our community members and to fostering an environment of inclusion and acceptance. We respect the individuality of all people, including but not limited to age, economic means, ethnicity, family composition, gender identity, learning differences, race, religion, and sexual orientation. We provide a true multicultural education through our curriculum and our service learning activities. We seek to reflect the world in which we live through our community of administrators, Faculty, students, and their families, and we welcome each community member’s unique experiences and worldviews. We strive to be a cohesive, caring community that is unified in its common values.

We are a member of the Colorado Diversity Network.

Montessori School of Denver is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive environment, free of discrimination or harassment, for its community.  Montessori School of Denver does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, immigration/citizen status, age, marital status, pregnancy status, veteran status, or disability.

Any person with a concern or allegation of discrimination or harassment shall report it to Montessori School of Denver’s Compliance Coordinator. Montessori School of Denver maintains procedures for the investigation of complaints of discrimination or harassment. Montessori School of Denver prohibits retaliation against any individual who brings forward a good-faith concern of discrimination or harassment or against those who participate in any process related to maintaining an environment free of discrimination and harassment.

Related Policies and Procedures: Procedure for the Investigation of Discrimination or Harassment, as applicable or necessary, will involve relevant parties, as determined by the Head of School and Compliance Coordinator.