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Montessori School of Denver

MSD Community

Get Involved in the MSD Community.

Engage with MSD families, alumni, the Board, faculty, and staff while our students learn, play, work, and grow. We’re here to support you, too, whether you prefer in-person or virtual events, 1:1 interactions or community gatherings, you’re a new family or part of our long, beautiful legacy.

We are committed to recognizing the rich diversity of our community members and to fostering an environment of inclusion and acceptance. We seek to reflect the world in which we live through our community, 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.

Give to MSD

In-Person and Virtual Events

In-person, virtual, and hybrid events are hosted throughout the year, aiming to connect our community. Experience Parent Ed events with fellow families in your program(s), tune in to our Distinguished Speaker Series, or visit campus for in-person engagement opportunities!

Volunteer on Campus!

We’re so excited to have volunteers support our campus. Whether you prefer shelving in the library, helping students practice for the play, or getting the Gallery Night glamour-ready, there are classroom-specific opportunities, as well as options with our Specials staff.

Family Association of MSD (FAM)

Participating in MSD’s FAM is fun and easy! It’s a great way to connect, create (or participate in) events, or simply show appreciation for faculty and staff. FAM events include Fall Harvest Fest, the Annual Auction, and program meet-ups.

MSD's FAM Oct 2021
“MSD strives to be a place where everyone feels like they are not only welcomed, they truly belong.”

-Joo Ree Chu, Ed.S., NCSP, MSD’s Director of Student Support

DEIB Curriculum

A Montessori education is rooted in peace. In fact, our peace education model means DEIB is integrated into every program’s curriculum, from award-winning books curated by MSD’s librarian to community gatherings for holidays and dates throughout the year.

Staff DEIB Tools

“Monthly Minders” are curated by MSD’s DEIB Specialist, featuring DEI lessons, supports, and learning goals by program level, as well as important dates of the weeks ahead. Our Hiring Statement reads, “MSD does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, or disability.” Staff are encouraged to use their first name (without honorifics), and pronouns are displayed on staff members’ signatures.

Accessible Equipment & Spaces

MSD has thoughtfully designed indoor and outdoor learning environments. The welcome center includes a ramp, most buildings are one-story (our Upper Elementary-Middle School building has an elevator), and Montessori classrooms are open concept, so students can learn, move, and play in their own space.

Admissions Non-Discrimination Statement

“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.”

Let’s build MSD’s community together.

Parenting is hard work! You don’t have to do it alone. Meet MSD families at Parent Ed events, volunteer for a class, or participate in a fundraiser. We value your time, talents, and treasures.

Learn about MSD's Values

We are a thoughtful, inclusive community of joyful, empowered learners; curious, collaborative thinkers; and brave, wise leaders.

Join Us for Community Gatherings

(Re)connecting is SO important. WinterGlow above brought warmth and cheer as a way to close the season (and year).
MSD Sweatshirts

Show MSD Spirit

We LOVE spirit days throughout the year! Don MSD stickers or temporary tattoos, meet mascot Stinger, and proudly wear your MSD gear. Shop MSD gear here.

Get Involved in Many Learning Journeys

Get involved in Plays, Concerts, or After School Programming. Connect with other parents in your child’s program or across campus.

 

Community FAQs

What is the Annual Fund? How can I help beautify campus? Why does my help matter? Can I contribute by volunteering? You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers.

Why does MSD need an Annual Fund?
Like many independent schools, tuition does not cover the full cost of educating our children and operating our school. Annual events, such as the Auction, help fill this gap and is critical to the continued success of MSD. In 2021-2022, the gap is $1,677 per student. There are seven buckets that your gift will impact, including:

  • Montessori Experiences
  • Professional Development
  • Montessori Materials
  • Facilities
  • Technology
  • Tuition Adjustment
  • General Fund
Why not raise tuition to cover the actual operating costs?
MSD strives to be a community, valuing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging. By raising tuition, MSD risks losing this diversity we strive for, so our community needs to help bridge the gap of $1,677 per student. Some families can give at the gap level, some give what they can, while others are able to give more than the gap to help our school. Together, we gather up all the gifts to keep the goodness going. In short, every gift matters. And in this way, we offer all our parents an opportunity to make ta tax-deductible gift while keeping tuition as low as possible. By bridging the gap, you’re helping to ensure MSD is as inclusive a student body as possible while maintaining our competitiveness, both locally and nationally.
When is the best time to donate?
We value your time, talents, and treasure and have events throughout the year, with some on and off campus, as well as virtual options. A tax-deductible donation is always welcome but key donation periods include the following: Read-A-Thon, Fun Runs, and Fall Fest happen in Autumn. In Winter, MSD participates in Colorado Gives Day. In Spring, parents, caregivers, and staff come together for an Auction and Paddle Raise.

In 2022, we are pleased to announce an in-person auction at the Colorado History Museum on Saturday, April 23! Click here to learn more about the auction, such as how to contribute, its theme Rock of Ages, and schedule of events.

How can I participate in beautifying MSD?
The Stephanie Pax Flanigan Legacy Gate was thoughtfully designed with dashes of beautiful bronze accents to include 66 icons that illustrate how Stephanie’s and MSD’s story are linked together. There are 18 icons in the archway, carefully selected to represent each year of her tenure at MSD. Each icon is available for a minimum donation of $2,500. Icon sponsorships are limited to three school years per donation. A donor recognition plaque will be located at the Gate’s site. Please consider joining hands with other MSD families like yours to celebrate Stephanie’s love for MSD and have a BIG impact at MSD!

In addition to supporting the Legacy Gate, these funds contribute to MSD’s two $5,000 summer sabbatical grants each year. Faculty and staff apply for funds for an activity outside of education that will recharge their batteries and promote personal growth. The positive impact the sabbaticals have on our community is truly inspirational. Recipients of Summer Sabbatical funds share their experiences with the MSD community in a variety of ways, such as the MSD Bee Newsletter.

DONATE NOW

DOWNLOAD THE FORM TO PLEDGE OR PAY BY CHECK. Printed copies of the form are available in the Welcome Center.

Learn more about the Legacy Gate

Why does my participation matter?
We rely on the MSD community, including parents, grandparents, Trustees, families, alumni, and friends, to help make the campus the best it can be (historically, 100% of faculty and staff participate, helping our nonprofit school be eligible for grants!) These contributions of ANY and ALL amounts make this a community effort. Your contribution supports our not-for-profit organization. MSD is dedicated to providing a dynamic educational (and working) environment. In addition, our goal is for the entire MSD community to participate, such as sharing time, talents, and treasure.
Does MSD have an Endowment Fund?
YES! The Tracy Collins Schwartz Endowment (TCSE) Fund was established in memory of Tracy Collins Schwartz. Tracy was the President of the Montessori School of Denver Parent Association for the 2007-08 school year. The mother of three MSD students, Tracy worked tirelessly on behalf of the school. She loved life, embracing each day to the fullest. No task was ever too small, and her enthusiasm and love for the school were evident in everything that she did. Although Tracy’s unexpected passing left a void in our hearts, Tracy’s work and spirit live on. The purpose and use of the Endowment Fund are to remember Tracy each year by creating an extraordinary experience for the students at MSD. Learn more about MSD’s endowment here.