Enrichment

Beyond the classroom, MSD strives to offer different creative and physical outlets for the children to enrich their school activities.

Music

MSD is fortunate to have a full time music instructor on staff as well as access to a Suzuki piano instructor who teaches lessons on-site at the school. Children are offered the opportunity to express themselves through music either in the school band, the newly created “rock band” program or in learning to play the piano. Three times a week, children participate in organized musical activities as well as experiencing music in the classroom. We are dedicated to using music to teach not only musical appreciation but to enhance math and problem solving skills as well as providing children a creative outlet.

Foreign Language

Because children have this natural curiosity and inclination to learn about language, we offer coursework in both Spanish and French. Foreign language studies begin at the earliest grade levels (3-6 year program) and continue through the child’s entire Montessori experience. Additional language classes are also offered in an after school program for those children with a desire to become more fluent in either language. MSD has a fulltime foreign language instructor who is fluent in both French and Spanish and has traveled extensively in Europe offering the children a richer experience of stories and experiences while learning a new language.

Art

Art is an activity that often sparks the imagination. Part of the Montessori experience is to explore the tactile world and art fulfills this need in child as they explore paint, clay, paper and a multitude of other media to create and imagine. MSD has in residence its own art instructor who is a professionally trained painter and sculptor. Our art program is a process-based art program. This means children are given the freedom to create art their own way with an appreciation for different techniques and mediums. For children, learning is in the process of art making rather than the end result.

Physical Education

At MSD we view physical education as more than an outlet for working off excess energy, but as a way of enhancing the education and development of the children. MSD offers a program called “Brain Gym” which looks to enhance a child’s physical and mental fitness, motor skills and coordination using music and carefully selected physical activities. Brain gym is also effective in helping to improve a wide range of learning, attention and behavioral skills. We have on staff a certified exercise Kinesiologist bringing us the latest learning on how movement and learning development are connected.