Dr. Montessori believed that children are individuals with their own strengths and weaknesses, interests, and learning styles, and acknowledging these traits is the key to a child's fundamental development. While working in the prepared environment of a Montessori classroom, the child has the opportunity to work on concepts at a level that is challenging without being frustrating.
When a child works in this manner, they are more engaged and focused, thereby leading to a deeper understanding of the material with less boredom and frustration. This fosters a genuine, lasting interest in learning. MMS has an environment that is kind and supportive to our students using the Montessori principles.
When a child works in this manner, they are more engaged and focused, thereby leading to a deeper understanding of the material with less boredom and frustration. This fosters a genuine, lasting interest in learning. MMS has an environment that is kind and supportive to our students using the Montessori principles.
Services
McDonald Montessori School offers two programs for the academic school year in addition to a Before Care and an After Care program. Children's House is a multi-age classroom for children ages three to six. Each classroom has a teacher and an assistant. The Morning Children are generally ages three to four.
In July of 2006, McDonald Montessori relocated to the current facility at 4200 Granby Street where we have three classrooms and a Before Care and After Care room! All lead staff at McDonald Montessori are accredited Montessori teachers where each teacher teaches to the age group for which they are accredited and certified to teach.
The learning doesn't have to end when the school year is over. We offer a summer program that provides children with a fun and safe environment to encourage their natural tendencies to explore and learn from the world around them. Sessions are one-week long. They are offered from mid-June through the beginning of August, and they are open to children from three to six years old (rising first graders).
Reviews (16)
Gary Cason
Sep 12, 2019
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We had the pleasure of visiting McDonald Montessori over the weekend for their annual open house. We were so impressed by the community coming together around the school. So many kids and parents having a great time. We spoke with some of the students and their academic strengths were apparent. The students (and graduates) knew their stuff and especially knew how to articulate what they had learned. Really awesome conversations over snow cones! Great place!
Elizabeth D.
Nov 15, 2018
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I consider finding McDonald Montessori one of the great gifts of my life. I know that sounds hyperbolic, but it's absolutely true. Ellen and her staff are devoted to their students in a way that I've never seen before. I have two EXTREMELY different children who both attend MMS and are blossoming before my eyes. My daughter was never going to flourish in an environment where she had to sit still for hours a day and stare at a screen, memorizing memorizing memorizing. At MMS, she's free to wiggle, walk, sing, read, write, draw, paint and, as a result, she loves to learn. My son is
J. P.
Aug 28, 2018
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My son transferred to McDonald Montessori from another Montessori school and it has been the best thing in the world for him. His anxiety dropped tremendously and he really, really enjoys going to school now. He was like a completely different child after the transition. The lower elementary classroom runs so smoothly and the children learn so much in an environment that doesn't seem pressured or intense. My son is blossoming both academically and socially at McDonald Montessori and we will be very sad at the end of third grade when he has to move on.
Jennifer Hafner
Jul 07, 2018
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McDonald Montessori is helping our child find his place in the world. After visiting numerous schools we signed our child up for another school. It was bright and shiny but the packaging was much better than the content. Our child needed a place that could tailor his education to his abilities and interests while also assisting in his journey to building friendships and becoming a kinder human. Our family found this in McDonald Montessori.
The Director of the school spent a lot of time answering questions and offering input about our child's education plan. Though we all knew it would be a challenging
The Director of the school spent a lot of time answering questions and offering input about our child's education plan. Though we all knew it would be a challenging
Barbara S.
Jan 17, 2018
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Seriously, as good as it gets. This is my child's third school in Norfolk, so I have recent contact with the methods of other local preschools and elementary schools. I am also a local resident of 40+ years in Norfolk. I know what schools are out there and what other parents say. Obviously I toured many and HANDS DOWN, this is the most amazing program!!!
The atmosphere is cozy and nurturing. The feedback from the teachers is always presented in a positive manner, even if the issue is an area met with challenges. The teachers and staff are entirely helpful, talented and dedicated to your child
The atmosphere is cozy and nurturing. The feedback from the teachers is always presented in a positive manner, even if the issue is an area met with challenges. The teachers and staff are entirely helpful, talented and dedicated to your child
Sherry Johnson
Oct 29, 2017
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I am a very protective mother and have endured very difficult situations at a few schools with my daughter. When I came here to Norfolk on orders I was extremely nervous about finding not only a safe environment but a caring one as well. THIS school is by far the SAFEST school in Hampton Roads. The owner of this school truly cares about each and every child's well being and definitely keeps her children safe. My daughter has improved academically here within the first few months she attended. She has been there 2 years now and has shown improvement in her reading, writing, and willingness to learn
Kathleen Sigrist
Oct 05, 2017
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McDonald Montessori has been the perfect fit for my kids. The school delivers authentic Montessori principles in a highly respectful environment. The students are loved and elevated; my kids are offered countless hands-on learning experiences in a setting that is both orderly and beautiful. McDonald Montessori's teachers are outstanding - expert in cultivating independent, engaged, and enthusiastic learners. I know my kids will take the lessons learned through their Montessori education with them through life. Very grateful for this school and the people that make it go! Thank you!
Melissa Mullen
Jan 30, 2017
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Having come from a Montessori education as a child myself, I knew I wanted the same introduction to learning for my own children. McDonald Montessori is exactly the what I was hoping to find! The teachers are warm, caring and exceptional educators! My kids are excited to go to school every day and can't wait to tell me what they learned or what new lesson they were given. I truly, couldn't be more pleased with the experience we've had at McDonald Montessori!
The whole concept of Montessori is that the child will learn what interests them, and at the pace they want to learn. It's so fun seeing
The whole concept of Montessori is that the child will learn what interests them, and at the pace they want to learn. It's so fun seeing
Christian J.
Sep 06, 2016
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It's unfortunate the other reviewer had such a negative review. MM's reputation in the community stands up against the undeserved 2 stars Ashley gave them,but for those not familiar with the program, let me add my review.
Firstly, I wonder how long her child was in the program. Secondly, I would venture to say there must have been some unknown issues that influenced her review. I don't think we have the full story here. So take it with a grain of salt.
We joined the MM family 6 years ago with my first child who is now eight. She completed a three year cycle before we transferred
Firstly, I wonder how long her child was in the program. Secondly, I would venture to say there must have been some unknown issues that influenced her review. I don't think we have the full story here. So take it with a grain of salt.
We joined the MM family 6 years ago with my first child who is now eight. She completed a three year cycle before we transferred
Ashley C.
Mar 10, 2016
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Small school that has a warm feel. The method of teaching and adherence to Montessori principles was not executed properly. No extended day offered for Children's House students unless they are selected into a small group. A lot of focus is put on where the child fit in socially and not academically. Did not feel it was the right fit for my child.
Kate Mouak
Feb 03, 2015
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We have been a McDonald Montessori family for 6 years, and cannot say enough nice things about the program. The teachers and staff are some of the most caring individuals I have met anywhere. After six years, they feel more like family than teachers. The small environment of the school allows a lot of personal interaction and both of my children have developed wonderful relationships with all of their teachers. There is wonderful focus on not only education, but also on manners and character.
While a caring environment is our biggest priority, the education at McDonald Montessori has been
We have been a McDonald Montessori family for 6 years, and cannot say enough nice things about the program. The teachers and staff are some of the most caring individuals I have met anywhere. After six years, they feel more like family than teachers. The small environment of the school allows a lot of personal interaction and both of my children have developed wonderful relationships with all of their teachers. There is wonderful focus on not only education, but also on manners and character.
While a caring environment is our biggest priority, the education at McDonald Montessori has been
Evan Callaway
Dec 17, 2014
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My two daughters love going to school here and are both excited to share with my wife and I what they are learning. Here they are shown that learning is a fun aspect of life (a lesson I wish someone would have taught me as a child). I am always amazed at how well the Montessori way of learning works and how well it is integrated here at McDonald Montessori. There is a class per semester for us, the adults, to see and hear from the teachers about their current curriculum and to calm our nerves about all the mystery behind a Montessori education (pleased to know that the children actually get ahead
Kelly Sokol
Dec 09, 2014
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I can't say enough good things about McDonald Montessori. My daughter completed three years in the Children's House program and was excited to go to school every day. She learned so much, from tying her shoes to reading to addition, subtraction and multiplication. This environment is a loving one that provides space and encouragement for each child to learn and grow.
Gavin H.
Sep 19, 2014
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This is our son's second Montessori school and it is amazing. The families are really close and you really feel a connection with the teachers and school. The programs here are really well planned and executed and I've been really pleased and impressed with my son's growth. I highly recommend this facility!
Jenifer Alonzo
Jul 05, 2014
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This is a wonderful school for young children. My son practically runs into the front door every morning. The children learn in a way that makes developmental sense. Indeed the explosion in academics really does happen at the end of the second year. My four-year-old is reading and excited about math, science, social studies. I love the community atmosphere of the school and I also love that the children develop independence - there's no requirement that the parents be constantly in the classroom. Children have the freedom to explore their interests and then tell you all about it at home. The teachers
Zeff O'Marra
Jul 26, 2013
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Our son loves this school!!! He just finished his third year and will be entering first grade (his fourth year at the school) in the fall. His reading, interpretation, math, geography and social skills are way above his grade level. He loves learning and we feel, as parents, that it is because of the nature of McDonald Montessori. We put him in school at three years old because he was obstinate and difficult to teach at home. We feel, as his parents, that he would be classified as a behavior problem, overlooked, and undereducated if he was in a public school. The loving, nurturing, Montessori environment
