Coming soon... Montessori at Sandy Ford

Click to see a full-screen version of the MCH Phases of Construction
for Montessori at Sandy Ford

In 2003 the Board of Directors of MCHN adopted a plan for an expansion project, specifically for the construction of a new facility to house the school. The architectural firm Innovative Design, Inc. (ID) of Raleigh, N.C. was chosen to design the facility because of its reputation as the leading designer of “High-Performance Schools”. ID principal architect, Mike Nicklas has authored the E.P.A. book of the same title and has completed design work for various Montessori schools across the State. A sustainable building design was chosen for its energy saving features and its reduced impact on the local and global biosphere. Rainwater catchment and day-lighting systems, as well as other “Green” renewable technologies have been incorporated into the design of this facility which will also serve as a teaching tool for the students and the larger community about the importance of the emerging and timely field of natural resource conservation.

In 2004, approximately five acres of land were donated to the Children’s House by Susan and Thomas Jones, whose children previously attended the school. The location of the new property is ideal due to its rural setting, environmental-study opportunities, greater visibility to the public, and proximity to a greater number of potential students. The new name, Montessori at Sandy Ford, was chosen to reflect the new location while retaining a reference to its pedagogical inspiration.

This new facility represents a step forward for the oldest established private secular school in Catawba County and one which is not taken lightly.

With much examination and consideration the course has been set and the process begun in earnest. This project has the potential to allow the Montessori approach to serve a greater number of families and in doing so broaden the appeal of this individualized educational approach.
Furthermore, the specific design elements of this facility will reflect the values and principals of sustainability which are at the core of the mission of this School.

Budget/Funding:

Inquiries about tax-deductable support for this project should be directed to Mary Helen Cline at:
(828)464-7478 or via email by clicking here.