Welcome From the Head of School

Welcome to The Montessori School of Raleigh!

At The Montessori School of Raleigh (MSR), we believe real-life learning works. There is a palpable energy one feels when visiting our school: from witnessing Toddler students preparing their own meals, to hearing Upper School students engaging in complex geopolitical discussions, to watching Middle School faculty teach outdoor survival skills on our 40-acre Durham campus—everything we do is rooted in our commitment to educating and preparing our students for an increasingly complex and connected world. 

MSR’s Montessori and International Baccalaureate (IB) teaching philosophies offer a robust continuum of education that distinguishes us from any other school in the Triangle. The Montessori Method is an approach to learning grounded in the time-proven practices developed by physician and educator Dr. Maria Montessori over 100 years ago. Montessori education is not a religion, nor is it a “pre”-school or daycare facility. We are, in fact, a school focused on the academic, social, and emotional development of children from infants to our graduating seniors. Montessori education differs from more traditional models of education in many ways including:

• Multi-age classrooms designed for leadership opportunities
• Daily uninterrupted work cycles allowing for independent and collaborative work
• Self-directed and experiential learning to support individual research and exploration
• Certified Montessori teachers who guide child-centered learning
• Montessori materials that promote self-paced subject mastery
• Conflict resolution and peace education

As we are also an IB World School, our learning profile guides students to become balanced and reflective thinkers, risk takers, effective communicators, and principled, knowledgeable, and inquiring young adults.

At MSR, it is through our unique combination of the Montessori Method and the International Baccalaureate that we are able to prepare our students for an unknown future. Our mission is not solely dedicated to being a college-preparatory institution; rather, we pride ourselves on being an institution that prepares our wonderfully diverse student body for life. We are confident that MSR graduates enter adulthood as prepared, responsible, self-disciplined, and contributing citizens poised to serve and shape their communities and world.

Thank you for your interest in The Montessori School of Raleigh. I encourage you to further explore our website to learn more about our school and all that MSR can provide your child.

Sincerely,
Monica Rodriguez
Head of School