Montessori School in Cary, NC

Heartwood Montessori School:
Heartwood Montessori School, located in the heart of Cary, North Carolina, is a private Montessori School offering quality education for children ages 18 months to fifteen years. Our school provides a varied curriculum based on the Montessori method. The Montessori approach encourages children to learn through self-motivation within a carefully prepared environment. The multi-age setting offers the child an opportunity to relate to, and work with others at his/her developmental level. At all levels and in all areas, Heartwood places the needs of the child first. The staff believes that children, not subjects, are taught. Respect for the child is the cornerstone of Heartwood's philosophy.

Respect for the child is the cornerstone of Heartwood's philosophy. At all levels and all areas, Heartwood places the needs of the child first. The staff believes that children, not subjects are taught. The Montessori Method is based on careful observation of and respect for the natural development of the child and has been used in schools around the world for over 90 years. The Montessori approach recognizes that a child is more responsive to certain learning experiences at particular times or "sensitive periods." Careful observation allows the Montessori-trained teacher to recognize these sensitive periods when a child is ready for a new learning experience. The teacher then can direct the child toward materials that will satisfy his or her developmental needs.

The Outdoor Environment:
Heartwood’s goal has been to transform our school grounds and our outdoor play area into a model Outdoor Learning Environment that not only extends the classroom learning outdoors, but enriches our student’s lives and inspires other schools and the community around us to pursue and achieve environmental excellence. Our goals are:

- Support an outdoor learning curriculum in multiple disciplines from science and math to civics and more.
- To educate students on gardening and the importance of stewardship in caring for the earth as the source of our food
- To provide hands-on, participatory learning and assign student and class responsibilities
- To educate students on composting, worm gardening, recycling and sustainability issues
- To beautify and green our school grounds and help children discover the wonders of nature
- To enrich students’ lives with a beautiful natural environment that is a peaceful place for reflection
- To incorporate the fruits and vegetables grown into our snack program and establish a well-maintained edible school yard

Summer Camp:
Heartwood will offer Summer Camp to current and enrolled students ages 3 - 15. Heartwood's Summer Camp will extend the philosophy of self-direction as a goal for all children.

- Toddler House-ages 18 months to 3 years
- Preschool-ages 3-6 years
- Kindergarten
- Transition Class (ages 5-7)
- Elementary School
- Middle School
- Enrichment Programs