Montessori At Sandy Ford (2025-26 Profile)

2931 Sandy Ford Rd
Newton, NC 28658

Montessori at Sandy Ford is the oldest established, private, secular school in the Catawba Valley, celebrating over 30 years of education, serving children ages 3-14.

The Directors, Mary Helen Cline and Kenyon Kelly, are certified by the Montessori Institute of America (MIA) and Montessori Educational Programs International (MEPI).

Other staff members have received child development and Montessori training through the Montessori Educational Programs International (MEPI).

Quick Facts (2025-26)

School Type: Montessori School
Grades: Prekindergarten-8
Enrollment: 63 students
Average class size: 15 students
Application Deadline: None / Rolling
Source: Verified school update

School Overview

School Type

Montessori School

School Membership(s)School Assoc.

American Montessori Society (AMS)
Montessori Educational Programs International (MEPI)

Religious Affiliation

Nonsectarian

Grades Offered

Grades Prekindergarten-8

Learning Difference Programs

Yes

Year Founded

1981

Summer School Offered

Yes

School Calendar

View School Calendar

Campus Size

5 acres

Student Body

Total Students

63 students

Student Body Type

Co-ed

% Students of Color

13%

State avg.: 23%

Students by Grade

Montessori At Sandy Ford Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers

4 teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio

16:1

National avg.: 13:1

% Faculty w/Advanced Degree

50%

Average Class Size

15 students

Classroom Dress Code

Casual

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline

None / Rolling

Admissions Director

Becky Schell

Application URL

Online Application

School Notes

School Motto: Education is a natural process carried out by the child and is not acquired by listening to words but by experiences in the environment.

Montessori at Sandy Ford is an educational community whose mission is:

To prepare an environment that nurtures each individual's intellectual, emotional, physical, and social growth;
To work in partnership with families to guide students in becoming responsible, contributing members of their communities;
To celebrate diversity and foster respect for life;
To follow each child, providing thoughtful, challenging learning opportunites in an atmosphere of cooperation;
To cultivate a lifelong joy of learning;
by following Dr. Maria Montessori's practices, philosophy, and vision.

Source: Verified school update

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Frequently Asked Questions

What schools are Montessori At Sandy Ford often compared to?

Montessori At Sandy Ford is often viewed alongside schools like Hickory Day School by visitors of our site.

When is the application deadline for Montessori At Sandy Ford?

The application deadline for Montessori At Sandy Ford is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

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