A Montessori Haven in Morrisville: Sterling Montessori Academy and Charter School
Nestled in Morrisville, North Carolina, Sterling Montessori Academy and Charter School stands as a beacon of innovative education at 202 Treybrooke Drive. This unique educational institution combines the time-tested Montessori philosophy with modern educational practices to create an environment where curiosity flourishes and young minds thrive.
School Structure
Sterling Montessori operates as two interconnected entities: a tuition-based Academy serving three and four-year-olds, and a tuition-free public Charter School. This dual structure allows the institution to serve a broad spectrum of students while maintaining the integrity of Montessori educational principles throughout all levels of instruction.
Educational Approach
The Montessori Method
At the heart of Sterling’s educational approach lies the Montessori method, developed by Dr. Maria Montessori in the early 20th century. This methodology emphasizes learning through all five senses, allowing children to progress at their own pace while developing a natural enthusiasm for knowledge acquisition. The school’s classrooms feature carefully curated environments where students engage in hands-on learning experiences that foster independence, critical thinking, and self-discipline.
Multi-Age Classroom Structure
One of Sterling’s most distinctive features is its multi-age classroom structure, where children are grouped in three-year age spans: 3-6 years (Children’s House), 6-9 years (Lower Elementary), 9-12 years (Upper Elementary), and 12-15 years (Adolescent Program). This arrangement creates natural mentoring opportunities as older students share their knowledge with younger peers, fostering leadership skills and reinforcing their own understanding through teaching others.
Diversity and Inclusion
The school’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) stands as a cornerstone of its educational philosophy. Sterling Montessori actively works to create an inclusive community that celebrates differences and honors the unique characteristics of each individual. Their DEI mission emphasizes the importance of affirming the full humanity of all community members, while their vision commits to ongoing education, open dialogue, and self-reflection.
Admission Policy
As a charter school, Sterling Montessori is open to all North Carolina residents who qualify for public school admission, regardless of their county of residence or local school attendance boundaries. The school takes pride in its non-discriminatory admission policy, welcoming students regardless of intellectual ability, achievement measures, athletic ability, disability, race, creed, gender, national origin, religion, or ancestry. This open-door policy helps create a rich, diverse learning environment that benefits all students.
Comprehensive Development
Whole Child Approach
The curriculum at Sterling extends beyond traditional academic subjects to encompass the development of the whole child. Students engage in activities that promote physical, social, emotional, and cognitive growth, preparing them for success in the real world. The Montessori approach recognizes that children learn differently and at varying paces, and the school’s educational framework accommodates these individual differences while maintaining high academic standards.
Early Education Program
In the Academy program, three and four-year-old students begin their educational journey in an environment specially designed for early childhood development. These young learners share their classroom space with Charter Kindergarten students in the Children’s House, creating a seamless transition between the Academy and Charter programs while maintaining the multi-age classroom model essential to Montessori education.
Cultural Integration and Global Citizenship
Sterling Montessori’s commitment to inclusive education extends to its curriculum and daily practices. The school actively incorporates diverse perspectives and celebrates differences that honor every unique individual. This commitment is reflected in their proactive approach to evaluating and refining policies and practices, ensuring they align with their core beliefs and values.
Contact and Location
Parents interested in Sterling Montessori can contact the school at (919) 462-8889 to learn more about their programs and admission process. The school’s location in Morrisville makes it accessible to families from across the Triangle region, thanks to North Carolina’s charter school enrollment policies that transcend traditional district boundaries.
Conclusion
Sterling Montessori Academy and Charter School represents a harmonious blend of traditional Montessori principles and contemporary educational practices. By fostering curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking while maintaining a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, Sterling prepares its students not just for academic success, but for life as engaged, responsible citizens of the world. The school’s dedication to individual growth, community building, and educational excellence makes it a standout institution in North Carolina’s educational landscape.