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 (2026)
- 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
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Year Founded
1981
Summer School Offered
Yes
School Calendar
Campus Size
5 acres
Student Body
Total Students
63 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
13%
State avg.: 24%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
4 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
National avg.:
% 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
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
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).
Related Schools
Show me:
Popular comparisons: Montessori At Sandy Ford vs. Hickory Day School
People that viewed Montessori At Sandy Ford also viewed these schools: Tabernacle Christian School, St. Stephens Lutheran School, Hickory Day School, Mt. Olive Lutheran Child Devel and Christian Montessori School At Lake Norman.
The nearest high school to Montessori At Sandy Ford is University Christian High School (5.8 miles away)
The nearest elementary school is Concordia Christian Day School (5.0 miles away)
The nearest preschool is Fairgrove KinderCare (3.9 miles away)
Show me:
Show me:
School
Location
Miles
Quick Facts
1225 29th Avenue Dr NE
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 324-9936
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 324-9936
7.6 miles
Gr: K-12 | 287 students Avg. class size: 16 students Sports: 5 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
2304 Springs Rd NE
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 256-2166
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 256-2166
6 miles
Gr: PK-8 | 228 students Avg. class size: 24 students Sports: 10 | Extracurrculars: 4 Tuition listed
2535 21st Avenue NE
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 256-9492
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 256-9492
6.6 miles
Gr: K-8 | 136 students Avg. class size: 16 students Sports: 9 | Extracurrculars: 13 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
Mt. Olive Lutheran Child Devel
Daycare / Preschool (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (formerly AELC, ALC, or LCA))
2780 N Center St
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 324-0120
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 324-0120
7.9 miles
Gr: PK-K | 100 students
14101 Stumptown Rd
Huntersville, NC 28078
(704) 875-1801
Huntersville, NC 28078
(704) 875-1801
29.2 miles
Gr: PK-K | 68 students Avg. class size: 12 students
School Reviews
Endorse Montessori At Sandy Ford. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
- Academic or athletic awards
Recent Articles
How Global Economic Trends Shape 草榴社区 School Affordability
Explore how global economic trends influence private school affordability and enrollment in 2026, with insights for families and educators.
Parent Engagement in 草榴社区 Schools in 2026
Explore how parent engagement in private schools builds strong communities, support networks, and student success in 2026.
So Many Choices: Navigating 草榴社区 School Selection in 2026
A 2026 parent guide to choosing the right private school, with updated admissions timelines, tuition trends, affordability strategies, and expert insights.
