Montessori School of Duluth

Montessori School of Duluth (MSD) is a non-profit preschool and elementary school located in Duluth, Minnesota. It was founded in 1981 by Anne and Al Nephew and is the first private, independent, and non-denominational Montessori school in Duluth's history. It is located in the Hunter's Park residential neighborhood of Duluth, four blocks from Morley Heights Park. MSD enrolls children from 16 months to 6th Grade. As a Montessori school, MSD emphasizes child-directed work, uninterrupted work periods, Montessori materials, and multi-age classrooms.

Early years
MSD was founded in 1981 with fifteen students graduating from a Montessori Children's House, and was initially housed in an elementary classroom located on Minnesota Point, also known as Park Point. Anne Nephew, who had earned her teaching license from the College of St. Scholastica and her MA from the University of Minnesota, served as the teacher. She obtained her AMI elementary diploma from Dublin, Ireland, and took on the dual roles of principal and head of teachers.

Anne's husband, Al Nephew, provided support to the school as its business manager while also serving as chair of the Philosophy Department at St. Scholastica. He taught philosophy at the college from 1970 until his retirement in 2013, and was named professor emeritus upon retirement. He was also recognized as one of the college's "100 Century of Saints" honorees.

In 1982, MSD was formally incorporated as a non-profit tax-exempt corporation. The following year, the school expanded its program to include a preschool Montessori program and relocated to the Cathedral (now Marshall) High School campus.

Expansion and growth
In 1991, after eight years of renting at Cathedral, MSD purchased property in Hunter's Park, a residential neighborhood in eastern Duluth close to the colleges and downtown. The school underwent enlargement and remodeling projects in 2009 and 2011 to the early and late care areas and the elementary spaces.

The remodeled interior included "a wing specially designed for small children, including in-floor radiant heat, many low windows for seeing outside, direct access to the outdoors, and child-height sinks in the classroom." The remodel also added "bathrooms built for small children, two kitchen areas, and a curated library."

Leadership transition and green initiatives
A significant transition occurred in 2014 when Anne and Al Nephew retired from their official positions at MSD.

In 2015, MSD undertook a green initiative to promote environmental awareness and sustainability, reconfiguring the school's property to include outdoor educational and play spaces. "Each classroom has its own fenced 'outdoor classroom,' and students share raised garden beds. Play structures include climbers and spinners, a slide, sandbox, natural features like a rock playscape, a paved path for trikes, and a sports field for older students. On the roof is a solar panel installation, along the boulevard are rainwater gardens, and near the building are recycling bins."

MSD today
Today, Montessori School of Duluth is led by current head of school Rebecca Brown, and a self-perpetuating board of trustees.

==Current information ==

Statistics

 * Founded: 1981
 * Type: Private, independent, non-profit preschool & elementary school
 * Location: Duluth, Minnesota
 * Curriculum: Montessori-based
 * Approximate enrollment: 60
 * Average class size: 15-25
 * Teachers per class: 2-3
 * Student-to-teacher ratio: 8:1

Ages/grades

 * Toddlers (16 mo – 32 mo)
 * Preschool & Kindergarten (33 mo – 6 yrs)
 * Elementary (1st – 6th Grade)

Special programs

 * Before care
 * After care
 * Toddler & Preschool half day
 * Toddler, Preschool, & Elementary full day
 * Snacks provided
 * Optional hot lunch program
 * Daily outdoor playtime
 * Environmental education
 * Second Language
 * Field trips and outings
 * School-wide family events: Fall Fest, Winter Program, Spring Folk Dance, Spring Program, & Graduation
 * Need-based financial aid for Elementary students.
 * For students five years and older, public school busing is available.

Accreditation and affiliations

 * Licensed by Minnesota Department of Human Resources.
 * Member school of National Association of Independent Schools
 * Member school of American Montessori Society
 * Member school of Educational Records Bureau

Notable alumni

 * Anna Ringsred - Olympic speed skater