MCHD History
The Montessori Children's House of Durham is a non-profit school founded in 1976 by a group of teachers and parents dedicated to the Montessori philosophy. MCHD's early history included classrooms in several Durham-area churches and the Walltown School. In 1989, MCHD moved to its present location at 2400 University Drive. This facility was re-designed and re-built through the efforts and perseverance of parents. Parents financed the project, did the planning, re-modeled the building, and made the vision a reality. In 1991 a second building was erected on the site which houses the office and elementary classroom. The construction of this building -- from financing to completion -- was supervised and supported by the same group of parents. In 1997, MCHD realized another long-term goal with the construction of a second elementary building and expansion to grade six. This project was made possible in great part by generous parent contributions to the Capital Campaign.

In the Fall of 2001, MCHD was able to expand its programs by purchasing the house across the street. With minor changes, the house was prepared to open in 2002 as the Little House After School facility. In addition to providing extra-curricular enrichments and much-needed after school care, the added space provides a pleasant venue for meetings, social gatherings and special programs. Little House also hosts a Summer Camp each year.

MCHD has been an affiliate of the American Montessori Society since 1977, and was the first school in North Carolina to receive accreditation from the American Montessori Society, in 1996. Our school undergoes a full re-accreditation process every seven years, and is required to submit annual reports to AMS to maintain our accreditation.