Montessori Educational Foundation of Douglas County

The Montessori Educational Foundation (MEF) raises funds to support facility improvements and special projects at DCS Montessori through various large-scale programs and events throughout the year. Funds raised are used for everything from new carpet and paint to continuing education scholarships for DCSM teachers. The MEF is not part of the school but a separate nonprofit entity. 

 Recent Projects Your Support Has Helped Fund

• Upper Turf field transformation from a grass field to a multi-surface play area
• Increase Chromebooks on hand for lending and on-site use
• New gym floor
• New energy-efficient LED lighting throughout the school
• Construction of the middle school greenhouse
• Teacher training and scholarships
• New primary playground equipment and shade structures
• Garden Curriculum
• New Montessori materials
• New turf on the primary playgrounds
• Teacher Trainings and Certifications

In 2023-2024, the MEF fundraising efforts purchased all new and powerful Chromebooks for the Tech Lab.

"I can't express enough how transformative the new Chromebooks funded by the MEF have been for our Technology classroom. These computers have enhanced the quality of the curriculum and opened up new avenues for student exploration and creativity. The new more powerful Chromebooks support the use of 3D printing & CAD software as well as Digital editing software. The students can now engage in more hands-on, interactive projects, allowing them to develop crucial digital skills in a dynamic learning environment. This investment has significantly boosted student engagement and enthusiasm for learning. I am deeply grateful for the MEF's support, and with continued contributions, we can keep providing our Montessori students with the resources to thrive in their learning journey.” - Ms. Maria Hannigan, DCS Technology Director and Educator

The MEF will continue to look to our exterior this year as it continues to help fund projects within the overall sustainable landscaping plan. 

DCS Montessori is committed to upgrading and remodeling its landscaping with three key Sustainability goals:

1) Reducing watering by eliminating natural grass and replacing it with recycled content artificial turf

2) Increasing our tree planting with drip irrigation for shade, carbon footprint reduction, and continued beautification

3) Adding renewable energy sources and examining energy reduction strategies

- The primary focus of our fundraising during the 2025-2026 school year is to replace the turf on the elementary playground. Newer turf products are now available and school families will be excited to learn that the new turf will NOT have those tiny black balls that come home in the students' shoes! We will also be purchasing a stone entrance sign for the Middle School - a long overdue project!

- Teacher training – DCS Montessori recognizes that recruiting and developing teachers is essential to DCS Montessori having a high-quality teaching staff–the most critical part of our school. This year we have two new teachers and one new administrator, who all received their training through MEF fundraising efforts. Training continues as two current staff in Assistant roles are in training right now, preparing to be the next teachers at DCS Montessori. This is part of MEF’s fundraising expenditures every year!