Elementary

Ratio
The elementary (K-5) program at MDS is comprised of approximately one classroom per grade level. The average class size is 6 students, with a staff to student ratio of 1:3. The curriculum for academic classes is delivered in American Sign Language (ASL) and printed English. Elective classes include art, physical education, health, technology and social skills classes. Flexible grouping based on students' language and math skills is also a part of the K-5 program. We believe and support the process and journey of learning and recognize each child learns at their own pace and with their own unique approach.

Curriculum
Our teachers tailor the curriculum and delivery to ensure we provide materials and experiences that provides windows for students to see other cultures and experiences while also providing mirrors for students to experience their own. We carefully curate our reading materials to ensure a variety of perspectives are included at a variety of reading levels. We use a structured bilingual grammar program that teaches our students ASL and English grammar. For math we use appropriate curriculum to develop mathematical skills and thinking and reasoning skills. Our goal is to develop confident students in all areas of academics who have a passion and love for lifelong learning.

Language Development
Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind students in the elementary program come from school districts all across the metro area. Regardless of students' language background when they come to MDS, classroom staff and language specialists work to ensure that students develop a strong foundation in American Sign Language to support their learning throughout the curriculum and develop English skills in reading and writing.

Montessori
Our 4-6 year old class (PreK and Kindergarten) class is unique, in that it follows a Montessori approach, which accommodates all learning styles.  The Children's House classroom is a structured environment with different areas of focus (Practical Life, Sensorial, Math, Language Arts, and Cultural Studies).  With guidance from the teacher and classroom staff, students are free to choose what to work on and learn at their own pace while working on the academic standards.   

Services
Speech-language, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and social work services are available to students based on individual needs, as well as other contracted services such as vision and counseling services. Bilingual methodology is integrated throughout the curriculum for all subjects and students participate in a variety of student-centered activities, inquiry-based learning and technology projects. With a conducive student/teacher ratio, teachers are able to attend to each student's unique needs.

Technology
Interactive flat panels are used in classrooms and a variety of technology tools for learning are at students' fingertips. Students are introduced to video technology and video editing software as early as kindergarten, empowering them to record, edit and publish their work for a variety of audience viewing opportunities. 

Outdoors
Classrooms  experience the outdoors through nature and overlap it with curriculum. In addition, MDS' location is within walking distance to the Como Outdoor Classroom and McMurray soccer fields, baseball fields, and open land.

Contact Information
Melissa Sweetmilk
Principal
msweetmilk@mdsmn.org
(651) 224-3995- Main Office
(651) 964-1636- Direct (VP)