Christian Montessori school opens at First Baptist-Heath

Christian Montessori school opens at First Baptist-Heath

Discovery School is first Christian Montessori in DFW Metroplex to offer complete Hands-On-Bible curriculum

(Rockwall/Heath) August 22, 2012 – On December 15, 2006, Norma Morris, Head of  School at Country Day Montessori School, turned off the lights for the last time on Plaza Drive after 29 years in Rockwall.

Within weeks, the school was torn down and the street removed with the only reminders of its existence being the live oaks still standing in the parking lot of Belks Department Store. Unfortunately, the educational gap that was left has never been filled – but that’s all about to change.

First Baptist Church of Heath, 224 Smirl Drive, is opening “Discovery School” on September 4 for children 2 ½ to 6 years old – with Norma Morris as the Director and Lead Teacher.

This new preschool/kindergarten program is affiliated with the CMF, Christian Montessori Fellowship of San Antonio, where Morris serves on the Accreditation Commission.

(From left) Judy Kile, Director of Children's Ministry at FBC Heath; Tammi Black, Discovery School staff; Norma Morris, Discovery School Director/Guide; Barbara Fidellow and Director Edward Fidellow, Christian Montessori Fellowship, San Antonio.

Morris explained, “I am very excited to start this unique Christian Montessori program in Heath.  Not only is “Discovery School” special from a developmental education standpoint (The Montessori Method), it is special from a spiritual standpoint as it incorporates Hands-On-Bible,a curriculum emerging across the nation in Christian Montessori schools. “

She explained that this curriculum brings the exploration of Christian precepts right alongside academics without the traditional drills, memorization, or worksheets.

“I think of it as a program where small voices learn to make big choices through critical thinking,” Morris said.

Discovery School of FBC Heath will be the first Christian Montessori School in the DFW Metroplex to offer the complete Hands-On-Bible curriculum and will be developed as a CMF model school.

“We’re anxious to get started at FBC Heath – my church of 25 years,” said Morris. “Although we are getting a late start on enrollment for the coming school year, I anticipate a full enrollment for this first class.”

Those interested in learning more about Discovery School at FBC Heath are invited to call the church office at 972-771-8275.

  • Monday – Friday
  •  Program #1: 8:45 a.m. to noon
  •  Program #2: 12 noon – 3:30 (extended day program offers afternoon activities that include music, art and theater).
  • Full Montessori curriculum: Practical Exercise, Sensorial (materials that train the brain through the senses), Math, Language, Cultural Sciences (Life Science, Geography, Social Studies}. Hands-on-Bible curriculum – Bible Stories brought to life through materials, theater, music.
  • School will follow the Rockwall ISD calendar in most cases.

Free Community Parent Workshops

Starting Sunday, August 26, free parent workshops will be offered monthly by First Baptist Church-Heath in conjunction with Discovery School.  Various topics and solutions will be covered as a community outreach service.

Join them Sunday, August 26 from 6 to 7 p.m. for the first workshop, “Has the nuclear family bombed? Being a parent your child can honor!”

“I’m very excited about the opportunity to provide these monthly workshops for busy parents in the community – parenting is one of our most important tasks in life and families are being stretched to the breaking point – they need all the help they can get!  I’m so glad FBC Heath has committed to providing this for them,” said Norma Morris, Director and Lead Teacher at Discovery School, FBC-Heath.

Refreshments will be served and childcare is provided with reservations.

“Love and Logic” will be the topic of the next workshop on September 16. For more information, visit discoveryschoolfbcheath.net.

Written by Judy Kile, Children’s Director, First Baptist Church of Heath.

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