About Us
Pawleys Island Montessori Day School is located in the beautiful historic southern town of Pawleys Island, South Carolina. Part of Georgetown County, we are 15 minutes north of Georgetown and 30 minutes south of Myrtle Beach. The community of Pawleys Island is part of the Waccamaw Neck, a long narrow peninsula between the Atlantic ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway.
Founded in 1984, the school was originally called Pawleys Island Montessori School. It provided an early childhood educational experience for children between the ages of two and nine. The school became a non-profit organization in 1995 when it was purchased by the parents and is run by an elected school board. The school’s name changed to the Pawleys Island Montessori Day School. In 1999, the school moved to its present location.
Our programs are offered in four levels. The toddler class is for ages 18 months to three years. The Primary class is for children three years of age by September 1 through six years of age (and has independent bathroom skills). The Lower Elementary class is for students ages six through nine (grades 1 – 3). The upper Elementary class is for students ages nine through twelve (grades 4-6). All of our lead teachers are certified by the American Montessori Society. In addition, PIMDS has met the requirements as an Internship Site School in Elementary Teaching for ages six through nine.
The principal difference between Montessori and other schools is the technique of teaching. Montessori utilizes a child’s natural tendency to learn by active participation and provides educational material and equipment that encourages this type of learning. In essence, learning is fun. Our school offers multiple levels of progress, allowing students to work on different stages of the same curriculum at different times, assuring that children can progress at a pace suited to them.
More info on the differences between Montessori and traditional schools.
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