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Dealey provides an exemplary Montessori education that empowers all students to become productive citizens in our global society.
HISTORY
Dealey was founded as a neighborhood school in 1953. Classes began that fall in temporary Army barracks while the building was constructed. In November of 1955 construction was complete and the building was dedicated to the former Dallas Morning News publisher George Bannerman Dealey.
In the late 1970s, DISD closed Dealey due to low enrollment, and the building was leased to the City of Dallas for use as a recreation center.
In 1992 DISD re-opened Dealey as the magnet Montessori campus that exists today.
Since then, parents have consistently chosen Dealey for its unique learning environment and robust community involvement.
WHY MONTESSORI?
According to the Maria Montessori Institute, Montessori schools promote hands on, self paced, collaborative, joyful learning. Children in Montessori follow their interests, wherever that passion leads; giving them strong academics, leadership, self discipline, responsibility, independence, initiative and a lifelong love of learning.
Montessori education is especially effective and enriching in elementary school because it nurtures a child’s natural curiosity and supports their development across academic, social, and emotional areas. At this stage, children are eager to explore big ideas, ask deep questions, and understand how the world works— Montessori classrooms are designed to meet these needs through hands-on, self-directed learning and integrated subject areas.
Students are given the freedom to choose meaningful work within a structured environment, which encourages independence, responsibility, and intrinsic motivation. Multi-age classrooms foster collaboration and mentorship, allowing younger students to learn from older peers and older students to solidify their understanding by helping others. This builds a strong sense of community and respect.
Montessori materials are intentionally designed to be concrete and tactile, helping children grasp abstract academic concepts—especially in subjects like math, geometry, language, and science. Lessons are often interdisciplinary, encouraging students to make connections across subjects and to think critically and creatively.
Perhaps most importantly, Montessori education values the development of the whole child. It promotes not only academic excellence but also self-discipline, empathy, and a lifelong love of learning—qualities that serve children well beyond their elementary years.
At Dealey, the Montessori model is reflected in the way classes are structured to support mixed-age learning communities. In the early years, Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten students are combined in one classroom, creating an environment where younger children learn by observing older peers, and older students gain confidence and leadership by modeling behavior and skills. The next level brings together 1st through 3rd graders, allowing for a three-year developmental cycle in which students progress at their own pace within a supportive, consistent environment. Similarly, 4th and 5th graders are grouped together, continuing the Montessori philosophy of peer mentoring, individualized learning paths, and long-term relationships with teachers. Starting in 6th grade, students transition to single-grade classrooms, aligning more closely with a traditional middle school model while still honoring Montessori principles of independence, responsibility, and student-driven learning. This structure allows Dealey students to grow academically and socially in a cohesive, thoughtfully designed progression.