Principal: Tyler Steketee

• Address: 909 Cobb St, Durham, NC 27707

• Phone: 919.560.3954

• Hours of Operation: 7:45am-2:15pm

• Office Hours: 7:00am-3:30pm

• Enrollment: 279

Visiting Morehead: 

Morehead Montessori is committed to partnership and engagement with the full school community. We believe student growth is most impacted by the engagement of a full community. To support this value, we have established a protocol to maximize community engagement during the school day while protecting the safety of our students/staff and ensuring instructional time is prioritized. 

Volunteers:

If you are interested in volunteering at Morehead, please visit our volunteer page. 

History:

Morehead Montessori Magnet Elementary School, located at 909 Cobb Street in Durham, North Carolina, has a rich history that reflects the evolution of public education in the city.

Early Origins

The school's lineage dates back to 1892 with the establishment of the Durham Graded School on Jackson Street, Durham's first dedicated public school building. This Norman Revival-style structure was later renamed the Morehead School and served the community until it was destroyed by fire around 1915 or 1916. In 1920, an Art Deco-style building replaced it, continuing the Morehead School legacy. However, with the construction of a new facility in 1957 on Cobb Street, the original Jackson Street building was abandoned and eventually demolished in 1967 as part of urban renewal efforts.

Transition to Montessori Education

In 1994, Durham Public Schools introduced the Montessori educational philosophy to the district by transforming Morehead Elementary School into a magnet school operating under Montessori principles. This initiative aimed to promote diversity and academic excellence by offering an alternative, student-centered approach to learning.

The Montessori method emphasizes multi-age classrooms, hands-on learning, and fostering independence among students. Morehead Montessori has embraced this approach, creating an inclusive environment that supports cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development.

Present Day

Today, Morehead Montessori serves students from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. The school has consistently met or exceeded academic growth metrics since 2019, reflecting its commitment to educational excellence . With a diverse student body and a focus on individualized learning, Morehead Montessori continues to be a cornerstone of innovative education in Durham.