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About Us

Excellence in education is the primary goal at Metropolitan Day School. We are a unique school that supports its students with a strong academic program. To accomplish this goal, MDS utilizes a solid core of academic courses, a performance-based curriculum, a comprehensive faith based instructional program; and the Core Knowledge Series, a coherent sequence of specific knowledge that builds grade by grade. Our academic program includes: language arts, spelling, mathematics, science, geography, social studies, history, and African American studies. The students also study a foreign language, physical education, and the arts.

 Technology is integrated into daily classroom activities. Students use technology to support learning through research, project development, communication, and problem solving. Each classroom in the school has Internet access and is part of a school-wide network. Additional computer instruction is available in the library-resource center and in the After School Care Program. Utilizing computer technology, and reading and writing development, a strong emphasis is placed on effective communication. Children are taught and expected to express themselves orally and in writing.

To enhance the learning process in the classroom, we assign regular homework. Families are expected to reinforce what their children are learning in school. Additionally, tutorial assistance is available on a limited basis to children who need additional support. The families of students who need more personalized educational support are assisted in locating appropriate resources.

The school program includes activities that encourage children to become leaders. Leadership is developed through children helping each other in the classroom setting, team accomplishments, assigned roles in the cooperative educational process, devotion and assembly leaders, an emphasis on self-awareness, and through class projects which promote participation, individually and strengthen self-esteem.

The standards for students and parents are high at MDS, but the rewards for adhering to such standards are great. Student expectations are fully spelled out to all who enroll: good citizenship, consistent attendance, classroom participation, and completion of all homework and class assignments. Essential to the success of every student is parental involvement in and assistance with the child's learning process. With the joint collaboration of parents and teachers, any student needs can and will be addressed with specific planning, nurturing, and love.

MDS is a Christian school, with a successful learning program that is supported by faith. To help nurture the spiritual development of our students, MDS focuses on each child's character and values. Students participate daily in morning devotions and Bible study. Students are also encouraged to apply biblical principles in their interactions with their peers, family, teachers, and the world around them.

As you can see, we do expect and demand excellence at MDS. Our resources are available to help every child realize his or her potential. Our students develop writing, problem-solving and critical thinking skills, an appreciation for the arts, and fulfilled spirits. Our program is specifically designed to prepare children to succeed in a global society. We promote a learning village where every child is a child of promise, a positive spirit and a potential leader of the future.

 

Our Principal

Dr. Patricia Daniels was born and raised in Queens, New York. Pat, as she likes to be called, is second oldest in a family of eight children. She recently relocated to the Washington, DC area from Virginia Beach, Virginia where she resided for 17 years. Dr. Daniels has also lived in the state of Connecticut. Dr. Daniels’ Christian education began in the Catholic Church. During her college years, she joined the Episcopal Church. She has been an active member of Mount Gilead Missionary Baptist Church in Norfolk, Virginia since 2001. The pastor of Mount Gilead Missionary Baptist Church is Dr. Shelton Murphy. Dr. Daniels received her Doctorate from Virginia Tech University, her Master’s Degree from Columbia University, and her Bachelor of Arts degree from Hunter College of the City University of New York. She is a veteran educator of 30 years. Fourteen of those years were as an elementary, middle, and high school administrator. Dr. Daniels is a member of the National Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, Phi Delta Kappa, and the National Association of Secondary School Principals.

Dr. Daniels believes in a student focused approach to education. Academic success of students is based on meeting the individual needs of the learner in a caring and child centered environment. According to Dr. Daniels, “School should be a place of joy and a place of academic challenges.” Dr. Daniels, her faculty, and staff will work with the parents and the community to ensure that all the needs of the children are met.

Dr. “D”, as her students affectionately call her, is a widow. She has two sons, Daniel and Ashley, and one daughter, Joanna. Dr. Daniels enjoys live theatre and listening to the music from classic musical stage productions. Three of her favorites are South Pacific, Dream Girls, and Phantom of the Opera.
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