Dorothy Zografi, founder of MCMS, had a passion for children, learning, and was dedicated to the dream of furthering Montessori education in the Madison area and to ensuring the future success of MCMS. A true servant leader, Dorothy fostered a caring environment for distinguished and respected administrators and faculty to grow and thrive. Dorothy gave us a foundation of values that run deep and values that continue to serve as a guiding light for our future.

Starting as the Children’s House guide in 1978, Dorothy purchased MCMS in 1984 and served as Head of School until 2006, growing the small preschool to include Toddler, Lower Elementary, Upper Elementary, Adolescent, and after school programs as well as turning MCMS into the nonprofit, fully AMI recognized school that it is today.

Dorothy and her husband, George, continued their steadfast support of MCMS well into retirement as both a force for Montessori education and as key contributors to the MCMS Capital Campaign for our current building, by establishing the first fund of the MCMS Endowment, and through regular contributions to the Discovery and Endowment Funds. Every child who attends MCMS is impacted by Dorothy’s legacy and commitment to MCMS.

Dorothy had a long interest and love for dance, opera, literature and visual art. She danced ballet into young adulthood, adding in both modern and folk dancing, the latter something she enjoyed alongside her husband. Dorothy was an avid reader; especially loving the classics. Dorothy loved being in nature including yearly camping trips to Door County, and spending time up at her country home in the Castle Rock area of Wisconsin with her grandchildren.