Faculty Details - Carolina Day School

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About
Our Mission & Core Beliefs
Our mission is to inspire students to become innovative thinkers who communicate with intelligence and clarity, create with vision and purpose, and act with courage and compassion to confidently make a meaningful difference in the world.
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Admission
Get to know us!
Carolina Day offers a variety of ways to help parents make the important decision of where and how to educate their children. One of the best ways is to visit.
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Academics
Our Vision of Education
Serving grades PK3–12, Carolina Day School is a leader in educational innovation and a model of excellence for western North Carolina and beyond. Our experienced, highly skilled, compassionate educators know their students and engage them deeply in the process of learning. This allows our students to master skills, develop intellectual confidence, and approach problems with creativity and critical thinking. Learn more.
Key School at Carolina Day offers a unique educational approach for bright children with dyslexia in grades 2–8. Learn more.
Arts
Delving Deeply into Creativity
Our vibrant arts program enriches our learning environment as it encourages students to become open-minded critics, to appreciate alternative forms of self-expression, and to articulate ideas in a variety of creative ways.
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Athletics
Athletics at Carolina Day

It is the goal of the Athletic Department to create an experience and environment for our student-athletes that mirrors what our faculty creates in the classroom—one which encourages engagement, growth, reflection and pushes boundaries.
- Teams and Game Calendar
School Life & Community
What it Means to be Part of the CDS Community
“I knew that my children would be nurtured at Carolina Day. What I didn't expect was how much I would be shaped and transformed by this wonderful learning community. Every event, open house, and parent's meeting has left me with a brighter outlook on life and feeling more hopeful for our world.” —CDS parent
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Support CDS
Join us in a culture of giving.
Each division at CDS provides an unparalleled educational experience. That just wouldn't be possible without the support of our community. Thank you for joining us in prioritizing excellence in education.

In This Section

Mary Jo van Dalen

Key School Team 5, Language Comprehensive and Digital Enrichment

B.Sc., Computer Science, St. Thomas of Villanova University

Key School

Mary Jo van Dalen has been utilizing the Orton Gillingham approach since 2008, tutoring students in private practice. She has served as a Language Coach for the Key Learning Center since 2011. She joined the Key School Faculty in 2014 and has taught Language Comprehensive classes in the 2nd, 3rd, and 5th grades. She also teaches Talents in Digital Enrichment to all Key Lower School grades. Mary Jo and her husband enjoy hiking the Western North Carolina trails, playing croquet, and engaging in very competitive board games with their three adult children.

Certifications:

Classroom Educator, AOGPE
Certified Academic Language Practitioner, ALTA