Highland Mill Montessori Elementary Asep
Data last updated · May 2026
Quality Indicators
See Methodology →- Overall QualityCombines daily care quality (interactions, learning, environment) with structural features like staff-to-child ratios and teacher qualifications.4 / 5
- Process QualityThe quality of daily care — caregiver-child interactions, learning activities, and the emotional climate. Drawn from the state QRIS rating, accreditations, and Head Start CLASS observations.4 / 5
- Structural QualityMeasurable features like staff-to-child ratios, group sizes, license status, and teacher qualifications. Provider-level data when available; otherwise the state regulatory baseline.2 / 5
Why this rating
This daycare earned 4 out of 5 stars overall. Process quality reflects an NC 5-Star Rated License rating of Level 4 (out of 5). Structural quality reflects North Carolina's licensing baseline. North Carolina caps infant ratios at 1:5, toddler ratios at 1:6, and preschool ratios at 1:20. Lead teachers must hold a High School Diploma. Teachers must complete 20 hours of annual training.
Quality Recognitions & Accreditations
- State Quality Rating
- NC 5-Star Rated License Level 4 (Max 5) Learn more →
- Accreditations
- National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)Not Accredited
- National Accreditation Commission (NAC)Not Accredited
- National Early Childhood Program Accreditation (NECPA)Not Accredited
- National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC)Not Accredited
Facility Info
- Facility type
- Child Care Center
- Age groups served
- Preschool, School-Age
- Licensed capacity
- Not Available
- Teacher-child ratios & group sizesState Minimum Displayed
Age Max ratio Max group Preschool 1:20 25
Teacher Credentials
- Lead teacher credentialState Minimum Displayed
- High School Diploma
Inspection History
Across 2 inspections since 2024, the issues cited most often were Hazardous Materials Handling (2), Building & Premises Safety (1), and Staff Qualifications & Background Checks (1). Of 5 total findings, 1 was critical.
See All 2 Inspection Visits
May 22, 20263 Findings3 Important
- Electrical Outlets and Power Strips, Not in Use, Which Were Located in Space Used by Children Did Not Have Safety Outlets or Were Not Covered with Safety Plugs…
unless located behind furniture or equipment that cannot be moved by a child. Three unused electrical outlets were monitored
- All Corrosive Agents, Pesticides, Bleaches, Detergents, Cleansers, Polishes, Any Product Which Is Under Pressure in an Aerosol Dispenser, and Any Substance…
which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. The art room was
- All Electrical Appliances Were Not Used in Accordance with the Manufacturer's Instruction.
Appliances with heating elements, such as bottle warmers, crock pots, curling irons, irons, coffee pots, and/or their cords were accessible to preschool-age children. Four glue guns were monito
Sep 9, 20242 Findings1 Critical1 Important
- Potentially Hazardous Items Such as Archery Equipment, Hand and Power Tools, Nails, Chemicals, or Propane Stoves, Were Not Stored in Locked Areas or with Other…
safeguards, or removed from the premises. A janitorial cart with chemicals was left in the hallway and path of travel for the
- Staff Working in Part-time, Full-day or Track Out School Age Care Programs Required to Complete BSAC Training, Did Not Complete It Within Three Months Of…
employment. A staff person hired April 8, 2024, did not complete BSAC training within three months of employment. Violation confi