Classrooms
Elementary I
The Elementary I Program is for students from ages 6 through 9 (first through third grade). Students move beyond the sensorial and practical life experiences of an Early Childhood Program into more challenging academics. The program is built on the principles of multi-age grouping, concrete lessons, and individual pacing. Teachers provide an atmosphere that allows students to explore while learning to read with proficiency and developing a solid understanding of basic math functions. Students learn with a personalized work plan based on individual assessments. Large and small group lessons are also a part of each day.
In addition to a child's individual, academic progress, our teachers are always working to support a child's social and emotional health, their creative expression, and their independence. We believe that our role is to help students feel comfortable in the face of challenges and to take on new experiences with confidence.
The students participate in many exciting and educational field trips to places like the Glacier Institute’s Big Creek Field Station, Glacier Park, Owen-Sowerwine Nature Preserve, and The Hockaday Center for the Arts.
Elementary II
The Elementary II Program is for students from ages 9 through 12 (fourth through sixth grade). During these years the students integrate the entire Montessori curriculum into project-driven tasks. Students continue to work with advanced concepts in Language Arts and Mathematics, integrated with the Science and Cultural Curriculum (History, Geography, Language, Physical Science, and Biology).
Elementary II students can begin studies such as individualized Latin and can participate in beginning Band. Every spring, the students produce a Shakespearean Festival. They gain knowledge of project development by designing the sets, sewing costumes, memorizing their lines, and working in production crews – everything necessary to put on a magnificent performance!
Students embark on camping adventures and a spring excursion to travel within Montana, learning about and experiencing our state's rich history and natural areas. Students become increasingly self-directed and aware of their full potential and capabilities.
Middle School
Our program for adolescents is characterized by a student-centered, constructivist approach that enables 7th and 8th grade students to manage time, exercise choice, organize themselves, and practice self-regulation and reflection within a group context. The Middle School community is a mini-society of adolescents and teachers in which relationships are nurtured.
The schedule allows for uninterrupted work periods for core curricular subjects (math, science, social studies, language arts, additional world languages and other core subjects.) Uninterrupted work periods of at least 90 minutes honor student choice, foster concentration, and support student engagement in work.
Montessori adolescent programs promote responsible and ethical use of technology , with the majority of the school day spent in learning activities and practices that require peer-to-peer and student-teacher interaction.
Our Middle School students experience a wealth of opportunities to develop themselves outside of academics as well. A week-long outdoor education immersion, backpacking in the Jewel Basin, fundraising for and planning out-of-state trips, school dances, rock climbing and internships in local businesses are just a few of the experiences our 7th and 8th graders take on.
Graduates leave Kalispell Montessori with excellent academic, social, and life skills, along with a level of self-confidence that carries them through high school, college, and beyond. They are truly prepared for life’s journey.
Fine Arts/Enrichment
All students participate in weekly Art, Music and Spanish language enrichment classes taught by our specialist teachers. These classes complement and integrate into our curriculum.
Private music lessons are available at an additional cost for many instruments including piano, guitar, and voice.
Beginning band is also available at an additional cost.
sarah@kalispellmontessori.com for more information regarding private lessons.
