Skip to main content

Boise School District

Educating Today for a Better Tomorrow!

Montessori Program

Montessori Program

Offered at Liberty Elementary School

The Boise School District’s Montessori Program at Liberty Elementary School provides students with a unique learning experience grounded in independence, curiosity, and hands-on discovery. Rooted in the Montessori philosophy, the program supports students in becoming confident, responsible, and lifelong learners while meeting high academic standards aligned with district and state expectations.

Montessori Program at Liberty

  • The mission of the Boise School District Montessori Project is to foster self-motivated, responsible, lifelong learners by providing students opportunities to meet high academic standards through the Montessori philosophy and methods of education.

  • The Montessori Method was developed in 1907 by Dr. Maria Montessori, Italy’s first female physician. Her approach is based on scientific observation of how children learn best.

    Today, Montessori education is recognized worldwide as a high-quality educational model serving children from early childhood through adolescence. More than 1,000 Montessori schools operate nationally, including approximately 300 within public school systems.

    Montessori classrooms emphasize:

    • Hands-on learning
    • Student independence
    • Exploration and discovery
    • Respect for each child’s pace and interests
    • Development of the whole child—academically, socially, and emotionally

    As Maria Montessori wrote:

    “The secret of good teaching is to regard the child’s intelligence as a fertile field in which seeds must be sown…”

  • Students in Montessori classrooms are active participants in their learning. Teachers serve as guides who prepare the environment and support student growth through choice, structure, and encouragement.

    Key features include:

    • Multi-age classrooms where students learn from and support one another
    • Hands-on materials that move learning from concrete to abstract understanding
    • Freedom within structure to select meaningful work
    • Individual and small-group instruction
    • Emphasis on concentration, independence, and problem solving
    • Learning through exploration and discovery
    • Evaluation through portfolios, journaling, and teacher observation
    • A focus on intrinsic motivation—learning is its own reward

  • The Boise School District Montessori Program is designed to:

    • Provide a prepared learning environment aligned with Montessori methods
    • Staff classrooms with dual-certified teachers (Idaho certification and Montessori certification) supported by classroom aides
    • Ensure strong academic outcomes aligned with district and state standards
    • Support collaboration among teachers, administrators, and building staff
    • Promote family involvement and advisory participation
    • Offer ongoing community education about Montessori learning
    • Provide professional development for Montessori educators

  • Family engagement plays an important role in the success of the Montessori Program. Parents and guardians are encouraged to:

    • Attend information sessions
    • Support learning at home
    • Participate in advisory opportunities when available
    • Stay connected with program updates and events

  • Additional resources:

  • Applications Open: January 6, 2026
    Montessori Information Night:
    January 14, 2026
    5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
    Liberty Elementary School
    1740 E. Bergeson St., Boise, ID

    Applications Due: February 9, 2026 (by 3:00 p.m.)
    Lottery Held: February 14, 2026
    Results Posted / Families Notified: February 17, 2026

    How to Apply:
    Submit the Montessori Application 2026–2027 by:

    • Emailing Heather Craig, or
    • Dropping off the application at Liberty Elementary School