Frequently Asked Questions

Steamboat Montessori is a public charter school (free) for grades K-6th, and offers a private, tuition-based preschool program for ages 3-5.

A charter school is a publicly funded, independent school established by teachers, parents, or community groups under the terms of a charter with a local authority. Steamboat Montessori is authorized as a charter school by the Charter School Institute, an independent entity under Colorado’s Department of Education. 

While the majority of Montessori schools in the United States are preschools, Montessori programs exist at age levels from birth to eighteen.

The methods used in Montessori schools are highly effective for learners across the spectrum, including those in need of special education and gifted students. The reason for their effectiveness, however, is that the learning environments have been designed to ensure success for all children.

While many private American Montessori schools do have a religious orientation, Steamboat Montessori is not religiously affiliated in any way, and the Montessori educational framework itself is not religiously oriented, finding itself quite at home in public settings.

A core principle of Montessori education is the belief that children have an intrinsic desire to learn, and are motivated by this desire. Classrooms are based on the principle of free choice of purposeful activity; students are placed in carefully prepared environments and given individualized guidance and instruction by classroom teachers. This thoughtful structure allows for students to engage in self-directed learning, and fosters ownership for learning starting at a very young age. 

If the child is being destructive or is using materials in an aimless way, the teacher will intervene and gently re-direct the child either to more appropriate materials or to a more appropriate use of the material.

At this time, before and after care are not offered.

At this time, Steamboat Montessori is unable to offer school-provided meals, and families must provide daily meals for students. We prioritize nutritious, healthy food that supports learning and cognitive growth, and also encourage reusable/multi-use containers to reduce waste. Learn more about making healthy meals for young learners here.

At this time, there is no bus transportation. However, students age 6 and up who participate in Boys and Girls Club programming may access the free van that transports students from Steamboat Montessori to the B&G location in town each day after school. 

School hours are 8:00am to 3:15pm, Monday to Friday. Pre-school is offered for ½ day in the morning, or full day.

Steamboat Montessori offers Visual Art, Spanish, STEM, Performing Arts, and physical education programming to all students. 

As a charter school, Steamboat Montessori relies strongly upon parent involvement and volunteerism. This supports the operations of the school, and is also part of our sense of community. Families are encouraged to offer 25 hours of community service to the school each year, however they are able. There are ample and varied ways in which parents can volunteer to support the school.