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Monticello Montessori

Public Charter School

Developing critical thinkers and motivated learners.

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About Us

Monticello Montessori is a tuition-free, public charter school providing a high-quality Montessori education to children in kindergarten through the eighth grade. Located in Ammon, Idaho, we serve students in Bonneville, Jefferson, and Bingham counties.

Ariel view of Monticello Montessori campus

Latest News & Events

Wendy's Night

Join us for Monticello Montessori Community Night at Wendy’s! Enjoy dinner with your family while helping raise money for our school.

Wednesday, September 30
5:00–8:00 p.m.
Wendy’s
3439 S 25th E
Ammon, ID 83406

To order ahead, scan the QR code on the flyer or visit order.wendys.com.

School Picture Day

Thursday, October 1

Preview package options and prepay online before Picture Day using the code below.

Prepay code: MonticelloMontessoriFall26

One School, One Book

The Secret Garden

Our schoolwide reading adventure begins September 7! Families can follow the reading calendar as we enjoy The Secret Garden together throughout the month.

Join us for a concluding Family Movie Night on Monday, October 5 at 6:00 p.m. Popcorn and candy will be provided.

Library News

📚 Catch up on the latest from our school library! Mrs. Ovard shares library updates, the monthly student raffle, October Book Fair hours, and checkout policies.

Read the full September–October Library News.

Book Fair

📚 Mark your calendars for the Monticello Montessori Book Fair!

🍂 October 14–15: 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
🍂 October 19–20: 11 a.m.–4 p.m. (later by request)
🍂 October 21–22: 11 a.m.–7:30 p.m.

Visiting for Parent/Teacher Conferences? The Book Fair will be open until 7:30 p.m. both days!

Important Drop-Off & Pick-Up Reminders

Please review our morning drop-off, afternoon pick-up, and bus rider procedures. Following the same procedures helps keep students safe and keeps the carpool line moving smoothly.

Meet some of the staff helping your children safely into school each morning! 

Daily Moment of Silence

Beginning with the 2026–2027 school year, Idaho public schools are required to provide a 60-second moment of silence at the beginning of each school day.

Monticello Montessori has prepared an overview explaining what students and families can expect and how the moment of silence will be implemented respectfully and inclusively.

Top 10 Most Improved Schools in Idaho

Monticello Montessori is one of the Top 10 Most Improved Schools in Idaho!

Since 2022, MMCS has climbed 205 places in statewide rankings. We’re proud of the steady progress happening in our classrooms every day.

Important Dates

  • October 1: School Pictures

  • October 5: One School, One Book “The Secret Garden” Movie Celebration — 6:00 p.m.

  • October 14: Board Meeting — 6:00

  • October 15: Great Idaho ShakeOut — 10:15

  • October 21–22: Parent/Teacher Conferences

  • October 29: Trunk or Treat

  • October 30: Jersey Mike’s All-Day Fundraiser

October Administrator’s Message

Autumn Greetings, Mountain Lions!

October will be a great month with lots happening at Monticello. We look forward to Student-Led Parent/Teacher Conferences on October 21 and 22. Make sure you meet with the teachers and bring your child(ren) to hear about all the things they are learning and doing.

A Reminder About Sleep

We are consistently hearing the children complain about being tired. Please make sure they are getting plenty of sleep. Many of the struggles children have at school are a direct result of not getting enough sleep. Sleep is the time for restoration and for children’s bodies to recharge and retain the information they have learned throughout the day.

Refer to the following recommended guidelines for sleep:

  • Preschool (3–5 years): 10–13 hours, including naps
  • School-age (6–13 years): 9–12 hours
  • Teens (14–17 years): 8–10 hours

As always, if you have questions or concerns, do not hesitate to call me, email me, or just come to the school to talk.

Warmest Regards,
Jeanne Johnson

Why Choose Us?

Our Programs

Monticello Montessori students engage in the hands-on, self-directed Montessori learning method through an intentional content sequence and adherence to Idaho Content Standards.

Montessori Method

The Montessori Method is a holistic approach to learning focused on the whole development of the child. With encouragement and support, students discover their unique talents and missions in life.

Our Mission

Our Mission is to help students maximize their inner potentials,  take responsibility for their own education, cultivate personal dignity, and develop independence and purpose in life.

Fairness & Equality

We are publicly funded and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, gender, gender preference, disability, religion, or age in its programs and activities.

Is Monticello Montessori a public school?

Yes. We are a free public school authorized by the Idaho Public Charter School Commission, a division of the Idaho State Board of Education.

Who can attend?

Monticello Montessori Public Charter School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, or age in its programs and activities. Students between the ages of five and 12 may enroll up to the capacity available. If enrollment requests exceed the capacity of the school, we will follow an equitable lottery selection process to determine who can attend.

How much does Monticello Montessori cost?

We are a free public school. There is no cost for any student enrolled in our half-day kindergarten program through the sixth grade. We also do not require families to purchase or pay fees for school supplies. We may ask parents to pay fees associated with voluntary activities that are not necessary elements of school activity, such as field trips. We also welcome your donations of time and/or money to the school if you so choose.

Do you have special education services?

Yes, we do. The early years form the foundation of growth and development, and we believe it is important to keep you informed about your child’s development. If you have questions or concerns regarding supplemental and/or special needs programs, please feel free to contact us about services for those who qualify.

How does your lottery work?

Monticello holds a lottery on or before April 30 of each year. We fill all openings during the school year according to the order established by that lottery. Learn more about how we conduct our lottery.

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Why Parents Love Our School

Monticello is amazing – my kids excel in math and reading, and they get to do so much more than in a traditional public school. I’ve been so impressed by how much all the staff care about my kids and by how well-run the school is. The only drawback is that they can’t go all the way through high school! If you send your kids here, you won’t regret it!

Our child‘s teacher has shown much interest in our child and has allowed her to perform her dance routine for the class. She is very observant and watches to see what is best for each child. 

I just love that the admistitrator is so involved, always out there with the kids when they get out of school.

Because the Montessori method is the best way for my child to learn and he has progressed in maturity and wants to be at school where he did not want to go to the other school. He receives all the help that is required and necessary.

Good teacher/student ratio, small family like environment, administrator, non-traditional teaching philosophy, children are treated with respect.

I knew my kids needed something different than the standard public education. I had heard great things from a friend about Montessori so when I learned about a free charter school using Montessori method, I jumped at the chance to enroll them. We aren’t rich enough for a private school and homeschooling would have been my only other option.

There was an opening and now it’s turned into so much more.

When we first started at the school, we were impressed by the teachers we met, and by the way the classrooms were more “free” to explore. We liked the hands on approach to lessons, and the cooking, and that the kids were expected to have a job in the classroom that they were responsible for.

I love the Montessori platform and have always known that it would be the best fit for my child and their learning style as well as their personality. It is a hands on approach to learning that will allow a child to go at their pace and thrive as well as give them the ability to critically think of ways to improve. I have seen this in my child‘s time at Monticello and look forward to seeing more of these positive improvements throughout the time my child is at this school.