• What are the ages of students in the program?

    We accept three to six year olds if they are developmentally ready.  Note, all our students must be potty trained before starting. 

  • What is the enrollment process?

    Enrollment is simple.  Provided there is space in the program, (we do fill up so enroll early if possible), and the child is developmentally ready for our program, children can start any time during the year.   Generally, a tour of the school by the parent (without the child) is followed by a visit with the child so all can assess the fit of the child and the school.

  • What are our hours?

     Our hours of care are 7:45 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Monday through Friday, 12 months a year.  We are closed for most major holidays and seasonal breaks, (consistent with the Bozeman Public Schools) and closed for approximately two weeks at the end of August.  

  • What are our scheduling requirements?

     Scheduling is simple.  Consistent with our overall desire to do our best to meet the needs of our families, parents may craft whatever schedule they desire for their child.  However, in the interest of ensuring the effectiveness of our program, we do ask for a minimum of three half days or two full days per week.

  • What are the rates of the program?

    Please see our current rates on Our Rates.

  • I want to send my child to your school but can not afford it. Does the school offer scholarships or tuition breaks?

     We want all kids to be able to benefit from the wonders of Sourdough.  That is why scholarships are offered on a needs basis through the Kathryn Leibrock-Josephs Memorial fund.  Trades for goods or services in exchange for tuition are also encouraged.  

  • Are meals served during the day?

     Nutritious snacks are offered all day long to the children and provided by the school.  Parents are expected to pack a lunch for their children for the day.  To encourage our children to eat well, and as a convenience to our parents, we provide for “warm-ups” of microwaveable lunch items, (such as soups and other entrees). 

  • Is the school open all year long?

     Yes, Sourdough Montessori is open all year long.  During the academic year, (late August through early June) the school generally follows the same calendar of operation as the Bozeman Public Schools. A Summer program is offered during the summer months, when we do close in late August for approximately two weeks. 

  • What is the parent’s expected role in the school?

    Our parents, who are always welcome at our school, form another key element in this sense of community I speak of at Sourdough.  Through their participation in such things as; being volunteer story readers, (and listeners to the kids who are ready to read to us), assisters in art projects, cooking lesson leaders, field trip drivers and of course birthday celebration celebrators, our parents become an integral part of our school.

  • What are the Programs at Sourdough Montessori?

    Please visit our programs page to learn more.

  • What is a Montessori School?

    The basic idea in the Montessori philosophy of education is that every child carries unseen within themselves the man or woman they will become.  In order to develop their physical, intellectual and spiritual powers to the fullest, the child must have freedom - a freedom to be achieved through order and self-discipline. Please visit this page to learn more.