Overview of the Denali K-6 Montessori Program

Denali Montessori began in 1985 with two classrooms of combined kindergarten/ first/second grade. It is now one of the many alternative programs in the Anchorage School District, with a waiting list for all grades. Denali Montessori is a unified neighborhood and optional program providing Montessori education for students in the neighborhood as well as from other areas within the Anchorage municipality.

The Montessori program has approximately 400 children enrolled in 19 classrooms as of fall, 2023. There are three kindergarten classrooms, seven primary classrooms (combining grades 1, 2, and 3), five intermediate classrooms (combining grades 4, 5, and 6), 3 Life Skills classes, and a Migrant Education Preschool. 

Denali Montessori follows ASD requirements for class sizes. Montessori adheres to the same curriculum standards as all schools in the Anchorage School District. Progress reports record mastery of specific Montessori skills during the 3-year cycle. 

Parents play a primary role in the success of the Montessori program. Montessori is a highly individualized learning method, following the interests and levels of the children. The program values and relies on parent volunteers to help in the classrooms. 

The school building houses three Special Education classrooms for children with intensive needs, and a Migrant Education Preschool program. School activities (assemblies, after-school clubs, multi-cultural activities, spelling bees, etc.) include all students.