Ross Montessori Preschool consists of children ages 2.5 to 5 years.

Multi-age groupings are a tenet of Montessori instruction and benefit all of our students. Preschool children of diverse skills and ages are able to assume the role of leader or follower throughout each day and week. Children build strong, authentic communities when they have multiple years to do so. They also bond with their teacher, who has time to get to know each student and family as the unique people they are.

Our preschool classroom is filled with Montessori materials that connect to specific lessons the children receive. Subjects include practical life, sensorial, math, language arts, music, art, geography, and sciences. The hands-on materials support children in learning through action. In Montessori classrooms, children move and learn in different areas. Students are allowed to work on their own or collaborate with classmates.

For more information about Ross Montessori Preschool, contact Preschool Director Monica Wright, monica.wright@rossmontessori.org

Kindergarten at Ross is free for all students, as are all grades from Kindergarten through 8th grade.

Our Kindergarten students use Montessori materials to learn all subject areas, including practical life, sensorial, math, reading, language, writing, grammar, geography, sciences, and history. Each day, students attend one or more small-group lessons with their teacher. Kindergarteners use hands-on materials to practice skills repeatedly until they are mastered.

Lower Elementary classes consist of 1st-, 2nd-, and 3rd-graders in a cohesive classroom. The first year of Lower Elementary is the year of introduction— it is a year for children to learn how the classroom works and what their role is within the community. The second year is one of practice and building academic skills. The Lower Elementary third year is a year of synthesis— when it all comes together. Children of diverse skills and ages are able to assume the role of teacher or learner, leader or follower, depending on their level of mastery.

Upper Elementary consists of 4th-, 5th-, and 6th-graders learning in a cooperative, peaceful environment. Students have monthly, weekly, and daily work expectations in math, geometry, algebra, language, spelling, grammar, history, geography, earth science, and life science. Learning goals are determined by the students’ interests, abilities, and age-appropriate curriculum. This research-based approach not only follows the Montessori method but also meets Colorado state standards.

At Ross, our Middle School is the home for 7th- and 8th-graders. Our Middle School program meets the Colorado state core standards for math, geometry, algebra, literacy, history, geography, earth science, life science, research, and debate. Adolescents need social interaction, thrive with academic challenges, and have new cognitive strengths; our program takes all of those characteristics into account. Montessori education builds on these strengths and prepares our Middle School students for high school and beyond.

Ross Montessori School

109 Lewies Lane, Carbondale, CO 

Ross Montessori purchased its current 3-acre site for $1.25 million in 2014 with private donations raised by parent volunteers. Donations were from Ross families, friends, and community members.

Ross Montessori, which operates independently under the Colorado Charter School Institute, secured a $7.5M construction loan through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development program. RMS’s “forever home” was constructed in 2015 and 2016.

The Ross building was one of the first buildings to be constructed under Carbondale’s International Green Code standards, featuring superefficient LED lighting and enhanced natural lighting features. Special windows bounce light off of sloped ceilings in each room, providing more natural light and reducing the need for artificial light and creating a beautiful learning environment. Temperature in each room is operated independently, which also contributes to the building’s energy efficiency.

Perhaps in the future, the school will build phase two, which may include a full cafeteria, kitchen, gymnasium, and auditorium.

The Mark Ross Montessori Foundation owns the building. Ross Montessori pays monthly rent to the Foundation.