What Are the Private and Independent Schools in Bozeman?

by Liz Nitz

Gallatin Watershed tour elective course for Bozeman Field School students.

What are the private and independent schools in Bozeman? There are plenty of options when it comes to private and independent schools in Bozeman. How does your child like to learn? Do they need structure? Are they better suited for independent learning? Do they respond to an exploratory, experiential education model? Every child is unique. Luckily, Bozeman has a few great choices for families.

Christian-Based Schools

Petra Academy An accredited member of the Association of Classical and Christian Schools (ACCS). Petra has an impressive 20-acre campus that houses 180 students, Pre-K-12. This highly structured and academically rigorous school follows a Christ-centered curriculum focused on a three-way approach to education: grammar, logic and rhetoric. Students are organized into “houses” and compete for Petra’s House Cup in areas of drama, sports, art and academics—they believe this builds camaraderie, healthy competition, and interaction among different age groups. Petra has scholarships available and 33% of students receive some kind of financial assistance based solely on financial need.

Heritage Christian Day School Committed to providing a well-rounded education from a Christ-centered perspective for grades Pre-K- 12. Core curriculum consists of Bible, math, English, science, and history, as well as instruction in Latin, music, art, physical education, foreign language, and more. All materials are selected for their Christian content, as well as being highly effective and research-proven in producing student achievement.

Mount Ellis Elementary A Pre K- 8 school owned and operated by the Montana Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. It is accredited by the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists Office of Education and the National Council for Private School Accreditation. Christian characters, strong intellect, critical thinking and a heart of service are nurtured at MEE. There is also Mount Ellis Academy—a boarding high school that prepares students for college. Both schools are focused on bible-based education but they accept students regardless of religious affiliation.

Flexible-Learning Schools

Emerge School Follows a unique, K-12 university model where students attend class twice a week to allow flexibility for pursuing outside interests. K-5 is a multi-grade classroom has a maximum of 20 kids in each class and assigns homework customized to each student’s learning level. In grades 6-8 students are welcome to enroll full or part time and may enroll in any middle school class. Classes are Mondays and Wednesdays.

Experiential-Learning Schools

Headwaters Academy This is Bozeman’s only independent middle school. Students are exposed to advanced academic skills in critical analysis, public speaking, written communication, math, science, and technology. There is also lots of exploratory outdoor learning through the Outdoor Education Program where students learn in a wilderness setting and the Field Study Tour, an experiential week-long field trip to explore places like Ecuador and Mexico. Students do a public presentation of their findings back home. Headwaters also hosts a bi-annual speaker series with award-winning authors, film-makers, and scientists.

Explore Academy This school follows the Acton model which really focuses on the individual child. Students learn in an open, self-paced environment with the help of a Guide. They are encouraged to set their own learning goals and hone their emotional and observational intelligence through Socratic discussions. School days are a mix of core learning and hands-on quests for science, entrepreneurship and the arts that will prepare children for apprenticeships and real-world challenges. Currently K-6.

Bozeman Field School This school offers truly unique experiential learning for high school students. The emphasis is to get outside and learn through field trips to cultural sites, extended overnight expeditions, and field study activities in all subject areas. There are also six-week immersive block courses where students can take rotating classes in visual and performing arts, cultural studies, STEM, music, social sciences, and other disciplines. Some past courses include Karate, Branding and Marketing, Introduction to Guiding, and Bouldering Wall Design & Construction.

Specially-Focused Schools

Cottonwood Day School Montana’s first and only private, non-profit elementary school for students with learning disabilities. Cottonwood employs a multi-sensory approach to learning by using visual, auditory and kinesthetic-tactile methods. It recently launched an online programs for students who are challenged by traditional instruction; easily overwhelmed sensorily; have severe focus and attention challenges; or have limited support services, like those in rural areas.

Both private, as well as public schools in Bozeman are currently enrolling students for the 2021-2022 school year. You can also check out my previous post on summer programs for kids in Bozeman. If you just moved to Bozeman or have any questions about Bozeman real estate or about visiting, feel free to contact me at liz@windermere.com.

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4633 Shadowglen, Bozeman, Montana 59718

4633 Shadowglen, Bozeman, Montana 59718

4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
0.17Acre
2,617Sqft
Four bedroom single family home on Bozeman's growing west side. Two stories with a main floor master bedroom. Generous amount of counterspace and storage in the kitchen, gas fireplace in the living room and formal dining room. Upstairs features two bedrooms, bathroom and loft/flex space currently used as an office.
$769,900

203 Wickwire Way, Bozeman, Montana 59718

203 Wickwire Way, Bozeman, Montana 59718

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
0.20Acre
2,067Sqft
Beautiful new construction available for immediate occupancy in Black Bull, just in time for golf season. Located steps from the club's amenities, 203 Wickwire Way provides easy single level living in one of Bozeman's most sought after communities. With 3 bedrooms, 2.
$1,499,000

2489 Andalusian Avenue, Bozeman, Montana 59718

2489 Andalusian Avenue, Bozeman, Montana 59718

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
0.28Acre
2,770Sqft
Welcome to 2489 Andalusian Ave in the highly sought after Baxter Meadows West Subdivision! This custom home is one of last crafted by renown Bozeman Developer Ed Adamson & Bozeman Building Traditions. This unique green and energy efficient home features two types of solar panels, complete with high efficiency Smart Triangle Tube Boiler System and radiant floor heating.
$1,399,900

29 Hoffman Drive, Bozeman, Montana 59715

29 Hoffman Drive, Bozeman, Montana 59715

4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
0.07Acre
2,568Sqft
Spacious 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom Woodbrook townhome by renowned builder Ken Leclair in an unbeatable location near MSU, Downtown, and Bozeman Health. Enjoy the park-like setting backing to beautiful mature trees and babbling brook from the expansive newly built Trex deck. Main floor open living with vaulted ceilings and massive windows providing tons of natural light.
$749,900

340 Stonegate Drive, Bozeman, Montana 59715

340 Stonegate Drive, Bozeman, Montana 59715

4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
0.96Acre
3,093Sqft
Brand new to market! Welcome to serene Stonegate subdivision tucked into Bozeman's Riverside Golf Course with spacious 1+/- acre lots & stunning mountain views. Abundant windows & natural light envelop elegant 3093 sq ft home with 4 beds & 3 1/2 baths. Main level master en suite boasts a ginormous walk-in closet/dressing room.
$1,500,000

3109 Augusta Drive, Bozeman, Montana 59715

3109 Augusta Drive, Bozeman, Montana 59715

4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
0.29Acre
3,005Sqft
Beautiful home on the 14th fairway of the Bridger Creek Golf Course. "Big" unobstructed views of the Bridger Mountain Range. This home features 2 master suites, one with a walk-in closet big enough to make into another bedroom! Great room concept with corner river rock gas fireplace, large kitchen featuring cherry cabinetry, granite counters, butcher block island and a nice gas range.
$1,050,000

1418 Cherry Drive, Bozeman, Montana 59715

1418 Cherry Drive, Bozeman, Montana 59715

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
0.21Acre
2,523Sqft
This well maintained ranch style home backing to the Hyalite View Park is ideally located within close proximity to downtown Bozeman, Bozeman Deaconess Hospital, and Montana State University. The trail system runs right past the back door for hiking and biking opportunities as well. The two levels of this home afford separate bedroom/living areas for guests or roommates .
$825,000

280 Eagle Creek, Bozeman, Montana 59718

280 Eagle Creek, Bozeman, Montana 59718

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
2,182Sqft
This spacious 2-level Cottonwood Condo is ideally situated in the ever-growing West-End of Bozeman. Within walking distance to restaurants, coffee shops, trails, and workout facilities. Natural light floods the main level with an open concept floorplan with warm, oak flooring throughout the ENTIRE condo (helpful for those with allergies).
$720,000

315 N Tracy Avenue 508, Bozeman, Montana 59715

315 N Tracy Avenue 508, Bozeman, Montana 59715

2Bedroom(s)
1,418Sqft
The Henry is a proposed 6-story, luxury residential for sale development in the heart of downtown Bozeman, Montana. Totaling 44 condominiums, the project is 3 blocks from Main Street at the southwest corner of Tracy Avenue and Villard Street. The Henry is positioned to be the most sought-after residential property in Bozeman, given its location, amenities, design and views.
$1,554,000
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