We’ve missed you!

And we can’t wait to see you again soon:

  • Tuesday, September 2 - Back to School Open House from 2–3:30 pm to tour the campus, meet the staff, and visit your child’s classroom

  • Wednesday, September 3 - First day of school for Grades 1–6 and staggered start for Kindergarten (dropoff between 8:15–8:30 am)

  • Thursday, September 4 - Staggered start for Kindergarten (dropoff between 8:15–8:30 am)

  • Tuesday, September 9 - Join us at 9 am for free coffee and conversation with the staff and other parents at our first Coffee Chat in the courtyard

✨ Check your recent emails or log in to Transparent Classroom for all information about the first day of school.

Do you have time or talents to contribute to our school?

As we begin to organize the slate of events for this school year, we’re looking for dedicated volunteers in the following areas:

Please contact our Head of School at heather.phillips@dsmontessori.org if you’d like to take on a more active volunteer role in our community.

Central Oregon’s first and only tuition-free Montessori school

Students standing in front of Desert Sky Montessori sign

Desert Sky Montessori is unique in that we are the only K–6 elementary school in Central Oregon that provides a free Montessori education for all students, no matter their socioeconomic status. We are a Choice Options charter school in Bend-La Pine Schools. Our lottery opens every spring for enrollment the following fall, and we accept families on our waitlist year-round. Learn more about the enrollment process.

How the Montessori method is transforming education

Teacher and students doing an activity on the floor in a Montessori classroom

At Desert Sky Montessori, we engage students utilizing the many tools that the Montessori curriculum has to offer.

We meet each individual student at the place their interests and passions guide them to.

The Montessori philosophy holds that adults are “guides” and need only demonstrate, invite, and provide opportunities for children to learn.

In that spirit, we work to create conditions where students can take ownership of their own education, and ultimately of their own life.