Montessori Borealis is a optional program within the Juneau Public Schools.  No tuition is charged.  The elementary (grades 1 - 6) and adolescent (grades 7 & 8) programs are open to all children residing in Juneau.  Enrollment is established by the school district using lottery procedures. Once a child is accepted into the program, he/she is eligible to continue in the program in subsequent years without reapplying.

No prior Montessori experience is required for enrollment in Montessori Borealis.  Our students come from a variety of educational and cultural backgrounds. 

Montessori Borealis strongly advises parents to learn about the program and to arrange an observation of the Montessori classrooms before submitting an application.  Montessori Borealis holds a series of annual Public Information Meetings in the Spring which provide an opportunity for parents to ask questions and learn more about the Montessori method. The teachers are also happy to talk with interested parents at other times.  The observation is a wonderful opportunity to determine whether the Montessori approach is a good match for your child and family. 

If more applications are received than there is space available, the Juneau School District uses a lottery procedures to fill the openings.  It considers and strives to balance socio-economic status, special needs, siblings, gender, and other elements as provided by law and school district policy.

All applications and placements are processed by the school district's Assistant Superintendent's office.  This first lottery is held the first week in May.  The second lottery is in August prior to the first day of school.  Families will be notified by the district of their child’s status as soon as possible after the lottery. 

A wait list of interested students is maintained by the Assistant Superintendent at the Juneau School District office (523-1704).

Download copies of our general or adolescent program brochures.

Referral information helps elementary and middle school teachers from around the Juneau School District identify students who might benefit  from being referred to the Montessori program.

A copy of the application form and more information about enrollment in optional programs can be found here.

Parent information meetings, where families can come to learn more about the Montessori Borealis elementary and adolescent programs are scheduled for March 30 and April 15 at 5:30pm at Marie Drake.

Application deadline to be included in the May lottery:  April 30.  Applications received after that date will be included in a 2nd lottery to be held shortly before school starts in August.

For more information about the Elementary Program:
Chris Trostel christine_trostel@jsd.k12.ak.us
Phone: (907) 523-1886

For more information about the Adolescent Program:
Dayna Weiler dayna_weiler@jsd.k12.ak.us
Phone: 523-1841 

Juneau School District Contact:
Assistant Superintendent's Admin Assistant: Susan Arnold Susan_Arnold@jsd.k12.ak.us
Phone (907) 523-1704 ,  Fax  (907) 523-1709