History of the School

First year students on the line, 1977

In 1977, Tom and Kathy Andrews founded the Montessori Children’s House in a local church. The school began as a way for the Andrews to give their own children access to a Montessori education in the Rocky Mountain Region.

In 1980, Betsy Hoke was appointed Head of School and in 1983 she purchased the school from the Andrews.  Betsy expanded its offerings to include a co-educational program that served preschool – eighth grade students at two campuses. Classes are still held in renovated sections of the original Hoke home, reminding students, parents, faculty and staff alike of our rich history. When you visit our Troutdale campus, ask to hear the story about our “secret” swimming pool.

Under Betsy Hoke’s direction in 2005, Montessori School of Evergreen transitioned to a nonprofit organization, and is now governed by a Board of Trustees.

Two boys and a toy farm, 1977

As the current Head of School, Beth Heller continues its long-standing history of excellence by fostering Montessori School of Evergreen’s national reputation as an outstanding Montessori program. Since 2005, Beth–in concert with the Board of Trustees–has increased full-time equivalency enrollment 10%, conducted a successful Capital Campaign to build a gym/theater facility, augmented the program by adding learning specialists to help assess and support students, instituted a pay-for performance option for  faculty members, and added a new computer lab and state-of-the-art technology to the classroom.

The school serves children and their families from as far away as Breckenridge, Lookout Mountain, Bailey, Conifer, Golden and Lakewood. We are accredited by the Association of Colorado Independent Schools (ACIS) and the American Montessori Society (AMS). MSE is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS).

Montessori School of Evergreen began as a special place to learn where educators foster self-reliance, academic innovation, and curiosity in every student, and we continue to honor our rich history still today.