History

History of the school

In 1977, Tom and Kathy Andrews founded the Montessori Children’s House of Evergreen in a local church. The school began as a way for the Andrews to give their own children access to a high-caliber 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 the school’s offerings to include a co-educational program that served preschool to eighth-grade students at two campuses. At our Marshdale Campus 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 of our “hidden” swimming pool.

Under Betsy Hoke’s direction in 2005, Montessori School of Evergreen transitioned to a nonprofit organization, governed by a Board of Trustees (BOT). Together, the BOT and Betsy conducted a successful Capital Campaign to build a gym/theater facility, which is used every day! 

The baton is passed

After Betsy’s retirement in 2009, Beth Heller (2009-14) and Bill Schuver (2015-19) served as Heads of School and continued MSE’s long-standing history of excellence by strengthening the school’s national reputation as an outstanding Montessori and independent school. 

Beth successfully led a dual-accreditation program with Association of Colorado Independent Schools (ACIS) and the American Montessori Society (AMS), the latter of which started the school’s journey towards being an accredited high-fidelity Montessori program from Toddler – which began under Beth – through Middle School. Beth also added the full-day Primary programs.

Bill implemented programmatic and fiscal measures that strengthened MSE’s sustainability. He reorganized the school’s financial systems to meet best practices. His work was commended by both ACIS and AMS. 

Mark Gustavson was hired as the school’s fourth Head of School starting in June of 2019. Under Mark's leadership MSE successfully completed its dual re-accreditation with the American Montessori Society (AMS) and the Association of Colorado Independent Schools (ACIS).

In August of 2023, Mike Imperi stepped in to lead MSE. Mike has served as Head of School for 15 years at two independent schools and brings a depth and breadth of experience and leadership to the MSE administrative team and staff.

Community & Accreditation

The school serves children and families from as far away as Silver Plume, Idaho Springs, Pine, Bailey, Golden, Boulder 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) through its ACIS accreditation.

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