Welcome
Montclair Elementary is a small school with a projected enrollment of 350 students for the fall 2007 school year. It sits in one of Denver's historic neighborhoods established in the late 1800's by Baron VonRichthofen, the uncle of the Red Baron. Montclair has been a neighborhood school since opening its doors at its original location, not far from where the school currently sits, in 1896.
Innovative instruction has been a hallmark of Montclair. The first kindergarten program in the state of Colorado debuted at Montclair over 100 years ago. The 2005-2006 school year opened with the implementation of a new instructional model as a result of the school's major revitalization effort. The framework for the new instructional program is built upon Renzulli's Schoolwide Enrichment Model (Dr. Joseph Renzulli http://www.gifted.uconn.edu/sem/ ) and is designed to bring learning to life as students experience a multitude of enrichment experiences directly connected to grade level content standards.
In just two years we have made important and significant progress as we strive to improve student achievement, increase enrollment, invigorate the instructional program and boost parent engagement. The following tale based on the classic childhood story The Little Engine that Could, retells the story of Montclair.
At the Montclair School of Academics & Enrichment, all students are provided with a set of experiences that will allow them to become lifelong learners. At Montclair we offer:
- high-energy, authentic learning experiences that are designed to promote, engage and motivate students;
- a collaborative learning and teaching community geared toward standards-based academic achievement;
- a school community where students talents are recognized and developed;
- small group learning opportunities geared to each students' strengths and experiences;
- a systematic plan for nurturing, enhancing and monitoring each student's academic progress and achievement;
- a continuous emphasis on character development and lifelong learning habits;
- an integrated environment where the diverse cultures of our global community are an asset;
- a program where high expectations are set and met by all...with no excuses.
In order to meet the many diverse learning needs of our students, Montclair offers two programmatic alternatives:
The PROGRESSIVE PROGRAM is a child-centered program designed to meet the needs of students who learn best with structure and support in the main content areas of reading and writing. Students in the Progressive Program have the benefit of well-trained classroom teachers and specialists skilled in making sure that students progress in their mastery of reading and math. Students enjoy the full grade level curriculum, including science and social studies as well as access to a supplemental reading program. They also fully benefit from our enrichment program.
EARLY HIGH STRIDES is an intensive learning program in which students will be expected to master the regular, grade level DPS school curriculum in greater depth and at a more rigorous pace. Critical and creative thinking will be emphasized in all subject areas. In addition, there will be opportunities for students to explore areas of personal interest and work at an age-appropriate level of independence. These students also enjoy our full enrichment program.
All students Montclair School of Academics & Enrichment enjoy a full ENRICHMENT PROGRAM, including Brown Bag Lunches, Enrichment Clusters, field trips, speakers and assemblies. This allows all of our students to experience and learn more about topics of interest to them, beyond the regular curriculum.
Applications are also available in the office.