Overview of the Denali K-6 Montessori Program

Denali Montessori began in 1985 with two combined kindergarten/first/second-grade classrooms. It is now one of the many alternative programs in the Anchorage School District, with a waiting list for all grades. Denali Montessori is a unified neighborhood and optional program that provides Montessori education to students in the neighborhood and from other areas within the Anchorage municipality.

The Montessori program has approximately 326 children enrolled in 16 classrooms as of fall 2025. There are three kindergarten classrooms, six primary classrooms (combining grades 1, 2, and 3), three intermediate classrooms (combining grades 4, 5, and 6), 3 Life Skills classes, and a Migrant Education Preschool. 

Denali Montessori follows ASD requirements for class sizes. Montessori adheres to the same curriculum standards as all schools in the Anchorage School District. Progress reports record mastery of specific Montessori skills during the 3-year cycle. 

Parents play a primary role in the success of the Montessori program. Montessori is a highly individualized learning method that follows children's interests and levels. The program values and relies on parent volunteers to help in the classrooms. 

The school building houses three Special Education classrooms for children with intensive needs, and a Migrant Education Preschool program. School activities (assemblies, after-school clubs, multi-cultural activities, spelling bees, etc.) include all students.