Bluestem Montessori Elementary School

Bluestem Montessori is the first and only private secular school in Lincoln. As the first non-traditional option for elementary education in Lincoln, we know that families should have options when it comes to their children's education. As a Montessori school with fully accredited Montessori teachers, we implement a proven method of education that has worked world-wide for the last century to instill a true love of learning, self-confidence, and empathy in children. Our students develop a strong educational foundation for success in middle- and high school, as well as for later in life.

We believe:

All children can love going to school. Our students have been known to regularly complain about summer break.

All children have the ability to succeed when their environment meets their needs. In our classrooms, children have agency to move when they need to, choose their work, and plan their own days, all with the oversight and guidance of teachers who make sure all children are receiving an excellent education that meets or exceeds all state standards.

Children should learn at their own pace, moving faster or slower as they need. Multi-age classrooms allow children to learn at the level that is right for them in each subject without any stigma attached to being ‘ahead’ or ‘behind’. Because of this, children can focus on areas of intense interest in a way that is impossible in a traditional learning environment.

All children have the capacity for empathy and community building. We teach our children to solve conflict and engage with their world using age-appropriate and compassionate methods.

Children should be free to be themselves and celebrate each others’ different life paths and identities. Diversity and inclusion make us all stronger, and we strive to create a culture that presents and embraces different heritages, identities, religious backgrounds, geographical location, ages, physical and developmental abilities, and experiences as valid and worthwhile.

Scientific-based curriculum and policies make the best educational environment. Like Maria Montessori, founder of the Montessori method, we employ the methods of scientific observation when developing our classroom material, curriculum, and individualized student plans. We integrate the most current and peer-reviewed theories in neuroscience, pediatrics, and education to make sure that our students receive an excellent education in a developmentally appropriate setting. We follow guidance from recognized experts in crafting wellness policy, in particular regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, to keep our families and community safe. We teach modern scientific theories regardless of political climate.

Bluestem serves students in grades K-6. Contact us if you'd like a tour!