Desert Sky Montessori in Bend receives $450K state grant
Desert Sky Montessori, a 501c3 public elementary charter school in Bend, said Thursday it applied for and received a substantial, $450,000 implementation grant from the Oregon Department of Education.
Desert Sky Montessori School received confirmation their grant application had been approved while also receiving ODE’s highest ever score on a grant of this nature. These grant funds will go directly to supporting and enhancing Desert Sky’s educational classrooms with Montessori materials, teacher training, playground development and will be crucial to the school’s growth.
Desert Sky Montessori currently serves over 100 children in grades Kindergarten – 3rd and is the first tuition-free Montessori elementary school in Central Oregon.
Shelly Phillips, Desert Sky Montessori founder and past board president, commented, “Many volunteers put in countless hours writing this grant. As a founder, I feel so grateful that the state is supporting our efforts to provide a unique educational experience to our students.
“There is no way we could have opened our doors without the $100,000 Planning grant and now that we’re open and want to grow our program, the $450,000 Implementation grant will be crucial for us to be able to purchase the furniture, books, materials and more that we’ll need to expand into upper elementary and middle school grades.”
For more details on Desert Sky Montessori, visit the website at https://dsmontessori.org
About Desert Sky Montessori
Desert Sky Montessori opened its doors to Central Oregon families in September of 2017, with grades K-3. The charter has been approved with the Bend La-Pine district to continue growing through to eighth grade. Desert Sky Montessori’s vision is to awaken within each child their unique potential that will enable them to make a valuable contribution to society. Desert Sky Montessori provides a child-centered, individualized education founded upon the philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori. Desert Sky Montessori fosters a prepared environment of freedom and discovery in which all children, regardless of socio-economic status, race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, or ability, will reach their full academic, social, and personal potential. Graduates of Desert Sky Montessori will demonstrate creative thinking, self-discipline, respect, cooperation, and will build a solid foundation for future success. Our location is 150 NE Bend River Mall Drive, suite 260, Bend.
