Salida Montessori Charter School

State Charter School Institute
1040 I STREET
SALIDA, CO 81211
Charter School 186 Students
Elementary School Pre-K - 8th
School Overview
Salida Montessori Charter School (SMCS) is a public charter school located in Salida, Colorado, that serves students from kindergarten through eighth grade. Operating on the principles of the Montessori method, the school emphasizes a student-centered, hands-on learning environment. By utilizing multi-age classrooms and specialized materials, the school aims to foster individual independence, curiosity, and a sense of community, allowing students to progress at their own pace while engaging in both academic and social-emotional development.

As a charter school, SMCS offers an alternative educational experience within the public school system, focusing on the development of the "whole child." The curriculum is designed to encourage critical thinking, collaboration, and a deep appreciation for lifelong learning. Located in the heart of Salida, the school integrates its unique pedagogical approach with the local community, providing a structured yet flexible educational setting that prioritizes student autonomy and mastery of core concepts.
186
Total Students
13.8
Full-Time Teachers
13.5
Student/Teacher Ratio
N/A
Free/Reduced Lunch
Student Demographics
  • White
    154 (82.8%)
  • Hispanic
    22 (11.8%)
  • Two or More
    7 (3.8%)
  • Asian
    3 (1.6%)
School Location
School Details
Status: Open
School Level: Elementary School
School Type: Regular School
Charter Status:* Charter School
Virtual Instruction: No virtual instruction
Shared Time Status: No
District: State Charter School Institute
Phone: (719)539-4887
Grade Range: Pre-K - 8th
Total Students: 186
Full-Time Teachers (FTE): 13.8
Pupil/Teacher Ratio: 13.5
NSLP Participation:1 No
Qualified Free Lunch: N/A
Qualified Reduced Lunch: N/A

* Charter Schools: A public charter school is a publicly funded school that operates independently under a legislative contract (or "charter") with a state, school district, or designated authorizing entity. Charters grant these schools greater operational flexibility over curriculum, staffing, and budgeting in exchange for strict accountability to achieve performance standards established in their charter agreement.

1 National School Lunch Program (NSLP): The National School Lunch Program is a federally assisted meal program operating in public and nonprofit private schools. It provides nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free lunches to eligible children each school day based on household income thresholds or community eligibility options (CEO).

Title I Program Overview: Title I, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) allocates federal financial assistance to local educational agencies and public schools with high percentages of children from low-income families to help ensure that all children meet challenging state academic standards.

Grades Taught
Pre-Kindergarten 32
Kindergarten 16
Grade 1 22
Grade 2 14
Grade 3 20
Grade 4 18
Grade 5 21
Grade 6 15
Grade 7 17
Grade 8 11
Gender Ratio
Nearby Elementary Schools (Within 10 Miles)
Longfellow Elementary School
Salida School District No. R-32
449 Students
425 WEST 7TH STREET
SALIDA, CO 81201 (0.2 miles away)
Elementary School K - 4th