Our History

Rose Hill Montessori School opened on Monday, June 3, 1996. It was started in order to provide a quality Montessori Elementary Program in Boise, Idaho.

Over the years the campus facility has had numerous improvements. Outside, the playground was expanded to include a large grass play field, a cement patio was added, bark chip replaced the sand around the play structures, a large covered sandbox was constructed, and 6 shade trees were planted. Parents donated a play fort and a basketball hoop, and the PTO raised funds for the monkey bars and climbing apparatus.

June 1996

In June of 1996, when the school opened, there were only 9 students in the Primary Class. By September, there were 20 primary students (age 3 through K) and 20 elementary students (grades 1 - 4).

August l998

In August of l998, after some extensive interior remodeling, the school expanded its elementary program from grades 1-6 to include both a Lower Elementary of grades 1 - 3 and an Upper Elementary of grades 4 - 6.

September l998

The Rose Hill Parent Teacher Organization was established in September of l998, as a non-profit organization to help raise funds for school equipment, and to organize community building events for the school, such as the School Picnic, Chili Feed, and Fiesta de Mayo.

August 2016

The school changed hands mid-August, as founder, Christel Nordhausen, passed the leadership torch and ownership to, then Upper Elementary teacher, Julie Douglas.

June 2020

After a brief COVID-19 pandemic shutdown in early spring, Rose Hill opened it's gates to outdoor only classrooms. With Covid protocols in place, the school was able to once again conduct in-person school, and keep the Montessori classrooms active.

August 2023

The elementary program returned to the age 6-12 Montessori model (grades 1-6), with one classroom, in August 2023.

At present, the school carries an average enrollment of 45 students for the two classrooms. It staffs an average of five full time teachers/assistants and five part time teachers/assistants.