Upcoming events
Back to School Night
A new school year brings new beginnings, fresh discoveries, and beautiful growth. Whether your family is returning to familiar classrooms or joining us for the very first time, we are so excited to journey together.
August Community Coffee
Join the MSIMS Administrative Team on the front lawn for our first Community Coffee of the school year on Friday, August 14th after drop-off!
There will be coffee, light treats, a few tissues for those emotional first-day drop-offs, and plenty of encouragement and support from fellow community members who understand the joys and challenges of each stage of the journey. Stop by for a cup of something delicious, meet some new friends, reconnect with familiar faces, and learn about volunteer opportunities and ways to get involved in our community if you're interested.
No formal presentation, no pressure—just a happy gathering to kick off the school year together.
Back to School Picnic at Niwot Children’s Park
Let’s kick off the new school year together with a warm, wonderful day at the beautiful Niwot Children's Park! Join us August 15th from 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM to soak up the last of the summer sun and celebrate the start of another amazing year at MSIMS.
Whether you are a returning family excited to catch up with old friends, or a new family ready to make your first connections in our community, this is the perfect chance to celebrate the year ahead. Pack your favorite picnic blanket, bring along some delicious snacks, and let the kids burn off that end-of-summer energy on the playground while we all enjoy the fresh air.
Location: Niwot Children's Park (101 1st Ave, Niwot, CO)
Community Learning: Farmstead 101
Join us at the Farm on Tuesday, August 25th, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. for "Farmstead 101". This introductory session will cover everything you need to know about our unique Farmstead program and how to best support your student's learning environment.
Community Learning Night
Deepen your understanding of your child's educational journey with our first informative session of the year on Thursday, September 10th, from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m.
Childcare will be available during this event on a first-come-first-serve basis for attending MSIMS students.
Click here to RSVP & register for childcare.
September Community Coffee
Grab a warm cup of coffee and catch up with our school community as we settle into new routines on Friday, September 11th, between 8:15 and 9:15 a.m.
Red Fox Classroom Social
Kick off the week with our Red Fox Primary Class social! Join us for a casual evening to connect with fellow families, teachers, and classmates. We will be sharing a potluck-style meal in the Peace Garden (weather permitting), playing lawn games, and enjoying some extra time together on our beautiful playground. We can't wait to see you there!
Date: Monday, September 14th
Time: 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Golden Eagle Classroom Social
Calling all Golden Eagle families! Come gather for a relaxed and fun community social. Please bring a simple dish to share for our potluck meal in the Peace Garden (weather permitting). We will have plenty of lawn games set up, and the children will have time to enjoy the lovely playground with their friends.
Date: Tuesday, September 15th
Time: 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Elementary Community Social
We invite our Elementary Community to a special midweek gathering! Let's build community and catch up over a shared potluck-style meal in the serene Peace Garden (weather permitting). Expect a wonderful hour of lawn games, great conversation, and plenty of time for the students to enjoy the playground.
Date: Wednesday, September 16th
Time: 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
YCC & Nido Community Social
Wrap up the week with the YCC & Nido communities! This simple, welcoming social is a wonderful opportunity for our youngest learners and their families to connect. We will share a cozy potluck meal in the Peace Garden (weather permitting), play a few gentle lawn games, and enjoy exploring our wonderful playground together.
Date: Thursday, September 17th
Time: 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
International Day of Peace Celebration
Join our students on Friday, September 18th, at 2:00 p.m. in honoring a core Montessori value as we come together to celebrate peace.
Individual Students & Siblings Picture Day
Say Cheese! Individual & Sibling school photos will be captured during the morning of Friday, September 25th!
We can’t wait to capture those wonderful smiles! To help our schedule run smoothly, please ensure your children arrive promptly in the morning.
A Quick Tip for Parents of Younger Children: It can be helpful to chat with your little ones about picture day ahead of time. Gently explaining what to expect—and maybe even practicing a few goofy and natural smiles at home—helps turn a new experience into a fun, exciting event they can look forward to!
We are so excited to see everyone looking their best. Thank you for helping us make this picture day a fantastic success!
Fall Community Care Day
Roll up your sleeves and help us keep our campus beautiful on Saturday, September 26th, from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m. It’s a wonderful morning of teamwork, fresh air, and community pride!
September Farm to Table Fundraiser
Support our students in a meaningful way and join our community for our Adolescent Program’s first Farm to Table Fundraiser! Gather at the Farm on Saturday, September 26th, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m and enjoy a home-grown meal for a great cause.
*Rain Date: Saturday, October 3rd
Community Learning Night
Join us for an engaging evening of learning on Thursday, October 8th, from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m.
Childcare will be available during this event on a first-come-first-serve basis for attending MSIMS students.
Click here to RSVP & register for childcare.
October Community Coffee
Settle into the crisp fall weather on Friday, October 9th, with a morning coffee chat from 8:15 to 9:15 a.m. alongside other parents.
Farmstead Gallery Walk: Cycle One
Join us at the Farm on Friday, October 9th, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. for our first Family Gallery Walk of the year. Take a delightful stroll through our learning spaces to see what the students have been discovering and creating during their first cycle!
Individual Students & Siblings Picture Retake Day
Say Cheese! Individual & Sibling school retakes will be captured during the morning of Tuesday, October 20th!
We can’t wait to capture those wonderful smiles! To help our schedule run smoothly, please ensure your children arrive promptly in the morning.
A Quick Tip for Parents of Younger Children: It can be helpful to chat with your little ones about picture day ahead of time. Gently explaining what to expect—and maybe even practicing a few goofy and natural smiles at home—helps turn a new experience into a fun, exciting event they can look forward to!
We are so excited to see everyone looking their best. Thank you for helping us make this picture day a fantastic success!
Farmstead Community Learning: Throwback Night
Join us on the farm for an engaging evening of learning on Tuesday, October 20th, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Fall Festival
Embrace the autumn spirit with us at our annual Fall Fest on Saturday, October 24th, between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., featuring joyful seasonal activities for all ages.
Location TBA.
Farmstead Open House
Curious to see the Farmstead in action? We welcome friends, community members, and prospective families to our Fall Farmstead Open House on Wednesday, October 28th, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. out at the Farm. It is a wonderful opportunity to explore the space and see how our students thrive.
Halloween Parade
Get ready for a spooktacular afternoon on Friday, October 30th, starting at 2:00 p.m!
Watch our students show off their creative costumes in a delightful school-wide parade, bring your favorite creepy treats, and enjoy some ghostly fun at our community Monster Mash!
November Community Coffee
Take a deep breath before the holiday season begins and enjoy some relaxing morning conversation with friends on Friday, November 13th, from 8:15 to 9:15 a.m.
World Children’s Day
Celebrate the joy, potential, and rights of children everywhere with this special tentative event dedicated to our youngest global citizens on Thursday, November 19th, at 2:00 p.m.
Grandfriend’s Day
On Friday, November 20th, during student lunch times, we warmly invite grandparents and special family friends to share a wonderful mealtime experience with their students.
Farmstead Gallery Walk: Cycle Two
Celebrate our students' hard work and synthesis of new ideas just before the Fall break! We invite you to the Farm on Friday, November 20th, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. for a wonderful afternoon viewing student projects.
Holiday Shopping Weekend Childcare
Take a few hours to enjoy holiday shopping or a quiet moment to yourself while your children are cared for in a warm and engaging environment.
Children will enjoy games, crafts, and seasonal activities, along with snacks and time to play with friends, all supervised by trusted members of the Mountain Shadows team. A practical and much-appreciated experience that makes the holiday season a little smoother for families.
Note: Registration is open only to Primary students
Sign-Up fee: $120
Date: December 5, 2026
Time: 9AM-12:30 PM
Registration coming soon!
Community Learning Night
Take a break from the holiday hustle on Thursday, December 10th, between 5:00 and 6:30 p.m. to gather valuable insights and strategies for supporting your child's growth.
Childcare will be available during this event on a first-come-first-serve basis for attending MSIMS students.
Click here to RSVP & register for childcare.
December Community Coffee
Warm up with us on a chilly morning for our final parent gathering of the calendar year, happening Friday, December 11th, from 8:15 to 9:15 a.m.
Winter Cookie Decoration Workshop
In this fun workshop led by our Primary staff, children will explore simple decorating techniques to create festive cookie creations with colorful icing, fun toppings, and plenty of imagination. Along the way, they will explore colors, patterns, textures, and creative expression in a playful and supportive environment guided by the nurturing adults they know and love.
This experience is designed to create cozy holiday memories and joyful moments for everybody— we haven't left out the grown-ups! While the little ones decorate their treats we will be putting the finishing touches on our van for the Lights of December parade as a community.
Expect iconic wintry tunes, nostalgic fun, laughter with friends, and adorable photo opportunities that families will treasure long after the cookies are gone.
Note: Registration is open only to Primary students.
Sign-Up: $35
Date: December 12, 2026
Time: 9:00–11:00 AM
Ages: 3–6
Registration coming soon!
Boulder Lights of December Parade
Bundle up and join our school community in downtown Boulder on Saturday, December 12th, at 6:00 p.m. to celebrate the magic of the season with sparkling floats and holiday cheer.
Winter Celebration
Ring in the winter season on Friday, December 18th, with a beautiful musical performance by our students before we head off for winter break. To make the show even sweeter, we’ll be hosting our annual cookie exchange!
Farmstead Community Learning Night: Adolescent Development
Join us at the main MSIMS campus on Thursday, January 14th, at 5:30 p.m. to deepen your understanding of the incredible developmental changes and milestones happening during your student's adolescent years.
January Community Coffee
Welcome back! Start the spring semester right by reconnecting with the community after the winter break on Friday, January 15th, from 8:15 to 9:15 a.m.
Montessori Journey & Discovery
Step into your child’s shoes for an interactive, hands-on weekend exploring the magic of the Montessori curriculum, tentatively scheduled for Friday, January 22nd, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., and Saturday, January 23rd, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Farmstead Open House
Discover what makes our adolescent program so unique! Join us for our Winter Farmstead Open House on Thursday, January 28th, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Farm. We look forward to connecting with you and sharing our incredible learning environment.
Farmstead Gallery Walk: Cycle Four
Come see what our adolescent students have been up to this semester at our next Family Gallery Walk, taking place at the Farm on Friday, February 5th, between 3:30 and 4:30 p.m.
February Community Coffee
Join us to share the love and connect with fellow families this winter on Friday, February 12th, between 8:15 and 9:15 a.m.
March Community Coffee
Spring is almost here! Enjoy a lovely morning coffee break on Friday, March 5th, from 8:15 to 9:15 a.m. before heading into your day.
Farmstead Gallery Walk: Cycle Five
Spring is in the air, and so is new learning! We warmly invite you out to the Farm on Friday, March 12th, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. to explore our students' latest collaborative projects and individual discoveries.
April Community Coffee
Join us for our final Community Coffee of the academic year on Friday, April 9th, from 8:15 to 9:15 a.m. to celebrate a wonderful spring together.
Community Learning Night
Cap off the year with our final educational evening, designed to empower and inspire our parent community on Thursday, April 15th, starting at 5:00 p.m.
Childcare will be available during this event on a first-come-first-serve basis for attending MSIMS students.
Click here to RSVP & register for childcare.
Spring Community Care Day
Help us wake up the campus for spring on Saturday, April 17th, from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m. Join fellow families for a rewarding morning of planting, tidying, and campus care.
Earth Day Celebration
Let's celebrate our beautiful planet on Thursday, April 22nd, at 2:00 p.m. Join the entire school for this annual event as we honor environmental stewardship and our connection to nature.
Farmstead Gallery Walk: Cycle Six
Don't miss our final Family Gallery Walk of the year on Friday, April 30th, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Farm. Come celebrate a wonderful year of growth, hard work, and creativity with our community!
Student Research Symposium
Come celebrate the culmination of our students' deep dives and hard work at the school-wide Research Symposium on Friday, May 7th, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the main MSIMS campus. This all-campus event is a wonderful opportunity to view the impressive display boards and learn directly from our adolescent researchers
International Day of Families Picnic
Bring a blanket and your favorite picnic snacks on Friday, May 14th, as we celebrate the diverse and wonderful families that make our school community so special!
Continuation Ceremony and End of Year Celebration
Let's finish the year on a high note! Join us for our Continuation Ceremony at 11:00 AM to celebrate each child’s growth this year, followed by an end-of-year celebration. It’s been a wonderful year—let’s end it in style!
Reminder: May 21st will be a Half-Day with dismissal at noon for all children.
International Day of Families Picnic
A blanket on the grass and the ones you love most—what could be better? We’re celebrating the diverse and beautiful families that make our community so special. Pack a lunch and join us for a relaxed midday celebration of togetherness.
Sixth Grade Graduation
A bittersweet milestone! Join us as we celebrate our graduates and reflect on their journey with MSIMS. We’ll send them off with stories, laughter, and well-wishes as they prepare for their next great adventures.
Sixth Grade Capstone Presentation
The culmination of years of inquiry and hard work has arrived for some of our intrepid learners! Our Sixth Grade students will be presenting their deep-dive passion projects, and hope that our community will enjoy their work. Come witness the confidence and expertise of our graduating leaders as they share what they’ve discovered.
MSIMS 2026 Gala
ICON Era is Mountain Shadows Montessori School’s 2026 signature gala and most impactful fundraiser of the year. Parents, alumni, faculty, friends, and community partners come together for one unforgettable night, with every dollar raised going directly to the children we serve.
Elder's Day Picnic & Classroom Visit
We’re honoring the wisdom of our extended families! We invite grandparents and "grand-friends" to join us on campus for a sunny afternoon of snacks and storytelling. It’s a beautiful opportunity for students to share their second home with the elders they love.
Farmstead School Open House
Experience learning in the fresh air! Join us at the Farmstead to explore their unique program for adolescents. See firsthand how the rhythm of the farm provides a rich, living laboratory for our students to grow in confidence and capability.
Tulip Fairy & Elf Festival
Look for the MSIMS banner amidst the magic! We are thrilled to be part of this whimsical community tradition. Be sure to stop by the MSIMS booth to say hello and help your little ones create a special festival-themed craft to take home.
Earth Day Celebration
Stewardship of the environment is at the heart of the Montessori mission. Join us as we celebrate our planet through performances, presentations, and more!
Community Learning Night
Ever wonder about the "why" behind something you see in one of our classrooms? Join us for a focused evening session where we pull back the curtain on our curriculum. Gain a deeper understanding of how our students bridge the gap between concrete learning and abstract concepts.
Community Coffee & Learning
Caffeine and curiosity! After morning drop-off, stay for a cup of coffee and a casual dive into Montessori philosophy. It’s a great way to meet fellow parents and pick up a few tips for bringing Montessori principles into your home life.
Nido Infant Program Public Information Session
Discover how we nurture our littlest learners in the "Nido"—Italian for "nest." Join us for an up-close look at our upcoming infant environment, and get to know our staff!
Spring Fling
Something Sweet is Coming Up!
Our Elementary students have been hard at work preparing for our Spring Fling “Parent & Me” dance— now they just need your dancing feet and smiling faces!
Stop by after pick-up on Friday, February 27th for a delicious sweet treat from the Sweet Cow Ice Cream Truck, and stick around for a joyful celebration all about love, community, and fun!
Admission is free, but our Elementary students are putting on this whole-school bash to raise spirits and funds for their big trips— you can support their efforts by making a donation using the link or QR code below! The suggested donation is $15 per family but every contribution, no matter how small, makes a big difference.
We can’t wait to see you!
Primary Olympic Games & Family Social
Ready to earn your gold medal? Join us after school on Tuesday, February 24th for the MSIMS Primary Olympic Games!
We’re hosting an afternoon of Olympic-sized fun to give the kids a chance to move and parents a chance to connect. Expect games, music, and lots of fun— we can’t wait to see you there!
Important Reminders for the Games:
Please closely supervise your little Olympians!
Siblings are encouraged to join in the fun!
Remember to stay hydrated and bring a snack.
The MPR Bathrooms will be accessible, but all other indoor spaces will be closed.
Leave no trace— there are bins for trash & Compost on site!
Participants will receive their gold medal during the closing ceremony, and then our campus will be closed for the day!
Practice good sportsmanship and most important of all— HAVE FUN!
Montessori Journey & Discovery
Two-Part Event! Friday, January 23rd from 5-6:30pm AND Saturday, January 24th from 9am-12pm. ***Participants must attend both sessions.
This event is open to all who wish to deepen their understanding of Montessori education, whether you are a parent, educator, or simply curious about this transformative approach to learning.
You are cordially invited to embark on a unique and immersive journey into the world of Montessori education. Our two-part Montessori Journey and Discovery event is an exclusive opportunity to witness and experience the essence of Montessori principles in action.
During this event, you will have the chance to experience Montessori through the eyes of a child.
Observe: Witness Montessori classrooms in their natural state, observing how children engage, learn, and discover at their own pace.
Reflect: Take time to reflect on the subtleties and nuances of the Montessori approach, guided by experienced educators.
Engage: Interact with our passionate educators and staff to gain insights into the philosophy and methodology behind the Montessori method.
Discover: Explore the beautifully curated Montessori materials and environments, understanding their role in fostering independence, creativity, and a love for learning.
Provided:
Childcare for ages 12 months-12 years - only currently enrolled or waitlisted 12 months to 3 years children may reserve childcare.
Light dinner appetizers for adults and children the evening of the 24th.
Light breakfast and full lunch provided for adults and children on the 25th.
Understanding Montessori: A Parent Series
Join Joni Perry, our Elementary Pedagogical Consultant and Program Coach, for a three-part series designed to deepen parents’ understanding of Montessori education.
A prolific speaker with over 30 years of experience, Joni blends storytelling and real-life examples to make Montessori principles relatable and inspiring for families. Lauren Franchek, Head of School, will share insights from the early childhood perspective (ages 0–6) and the long-term benefits of Montessori education as a formation of human potential.
Our final session is coming up Friday, January 9 @ 8:15 AM!
Topic: Montessori & Brain Research
Discover how the Montessori Method aligns with current neuroscience—highlighting sensitive periods, movement, repetition, and executive function as foundations for independence and agency.
Mountain Shadows Book Club
We are delighted to announce that Joni Perry will be hosting a school Book Club for MSIMS parents & community members, and we can’t wait for you to join the conversation!
To kick things off, our first selection will be "French Kids Eat Everything" by Karen Le Billon. Order it here!
Join our meeting to discuss this fun read after Drop-Off on Tuesday when we return from winter break!
Winter Celebration
It’s time to celebrate the end of the Semester and the start of the beautiful Winter season! We hope you all join us and enjoy a short performance from our students and charming sing-along.
After the show, there will be time to exchange cookies and say our goodbyes for Winter Break!
Cookie Exchange Notes:
We hope to make this event as environmentally-friendly as possible— you can help by bringing serving utensils and a small container for your take-home cookies!
If you wish to bring a batch of cookies, feel free to find them a home on the tables in the MPR when you arrive!
Please include a list of ingredients alongside your serving plate for the safety of our community members with allergies.