TEACH Academy in Missoula offers unique early education approach

MISSOULA, Mont. – TEACH Academy, a charter school in Missoula, is offering a fresh take on early education. Since opening in August, the school has been exploring new ways to engage with the community and enhance its educational offerings.

TEACH Academy is an arts integration K-5 charter school and one of two charter schools within the Missoula County Public Schools (MCPS) system. In January, the school will open enrollment again and gauge community interest for potential new classes. Currently, the school serves around 85 students.

The school is focusing on increasing parent involvement through a parent advisory committee. Frank emphasized the importance of feedback from parents, highlighting plans for a playground improvement project. "What we hear is that we need to improve our playground, and we know that and so that's something that we are going to really get the school involved in," she stated.

TEACH Academy is also embracing its diverse student body, which includes many students from international backgrounds who speak multiple languages. Parents have expressed a desire for more multicultural celebrations, which the school is planning to incorporate alongside traditional holiday presentations.

The other new MCPS charter school, Connect Academy, an online school for grades 6-12, is also experiencing growth with students from across the state.