"Education is the best weapon for peace."
โ€” Maria Montessori, Education and Peace
NOW ENROLLING FOR THE 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR
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BLUESTEM

Where Independence, Confidence & Passion Flourish

Discover Our Community โ†’
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A DIFFERENT
KIND OF
SCHOOL

Children master concepts by selecting work that genuinely interests them and focusing on it for long, uninterrupted blocks of time. When they're ready, they naturally become teachers themselves, passing on their knowledge to others in our multi-age classroom community. This peer-to-peer learning builds confidence, empathy, and leadership skills that extend far beyond academics.

At Bluestem, we've seen how this time-tested approach creates independent thinkers, confident problem-solvers, and compassionate community members who are truly prepared for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.

Join our nurturing community today and discover the joy of learning at Bluestem Montessori!

Learn More About Our Approach
Learning in Action
Learning in Action
Garden Work
Creative Expression
Community Collaboration

EXPANDING OUR COMMUNITY

We're thrilled to announce new Early Childhood and Adolescent programs launching Fall 2025! Join our growing family where independence, confidence, and passion flourish.

NEW!
Ages 3-6
Early Childhood
Ages 6-12
Elementary
NEW!
Ages 12-18
Adolescent
Bluestem Logo
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Mixed-Age Community

Natural mentorship between older and younger students creates authentic leadership.

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Hands-On Discovery

Learning through exploration makes abstract concepts concrete and memorable.

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Child-Led Growth

Students choose work based on interest, fostering intrinsic motivation.

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Practical Life

Real-world activities build independence and life skills.

MEET OUR FOUNDER

The heart behind Bluestem's fearless approach to learning

Laura Roberts
"Traditional school settings donโ€™t work for every kid. Montessori education should be accessible to everyone."

Laura Roberts

Fulbright Scholar โ€ข Certified Montessori Teacher โ€ข Adventurous Educator

Bluestem Montessori was founded by Laura Roberts, a Fulbright Scholar who is passionate about providing every child with a personalized education that supports their unique learning journey. As both a scholar and certified Montessori teacher, she created a science-based, child-centric, and individualized environment to guide children to develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to succeed in today's world.

But Laura's approach goes beyond traditional academics. Whether she's exploring nature's wonders with an alligator or guiding students through hands-on discoveries, Laura brings fearless curiosity to everything she does. She believes learning should be as adventurous as life itself.

Our Mission

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Bluestem's mission is to foster creativity, independence, and ingenuity by providing a child-centric learning environment, hands-on activities, and integration with the community.

We're educating our students to cherish community, value peace, chase their passions, and make a difference in their world.

Individualized Learning

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In a Montessori classroom, each child learns at their own pace with a certified teacher guiding them forward. Children and teachers work together to develop not only academic skills but also social, emotional, and practical life skills.

This personalized approach helps children develop self-confidence, motivation, and a love for learning.

Lifelong
Love of Learning

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Bluestem Montessori education instills in children a lifelong love of learning and curiosity about the world. Children have lower stress levels around learning because of the homework-free environment.

By encouraging children to follow their interests and explore the world in their own way, we set them on a path of intellectual and personal growth that will last a lifetime.

Our Programs

Ages 3-6

Early Childhood

A nurturing environment where young learners develop independence, confidence, and a love for learning through hands-on Montessori materials and mixed-age classrooms.

Grades 1-6

Elementary

Students explore the interconnectedness of all subjects through engaging projects, developing critical thinking skills and a deep understanding of the world.

Grades 7+

Adolescent

Our newest program empowers teens to become confident, capable adults through real-world experiences and meaningful community engagement.

Our Core Values

Independence

Independence

Children learn to think for themselves and take ownership of their learning journey.

Passion

Passion

We nurture each child's natural curiosity and help them discover their unique passions.

Confidence

Confidence

Through hands-on learning and self-directed activities, students build lasting confidence.

Community

Community

Building strong connections within our school and the broader Lincoln community.