The Montessori Method was developed over 100 years ago by Dr. Maria Montessori and is used in classrooms worldwide. At Bluestem, our students learn in carefully prepared environments where they have the freedom and responsibility to choose their own work and move at their own pace. This approach builds intrinsic motivation and deep, lasting understanding.
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
Natural mentorship between older and younger students creates authentic leadership.
Learning through exploration makes abstract concepts concrete and memorable.
Students choose work based on interest, fostering intrinsic motivation.
Real-world activities build independence and life skills.
The heart behind Bluestem's fearless approach to learning
Fulbright Scholar • Certified Montessori Teacher • 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A nurturing environment where young learners develop independence, confidence, and a love for learning through hands-on Montessori materials and mixed-age classrooms.
Students explore the interconnectedness of all subjects through engaging projects, developing critical thinking skills and a deep understanding of the world.
Our newest program empowers teens to become confident, capable adults through real-world experiences and meaningful community engagement.
Children learn to think for themselves and take ownership of their learning journey.
We nurture each child's natural curiosity and help them discover their unique passions.
Through hands-on learning and self-directed activities, students build lasting confidence.
Building strong connections within our school and the broader Lincoln community.
Laura's Journey Building Bluestem Montessori
What started as a solution for one bored child has grown into a thriving educational community. Here's how Bluestem Montessori has evolved year by year, building something truly special for Lincoln families.
The Spark: When Eleanor was bored in school and extra homework was the only solution offered, I realized Lincoln needed an alternative elementary school NOW. Sometimes the best schools start with one parent who refuses to accept "that's just how it is."
Opening Day: Bluestem opened with 9 students in grades K-3. Our very first enrolled student (besides my own children) was Melody Vaccaro—brave parents who believed in this "hare-brained scheme" when everyone thought I was absolutely crazy.
Becoming a Teacher: Without a lead teacher, I realized I had to step up and get trained myself. I spent the summer scouring garage sales for books and materials, printing and laminating like crazy, and preparing to lead the classroom personally.
Summer Adventures: We ran our first summer camps on medieval history and pirates—two of my favorite subjects! My mom came to help, and the kids absolutely ran us off our feet. We were exhausted but exhilarated. I also hired the best elementary teacher ever, Em Warner!
Weathering the Storm: This was a challenging year that tested our community's strength. But thanks to Em, Melody, and other dedicated parents and staff, we pulled together through sheer willpower and dedication. Sometimes the most beautiful things face the greatest tests.
Pandemic Pivot: We delivered materials to student porches, filmed lessons for YouTube, and created "camp in a box" packages. Jami Schmersal Marcano and Julia K were superstars helping us navigate remote learning. I also completed my three-year Montessori certification!
First Graduate & IB Success: We graduated our first sixth grader, who went on to excel in the IB program—proof that our approach gives students skills they carry into high school and beyond. She learned to be responsible for her own education, a skill that serves her well today.
Growing Pains: We began searching for a new location, knowing we were outgrowing our wonderful space at the Unitarian Church. Sometimes growth means facing new challenges.
The Great Move (Round Two): We packed up the whole school to move, then had to re-move back to the Unitarian Church when our lease fell through. Their graciousness gave us another year to find the perfect space while I navigated endless city bureaucracy.
New Home: After years of searching and navigating city bureaucracy, we finally moved to our own dedicated, unshared space. We also celebrated our first student who completed the entire K-6 program with us—a true milestone showing the lasting impact of our approach.
Expanding Our Vision: This summer, we're opening both a preschool program and a middle/high school program. We graduated our first sixth grader who will continue with us in our new middle school program, Jordan Bizal, and have an almost full preschool class with a waiting list for next year.
