Soldotna Montessori Charter School achieves 2021 National Blue Ribbon School recognition

“It is a tremendous honor to be recognized for academic excellence as a 2021 National Blue Ribbon School. Our staff and families are dedicated to educating the whole child, and receiving this recognition is a tribute to each one’s effort. It is rewarding to see our students’ commitment to each other result in success, both in their academic endeavors and as difference-makers in the community.” –John DeVolld, Soldotna Montessori Charter School principal

“This year’s cohort of honorees demonstrates what is possible when committed educators and school leaders create vibrant, welcoming, and affirming school cultures where rich teaching and learning can flourish,” said U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona in a video announcement. “In the face of unprecedented circumstances, you found creative ways to engage, care for, protect, and teach our children. Blue Ribbon Schools have so much to offer and can serve as a model for other schools and communities so that we can truly build back better.”

The only school in Alaska to receive this distinguished honor in 2021, Soldotna Montessori School in Soldotna, Alaska, joins eleven other schools in the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District (KPBSD) to achieve the National Blue Ribbon excellence designation. Nationwide, 325 schools are honored with 2021 National Blue Ribbon School recognition.

“We are very proud of Soldotna Montessori School and what they are doing for students in our district,” said Clayton Holland, superintendent. “The staff, students and parents should be commended for all of their hard work to make this school such a wonderful place for kids. This is a very well deserved award that exemplifies what is happening around the KPBSD. Congratulations to Soldotna Montessori School and keep up the great effort!”

“Soldotna Montessori Charter School, you have honored Alaska with your dedication to high standards in educating our kids,” said Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy. “Congratulations on being nationally recognized as an Exemplary High Performing School, an honor that I have no doubt comes, in part, from engaging students in creative field experiences outside the walls of the classroom.”