In addition to class time with their classroom teacher, students in the Montessori program have the following classes:

Physical Education: PE classes taught by Shawn Horning and Amy Tessier meet three days a week for 30 minutes. The instructors’ goal is to lay the foundation for lifelong physical fitness by developing, maintaining and increasing good fitness habits. The program provides a variety of fun experiences and organized activities that motivate children to participate in healthy exercise, both inside and outside of school. The program provides team, individual and dual sports, as well as creative movement, dance and gymnastics.

Counseling: Guidance lessons for all students are taught by the school counselor, Janice Banta. All students have a one hour session each week.

Health: Health classes taught by Sage Cohen offer the Anchorage School District health curriculum including Great Body Shop Lessons and the anti-bullying curriculum. These classes meet two times per month for one hour.

Art: The Denali art program adheres to the Anchorage School District art curriculum. The instructor, Kristin Parsons, helps students explore various artistic styles and the art of different cultures and historical periods. Students are encouraged to express their individuality while experimenting with a variety of techniques and mediums. There is an emphasis on drawing, design and creative thinking. Students apply their skills to clay, tempera and needlework. Art classes meet two times per month for one hour.
Students are encouraged to enjoy and learn from each phase of the lesson, rather than focus just on the end product. Parents are welcome to help in the art classroom, work on hall displays, design an art lesson around their own creative talents, or donate materials and tools.

Music: Music classes, taught by Chuck Stafford, meet two days a week for 30 minutes each. Mr. Stafford’s goal is to make music an all-encompassing activity that involves listening, playing, singing, moving, and creating. Students learn to perform in large and small groups and to cooperate through musical games. They play instruments, listen to different music styles, practice performing and correct audience behavior in monthly classroom concerts, and incorporate books and drama into music lessons. The program focuses on the importance of music in our lives and throughout the world.

Band and Orchestra: Beginning in the sixth grade, students can attend band or orchestra classes. Classes meet three times per week for 45 minutes. Orchestra provides instruction in violin, viola, cello and string bass. Band provides instruction in woodwinds, brass and percussion instruments.

Library: All classes visit the library once a week for 30 minutes to listen to stories, learn about using the ASD Library Catalog Online, research topics of study, and check out books.

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