Academics

Ophir Elementary School is a candidate school* for the PYP. This school is pursuing authorization as an IB World School. IB World Schools share a common philosophy- a commitment to high-quality, challenging, international education- that we believe is important for our students.

* Only schools authorized by the IB Organization can offer any of its four academic programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), the Diploma Programme (DP), or the Career-related Programme (CP). Candidate status gives no guarantee that authorization will be granted. For further information about the IB and its programmes visit http://www.ibo.org

Ophir Elementary is located in the Gallatin Canyon about 30 minutes north of Yellowstone National Park in Southwest Montana. Ophir School first opened its doors in 1906 with 5 students. The State of Montana recognized Ophir as a school district (K-8) in 1912. As of July 1, 2012 the school district name has officially changed to the Big Sky School District #72. Ophir takes its name from the fabled gold mines in the Bible. "They went to Ophir and took home gold". The homesteaders, who followed the unlucky prospectors, believed that they had metaphorically found gold in the Gallatin Canyon and named their school "Ophir."

Ophir Elementary School serves students in grades K-5.  At Ophir, our teaching and learning is guided by a standards-based, inquiry-driven and constructivist approach. Utilizing Montana State Standards for Math and Language Arts, the Next Generation Science Standards, and the 3Cs Standards (College, Career and Civic Life) for Social Studies, our study of core subjects is engaging and challenging. In Language Arts, for example, students experience the Daily 5, an approach to instruction which allows for significant levels of: differentiation, skill-building, individual and small group instruction while promoting independent learning and collaboration.

In addition to the core subjects, students at Ophir receive a holistic education through the study of a second language - Spanish, a vibrant Music and Art program, and a balanced Health Enhancement class.  The center of our building and our student life is the state-of-the-art Learning Commons, a research space where students have access to an extensive collection of fiction and nonfiction works, and their Media Studies class.

To complement our curricular approach, students partake in experiential learning in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Students participate in Nordic and Downhill Skiing days, weekly outdoor expeditions,  and a myriad of local field trips to enhance the classroom experience. Guest speakers/experts are a regular feature at Ophir Elementary School. The seminal experiential learning experience is the 4th Grade Expedition Yellowstone, culminating in a 5-day trip to explore the geographic, historical/cultural, and scientific wonders of our nation’s first national park.

Ophir Middle School serves students in grades 6-8. At Ophir, our teaching and learning is guided by a standards-based, constructivist approach. Utilizing Montana State Standards for Math, Language Arts, Science and Social Studies, our study of core subjects is engaging and rigorous.  In general, our Mathematics and Science courses are integrated, ensuring that students develop a wide-range of knowledge and skills.  Our Social Studies courses entail both a global and national perspective through the lens of  History and Geography. In Language Arts classes, students read a variety of fiction and nonfiction texts while further cultivating their written and verbal expression.

In addition to the core subjects, students at Ophir Middle School receive a holistic education through the study of a second language - Spanish, Music, Art, Design Technology, and Health Enhancement. In order to succeed in academics, we also provide our students with a Study Skills class that focuses on research methodology as well as organizational and communication skills.  

To complement our curricular approach, students partake in experiential learning in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and beyond. Students participate in Nordic and Downhill Skiing days, field research,  and a myriad of local field trips to enhance the classroom experience. Guest speakers/experts are a regular feature at Ophir Middle School in our state-of-the-art Warren Miller Performing Arts Center. The seminal experiential learning experience is the 8th Grade Washington, DC trip, culminating in a week long exploration of our nation’s capital and all of its historical, civic, and cultural treasures.

Lone Peak High School (LPHS) opened its doors in 2009 and serves students in grades 9-12. As the newest edition to the Big Sky School District, LPHS has a strong record of academic achievement, including an impressive university acceptances list. We are proud to announce that Lone Peak High School is now an IB World School offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program beginning with the class of 2019. For more information, please see the IB Diploma Handbook at the bottom of this page.

At Lone Peak, our teaching and learning is guided by a standards-based, constructivist approach. Utilizing Montana State Standards for Math, Language Arts, Science and Social Studies, our study of core subjects is engaging and rigorous. Our Math and Science classes are mixture of integrated studies and single-subject studies such as Biology, Calculus, and Physics. In Language Arts, students study a wide-range of literary works while continuing to cultivate their research skills as well as their written and verbal expression. Our Social Studies courses entail a global, national, and state perspective through the lens of  Government and History. We also offer a variety of Advanced Placement courses.

In addition to the core subjects, students at Lone Peak High School receive a holistic education through specialist courses.  We offer an enriching course of study with a second language - Spanish, Music, Art, Design Technology, Film, and Health Enhancement. Students may also opt to enrol in the Montana Digital Academy to explore other interests and pursuits.

To complement our curricular approach, students partake in experiential learning in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and beyond. Students participate in the yearly Expedition, downhill skiing days, field research,  and a myriad of local field trips to enhance the classroom experience. Guest speakers/experts are a regular feature at Lone Peak High School in our state-of-the-art Warner Miller Performing Arts Center. The culminating experiential learning opportunity is the Capstone Project in grade 12, which requires students to investigate, engage in action, and reflect on an individually designed authentic learning experience.

Lone Peak High School IB DP Handbook