Welcome to LaMotte School District

Where education and the environment meet

Welcome to the 2025–26 School Year at LaMotte School!

Dear LaMotte Families,
‍
LaMotte is a small, rural K–8 school located just five miles east of Bozeman, Montana, in the beautiful setting of Bear Canyon. With nature and wildlife as our backdrop, our 64 students thrive in close-knit, multi-age classrooms: K/1, 2/3, 4/5, and 6–8.

One of LaMotte’s greatest strengths is our size. With fewer than 16 students in a class, every child receives individualized attention while benefiting from a strong sense of belonging. Students, staff, and families know one another well, creating a supportive and welcoming school community.

At LaMotte, we believe that strong relationships, high expectations, and a whole-child approach are the keys to student success. These guiding values are reflected in our strategic plan and can be seen every day in how we teach, learn, and grow together.

‍Academic Excellence: A rigorous, personalized approach ensures that each student is both challenged and supported on their educational journey.

‍Safe and Supportive Environment: Our culture is built on kindness, respect, and inclusion. Students are known, valued, and cared for.

‍Engaged Families and Community Partnerships: We recognize that students thrive when families and schools work together. Your involvement is an essential part of our success.

‍Innovative Teaching and Learning: While honoring the traditions of a small school, we embrace new tools and approaches that prepare students for the future.

Our school motto, “Where Education and the Environment Meet,” captures what makes LaMotte unique. Students connect their classroom learning with the natural world around them through outdoor exploration, hands-on science, environmental stewardship, and place-based learning. This approach not only sparks curiosity and joy but also fosters a lifelong appreciation for the world we share.

Whether you’re a longtime member of the LaMotte family or are new to the Gallatin Valley, we welcome you. Together, we continue to make LaMotte a special place where children grow as learners, leaders, and citizens of both our community and the natural world.

Warm Regards,

Mr. Scott Poloff, M.Ed.
Superintendent/Principal
LaMotte School District

Welcome to LaMotte School

Life at LaMotte

At LaMotte, we believe learning is shaped by every moment — in class, on the playground, and in the community.

Academics

At LaMotte, we believe learning thrives in curiosity, connection, and challenge — in every classroom, with every teacher, every day.

Community

Community at LaMotte grows through connection, collaboration, and a shared commitment to every child’s success.

Top. Trusted. Ranked.

Shaping the Future— Ranked Best

LaMotte School has been recognized as the Top School District in Gallatin County by SchoolDigger! This honor reflects our unwavering commitment to academic excellence, student growth, and community values.

View Our Ranking on SchoolDigger

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Your donation helps LaMotte provide a richer, more personal learning experience — from updated classroom resources to enrichment activities that inspire every student. Every gift, big or small, strengthens our school and supports our mission.

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Stay Connected with Upcoming Events

From school breaks to spirit days, field trips, and family nights — keep track of everything happening at LaMotte with our regularly updated school calendar.

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Whether you're in-district or out-of-district, enrolling at LaMotte means joining a close-knit school where every student is known, supported, and inspired to grow. 
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