history of lamotte

Welcome to LaMotte School District, a cornerstone of the Bear Canyon community and a unique educational institution with a history as rich as the Montana landscape that surrounds us. Established in 1894 to serve the children of local homesteaders and ranchers, our story began with a generous gift that continues to define us.
In 1919, prominent Bozeman residents Eugene “E.D.” and Louise Metcalf deeded an acre of their ranch to our community, providing the land upon which our historic white-clapboard schoolhouse was built. For generations, this one-room school served as the educational and social heart of the Bear Canyon area, a symbol of our community's commitment to its children.
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While we honor and preserve that history, LaMotte has thoughtfully evolved to meet the future. We have grown from a single room into a modern K-8 district, yet we have intentionally maintained our small, community-centered spirit.
Today, we channel our pioneering heritage into a dynamic educational mission. LaMotte School District specializes in place-based environmental education, leveraging our incredible location at the mouth of Bear Canyon. Our natural environment is not just a view; it is our most vibrant classroom.
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Students engage in hands-on learning through outdoor exploration, ecological studies, and sustainability projects.
Our curriculum integrates the natural world into every subject, fostering a deep connection to and stewardship for Montana's unique ecosystem.
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We provide a personalized, immersive learning experience that prepares students for the future while grounding them in the values of community and environmental responsibility.
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LaMotte School is where generations of history meet the next generation of learners. We are proud to be a living legacy—honoring the generosity of the Metcalf family and the pioneers who founded our district by providing an innovative education that is truly rooted in place.
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Come discover how our deep roots nurture future growth at LaMotte School.