When our family moved to the Bitterroot Valley, it was difficult to find homeschooling groups and resources in the community (especially outside of Facebook!). We created this website as a resource for other families in the Bitterroot seeking local activities.
The resources listed are specific to Ravalli County since many of us don’t want to drive to Missoula for activities. Instead we want to cultivate connections in our own Bitterroot community!
There are links included for each resource listed to make it easier for you to connect. Not all of the resources are specific just to homeschoolers but programs/organizations we know other homeschool families attend.
Whether you are new to Ravalli County, new to homeschooling or a seasoned homeschooler looking for more community resources, we hope this website offers you ideas and resources to connect you in our community. Happy homeschooling!
Art classes
–Art Club at the North Valley Public Library in Stevensville: Thursday afternoons 4pm-5pm, classes are free but registration is required.
–Painted Color Ceramics in Corvallis: Various workshops and open paint times are available with more information on their website.
–Clayworks in the Bitterroot in Hamilton: A co-operative clay studio offering occasional classes.
Dance
–Ballet Bitterroot Dance Academy in Hamilton: Offering a variety of ballet classes each semester.
–Groovz Studio of Dance and Fitness with studios in Hamilton and Stevensville: Both studios offer classes in a variety of dance styles.
Music
–Bitterroot School of Music in Hamilton: Offering individual or group music lessons for a variety of instruments.
–Bitterroot Valley Chorus– A non-profit singing organization offering a Youth Choir in addition to the Adult Chorus.
–Bitterroot Homeschool Choir: Semester long choir culminating in a local performance. Currently meeting weekly in Hamilton.
Sports
–Velocity Gymnastics Academy in Hamilton: Offering a variety of gymnastics classes throughout the week plus a Mom & Tot open gym (ages 12mths-5 yrs) on Wednesdays.
–Bitterroot Aquatic Center in Hamilton: An indoor public pool offering individual and group swim classes.
–Bitterroot Swim Team: A local swim team meeting in Hamilton.
–Bitterroot Homeschool Athletic Association: A homeschool sport organization offering a variety of athletic teams for 8th-12th grade youth.
–Lost Trail Powder Mountain Homeschool Ski days: Specific homeschool ski/snowboard days with reduced rates for rentals, lift tickets, and lessons.
Other Local Classes
–O’Hara Commons and Sustainability Center in Hamilton: Offering a variety of youth programs including a Friday morning “Tadpoles” Nature play group for children up to age 6. “Grasshoppers” is a Thursday afternoon class for ages 6-8. Also offering a variety of youth summer camps.
–Riverstone School in Hamilton: Located on a Permaculture farm and offering a variety of classes and summer camps.
–North Valley Public Library in Stevensville: Offering a variety of free youth programs from infant through high school including a monthly “Science Friday” program.
–Bitterroot Public Library in Hamilton: Offering a variety of free youth programs from infant through high school including a weekly “Lego Club”.
–Ravalli County Museum in Hamilton: Every Saturday of the year from 10am-12pm there is a free program for children with fun hands-on learning projects.
–MAPS Media Institute in Hamilton: Offering year round free courses in film, design, music, technology and entrepreneur.
–Teller Wildlife Refuge in Corvallis: Offering summer camps and occasional winter ecology programs for youth.
–MPG Ranch in Florence: Promoting conservation through restoration, research, education and information sharing. Offering group educational sessions year round as well as a plethora of resources on their website.
Homeschool Laws in Montana and Ravalli County
According to Montana State Law (20-5-109 MCA), parents of children age seven and older who are homeschooled need to annually notify the County Superintendent of Schools where they reside. In Ravalli County, Montana there is a form parents need to fill out and submit. The form is available for download on the Ravalli County website.