Bozeman Innovation Academy: One-Room Schoolhouse For The 21st Century

Bozeman Innovation Academy is Bozeman's newest education option for children aged 5-11 years old. Located at 2005 Gilkerson Dr. STE D in Bozeman, This space is being transformed into an educational academy whose mission is to inspire all who enter our doors to find a calling and make a positive change in the World. BIA is an Acton Academy, which is completely different from the public school learning model. BIA is a One-room schoolhouse for the 21st Century, meaning that we are a multi-aged open space that is designed to sharpen its learners' critical thinking skills, inspire students to become independent life-long learners and focus on character traits as we build a civilization of learners. BIA is empowering each of its students to own their learning, and ultimately choices and decisions, to discover their full self and their purpose in this Universe. BIA is launching its Elementary Studio (school) on September 5th, 2023, and is looking to enroll 25 children aged between 5 and 11 years old to be BIA's founding family of learners. BIA is a Monday thru Friday 8:30 am - 3:30 pm academy that is a powerful alternative to our local public and private school options. Tuition is $1000/month or $10,000/year. A school year is 10 months with summers off, and BIA plans to host camps during the 2 summer months as well. BIA is launching as an elementary studio first, and is planning to become a FULL Pre-K through HS education system for Bozeman's local families. Visit BIA's website to learn more, schedule a call, and apply your child to enroll. Just go to www.BozemanInnovationAcademy.com

Bozeman Innovation is also hosting its 1st Annual Bozeman Children's Business Fair this July 22nd, 2023 under the Anderson Pavilion at Bogert Park. This Business fair is a "Kid's Farmer's Market" where children aged between 6-13 years old can get a booth to display their business and sell a product to our public patrons. This event is meant to be a fun experience for our local kids to shine in the entrepreneur spotlight. Registration is on the site www.ChildrensBusinessFair.org/Bozeman-Montana, also can be reached on BIA's website as well. Registration is $20 and that will get your child a t-shirt, a table and 2 chairs, and a space to sell at our fair. Registration ends on July 15th. There are sponsorship opportunities as well, email Rusty to reach out.

Bozeman Innovation Academy is founded by Rusty Bowers. Rusty graduated from Belgrade High School in 2000, graduated from MSU, and became a high school math teacher. Rusty taught his first 4 years at Sheridan(MT) HS, then his next 4 years at Belgrade High School, and then 3 years at Fort Benton Middle School/High School. At Fort Benton, Rusty was the HS/MS principal, a math teacher, the district's technology director, and a FB and track coach. As a principal, Rusty saw our public school systems in a different light and became discouraged by the very poor production of focused, driven, and confident students who were graduating and going out into this world. Rusty noticed traditional teaching methods, teacher unions, and government control has made our education system almost impossible to truly educate and inspire each student as an individual. So Rusty decided to resign from education and, fast forward to the present day, now launching Bozeman Innovation Academy. Rusty has 2 children; a 9-year son and a 5-year daughter. His children are a major factor in starting BIA.