Bozeman Reads launched in fall 2021 to advance our district’s Long Range Strategic Goal: 85% of incoming kindergartners will enter requisite literacy skills.

We began by hosting family events that equipped parents and caregivers with tools to support early literacy at home. Soon after, our work grew to include professional development for preschool staff. In 2022, we partnered with Thrive to expand Word Play, a literacy-focused home visiting program. That summer, we held our first Kindergarten Jumpstart Camp, giving young learners a strong start.

In 2023, the Montana Legislature passed HB 352, providing new funding for:

• Targeted literacy interventions for 4-year-olds

• Summer Jumpstart camps for students entering K–3 who need extra literacy support

• Home-based programming for families

With the Bozeman Schools Foundation and generous community partners, we opened the Bozeman Reads Early Learning Center in fall 2024.

And now, in fall 2025, we are excited to launch the Bozeman Reads Community Coalition—bringing families, educators, and community leaders together to ensure every child has the opportunity to become a confident, capable reader.

Bozeman Reads Early Learning Center

Opened in fall 2024 with the generous support of the Bozeman Schools Foundation, our Early Learning Center is located at Morning Star Elementary. Classrooms are equipped with state-of-the-art materials and toys, and staffed by licensed Montana teachers with paraeducator support.

We focus on early literacy and numeracy within a developmentally appropriate, play-based curriculum that also includes outdoor learning, free play, science, and art.

Program Details:

• Half-day and full-day options, Tuesday–Friday

• Monday care available through United Way

• Small class size: 18 students per class (1 teacher + 1 para)

• FREE for children who turn 4 by September 10 (eligibility based on screener)

• Transportation provided

• Breakfast and lunch available

• Before- and after-school care available through KidsLink

Please note:

Eligibility is based on a screener.

Children must be 4, but not yet 5, by September 10th, 2026.

SIGN UP FOR SCREENING WILL BE AVAILABLE AFTER JANUARY 1, 2026.

For many families, the ABC song is a fun and familiar part of childhood. But singing the song doesn’t always mean children truly know their letters.

Real alphabet knowledge goes deeper—it means recognizing letter names (in any order), identifying letter shapes, and connecting letters to their sounds. Research shows that children who develop these skills early are much more likely to become strong readers. Yet many parents and caregivers don’t realize how critical this milestone is.

That’s why Bozeman Reads, in partnership with the Bozeman Schools Foundation, created the Bozeman ABCs—a campaign to raise awareness about alphabet knowledge and share easy tips and resources families can use at home and on the go.

The campaign artwork was created by Intrigue Ink.

Posters are available for free at public locations, including the Bozeman Public Library. 

Come back soon for more resources!

Gallatin Valley Early Learning Fellows

Gallatin Early Learning Fellows is a collaborative network of early childhood educators and those working directly with families and their young children, birth - age five on their pathway to kindergarten and beyond.

The fellows program is made possible through a partnership between Bozeman Reads and Montana State University. These organizations are committed to increasing your professional capacity within your area of specialization and expertise in early childhood education. 

Mission and vision: Fellows' work is intentionally focused on ensuring that all children arrive at kindergarten supported and thriving, and experience sustained equitable opportunities throughout their early childhood years.

Early Learning Fellows will experience:
(1) A sense of community as a regionally based network of early learning providers
(2) A sense of ownership by investing in individual professional learning
(3) A sense of responsibility in sharing the knowledge and skills with colleagues through data-driven action planning

Bozeman Reads Community Coalition
Too many of Bozeman’s children are starting school already behind. Today, 37% of our incoming kindergartners lack the skills they need to begin learning to read. We won’t let the story end there.

The Bozeman Reads Community Coalition is a growing movement of parents, community partners, and local leaders working together to ensure every child is ready for kindergarten and on the path to reading success. By focusing on children from birth to age five, we are aligning resources, strengthening early learning, and supporting families so that all children enter school prepared to thrive.

As we pursue membership in the national Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, we are joining communities across the country committed to protecting every child’s right to read. We believe that reading is the foundation for opportunity, and together, we can make sure Bozeman’s children have the future they deserve.

Summer Jump Start Program

Bozeman Reads is excited to offer a FREE Summer Jump Start Literacy Program this summer from June to August for students entering kindergarten (5-years of age or older on or before September 10.) 

• Program runs four days a week, Monday - Thursday

• Two jump start locations: Emily Dickinson Elementary and Meadowlark Elementary.

• 1:8 Teacher to Student Ratio (BSD7 teachers.)

• BSD7 lunch service will operate at both jump start locations. Free, reduced, and full paid options similar to lunch service during the school year.

• Afternoon low cost summer camp available at jump start locations for families who need full day care (camp operated by community partner organization Greater Gallatin United Way.)

• Camp scholarships may be available for families who qualify for free or reduced lunch.

• Students must commit to attending a minimum of 85% of days.

The Bozeman Public Schools Summer Jump Start Literacy Program is an excellent opportunity to support your child in building proficiency with early literacy skills prior to kindergarten. This FREE summer program provides 120 hours of high-quality literacy instruction, aligned to the science of reading, in a small group setting delivered by BSD7 teachers. 

Eligibility is based on a screener. Available to students entering kindergarten in fall of 2025 (5-years of age or older on or before Sept. 10.)

Please note: We have moved to a WAITING LIST. Use the link below to sign up for the waiting list. 

CLICK here to sign up for screening