Pullman could see the opening of a charter school serving kindergarten through fifth-graders by fall 2021. 

Laylah Sullivan, Pullman Community Montessori head of school, said if the school is approved, it will begin serving K-5 in 2021 and add one grade per year up to ninth grade.

She said starting small and then adding new grades often leads to more success among schools and helps prevent the program from growing larger than necessary.

The charter commission held an online public forum on May 12 to respond to questions from the community about the school, Sullivan said. Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, the deadline for public comment has been extended to May 25.

She said community members expressed a desire for a Montessori or charter school similar to the Moscow School District system.

Sullivan said the school will use the Montessori teaching philosophy, which prioritizes self-guided learning and social-emotional development.

“Our model is focused on whole-child education,” Sullivan said. “So, really meeting students where they’re at and helping them grow from there.”

Sullivan said the charter school commission will meet on June 25 to approve or deny the charter for Pullman Community Montessori.