Our History Evergreen Academy
Beginnings as Montessori House
Evergreen Academy’s story begins in 1977, when a small Montessori school called Montessori House opened its doors in Bothell. Housed in the same buildings that welcome Evergreen Academy Bothell’s Pre-K, art, and kindergarten students, Montessori House set the stage for a warm, child-centered approach to education that would flourish in the years ahead.
A New Vision Takes Shape
In 1981, Krista McKee moved from Dallas to Seattle and joined the teaching team at Montessori House. As Krista immersed herself in her new community, she witnessed the impact of the Montessori method. She felt the desire of families for a school that would offer more than just quality education and consistency, but would have a long term vision and plan for their child’s education.
In 1983, Krista purchased Montessori House from the previous owners. With this transition, Evergreen Academy was formed. Krista brought on a team of compassionate, highly qualified educators and worked to foster a strong, engaged school community. Enrollment increased as families were drawn to a learning community that promoted respect, independence and academic excellence.
Within a decade, Evergreen Academy tripled in size. This growth period included the design and construction of the existing administration building and grades 1–5 classrooms. The school was able to expand to include traditional educational offerings at the elementary level, while maintaining a Montessori preschool program.
A Thoughtful Transition & Growth
In 1996, Evergreen Academy was acquired by a national education company. Krista stayed with the school for several years to guide the transition, support programming, and to manage other schools within the organization’s portfolio. She later moved on to work in other educational settings and nonprofit work.
Evergreen Academy continued to grow and expand its mission to serve families throughout the Puget Sound region. Evergreen Academy Montessori opened a preschool in Kirkland in 2011, and a preschool in Issaquah the following year. In 2021, Evergreen Academy Montessori in Mountlake Terrace opened, after serving the community under another name since 1998.
Evergreen Academy’s elementary school in Bothell continues to flourish, earning an A+ rating from Niche.com, recognition as an Apple Distinguished School, and designation as an official Green School.
