Much like what it means to be a butterfly.  

The school is well known for its nature, outdoor structure and being designated a Certified Schoolyard Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation.  

But Principal William Miller said he’s hoping to take the concept up a notch. In a structural approach, Miller hopes to transform the school completely in time for its special celebration in 2027. 

According to Miller, the school, which has now transitioned into being called the Montclair Monarchs, will resemble not only environmental fascination, but a continued passion for education. When the school was first opened in the 70s, the school was known as the Indians, however they haven’t gone by the name in the last 10 to 12 years. 

“We just were the Montclair Family,” Miller said. 

In addition to the name change, the school has been consistently building a path to begin using a new model with its students—Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). 

PBIS is an evidence-based three-tiered framework to improve and integrate data systems and practices affecting students every day, according to its website. The goal of the framework is to support students’ behavioral, academic, social, emotional and mental health. 

With an active Climate and Culture Team analyzing the program monthly, Miller said Montclair is looking to emerge as a model school for the PBIS system. In addition, the school will begin building onto its STREAM program. Delving deeper into the well-known STEM concept, Montclair has added reading and art to its curriculum.  

Miller said Montclair will be a concept school for that program, as well. 

“The word stream connects with habitat. So, it’s ironic that it connects,” Miller said. 

With exciting things coming down the pipeline, the school opened special pupil assignments beginning Feb. 1 for the 2026-2027 school year. During this period, parents and legal guardians can seek enrollment at Montclair, regardless of where their student is zoned. This, according to the school district, helps ensure that parents have access to schools that best suit their child’s needs. 

“Our technology pieces are there. Everything about STREAM is already present. And it’s something that my teachers have embraced, my staff have embraced [and] my scholars have embraced.” 

Montclair is not a stranger to incorporating real world experiences into student learning. With 11 clubs and counting and 23 acres of land, Montclair Elementary prides itself in offering efficient academic and extracurricular activities for its students. 

Take Odyssey of the Mind, where students use their young minds to think outside the box and creatively solve complex problems, using science, technology, arts, math and engineering concepts. Or, their Boys and Girls Club of Northeast Florida, which is the largest in the district. Don’t forget to add cross country, track and field, and chorus. 

Miller said the main goal for the transformation is to maximize student involvement and showcase all that Montclair has to offer. 

“That’s the ultimate goal. Because what’s the purpose of school? It’s to educate our scholars for the next generation.” 

The special pupil assignment window ends on March 30. Parents are asked to visit Montclair’s administration office for more information.