We are so excited about Outdoor School this year! At Mount Ellis Academy, our first week of the school year takes place outdoors. This year we will be going to Grand Teton National Park, where all students and staff will spend the week exploring, hiking and worshiping together. This adventure brings unity and connection to our student body that carries on throughout the year. We are so glad that you will join us!
The School Board is pleased to announce the appointment of James Stuart as the next principal of Mount Ellis Academy. “We have been blessed by God’s guidance throughout this process. James has a heart for Jesus, pursues excellence, and is deeply committed to Adventist education and the mission of MEA,” said Tissiana Bowerman.
A familiar and trusted member of the school community, James brings nearly three decades of experience in Christian education, including the past 22 years teaching science at MEA. Throughout his career, he has been dedicated to helping students grow academically, spiritually, and personally. He and his wife, Ingrid de Graaff Stuart, are grateful for their family. Their son is completing his final year at Montana State University, and their daughter will be a junior at Walla Walla University.
James is passionate about experiential learning and creating opportunities for students to grow through outdoor education. From hiking, canoeing, rock climbing, and fly fishing to week-long outdoor education trips, he enjoys helping students build confidence, character, and a deeper appreciation for God’s creation. He also has a heart for mentoring students as they lead meaningful worship experiences that strengthen their faith and school community.
James shared, “As principal, I look forward to partnering with students, staff, parents, and the entire Academy family to cultivate a Christ-centered environment where every student can discover the reality of their Creator, develop their God-given gifts, and serve in His kingdom.”
Registration is right around the corner! Registration for the 2026/2027 school year will take place on Sunday, August 16 from 8 AM to noon. We are excited to see you there!
All incoming 9th-12th graders are invited to join us for summer game nights! Every Thursday at 6:30 PM, we will be meeting for food and games. Bring your friends and join us for the fun!
Please join us as we celebrate the tremendous achievements of our graduating senior class of 2026! The weekend events begin on Friday at 7:30 PM in the gymnasium.
Join us for some laughs as the class of 2026 presents: “You Can’t Take it With You!”. A play about the eccentric, joyous Sycamore family and their collision with a wealthy, conventional family.
SHOWTIMES
Saturday, March 14th 7:30 pm. Doors open at 7:00 pm.
Thursday, March 19th 7:00 pm. Doors open at 6:30 pm.
Adults $15, Children 12 and under $10, Senior Citizen $12.
Purchase tickets at the door. Bake Sale & Concessions available.
Thank you for supporting the senior class of 2026!
April 17-19
Homecoming. The word immediately invokes a feeling of nostalgia and peace. A place of joy, and a place of belonging. A place of family, community and friendship. This is what alumni homecoming is all about.
Mount Ellis Academy has a unique environment where outdoor opportunities abound and classrooms flourish, but above all it is a place where friends feel like family, where teachers are also mentors, and God’s presence is felt in the very atmosphere of the campus. It feels like home.
Please join us from April 19-21, 2026 at Mount Ellis Academy for Alumni weekend.
Hotel block available at the Bozeman C’mon Inn. Please call 406-356-6150 and ask to join the Mount Ellis Academy room block.
Update: Bear Canyon Exit now open!
Please be advised that the Bear Canyon Road interstate offramp and onramp will be closed until May 2026. There was significant damage to the bridge that will not be repaired until that time. We are advising all traffic to exit at Main Street and use the Frontage Road to Fort Ellis Road to Bozeman Trail Rd. You can find the latest updates from MDT here: https://mdtnews.mt.gov/news/news-folder/2026/01/20260122-I90-Bear-Canyon-detour
A familiar and trusted member of the school community, James brings nearly three decades of experience in Christian education, including the past 22 years teaching science at MEA. Throughout his career, he has been dedicated to helping students grow academically, spiritually, and personally. He and his wife, Ingrid de Graaff Stuart, are grateful for their family. Their son is completing his final year at Montana State University, and their daughter will be a junior at Walla Walla University.
James is passionate about experiential learning and creating opportunities for students to grow through outdoor education. From hiking, canoeing, rock climbing, and fly fishing to week-long outdoor education trips, he enjoys helping students build confidence, character, and a deeper appreciation for God’s creation. He also has a heart for mentoring students as they lead meaningful worship experiences that strengthen their faith and school community.
James shared, “As principal, I look forward to partnering with students, staff, parents, and the entire Academy family to cultivate a Christ-centered environment where every student can discover the reality of their Creator, develop their God-given gifts, and serve in His kingdom.”
James Stuart grew up in Walla Walla and spent his high school years at Walla Walla Valley Academy. After graduating, he attended Walla Walla University where he got his degree in Biology, Chemistry, and Spanish. Later on, he completed his Masters in Science Education from Montana State University.
