Montessori can be such a fantastic option for your family. This trusted learning method is going to work to empower your child by letting them take their education into their own hands. It can be such a powerful tool for creative kids and will lead to them feeling confident for years to come! If you have been considering trying this for your own child, the first step is to find the right spot for them. I can help with this! As a Jackson Hole family photographer, I love getting to chat with parents about all the best local places. Here is why so many people have fallen in love with Montessori School of the Tetons.
About Montessori School Of The Tetons
1240 B Huff Lane, Jackson, Wyoming 83001
For decades, Montessori has been working with kids to empower them on their learning journey. The philosophy is named after its founder, Maria Montessori, an Italian educator always trying to find the best way to assist students. In an era defined by strict lessons with little modifications, she decided she wanted to flip things on their head. Right at the turn of the 20th century, she began to experiment with a classroom that let children direct their own learning. Her goal was to allow children to gain their own autonomy as they dove into topics that actually interested them. Her experiment proved to be successful, and before long, it started to spread all across the globe. Today, there are over five thousand Montessori schools across the United States, including a particularly great one right here in Jackson!
Montessori School of the Tetons was started by Patti Robertson, an educator who has lived in this area for over 25 years. She and her team have taken special care to create an atmosphere designed to help your child thrive. The school only allows 25 students at a time to ensure every child gets the proper amount of attention. With carefully curated classrooms and passionate teachers, your child will have a space where they feel as though they belong!
The Experience
Montessori School of the Tetons accepts children starting at the age of 2.5. They do not need to be potty-trained at the time of enrollment. If you are unsure of whether or not this school is right for you, you will have a few ways to try it out. The first step will be to schedule an observation. This will happen during school hours, so you can see the center in action! They do ask that you not bring your child, but if that’s not possible, they will be accommodating. If you do decide this is the place for you, the next step will be to join the waitlist. As I mentioned earlier, this school is pretty small, so it does tend to fill up! If there isn’t an opening, you can reserve your space to give your child access as soon as possible.
Once there is an opening, you will still have a few opportunities to make sure it’s a match. Before the first day of school, your child will be invited to an Orientation Day. These are scheduled on an individual basis and will let your child join along for an open playtime. From there, you will pay a one-time registration fee to secure your space.
Following all of this, your child can come on a trial basis. With this option, your child will come two half days a week so you can test the waters and see if it’s a good fit. The school does everything it can to make sure this will be a safe space for your child, but they understand that this approach might not work for all! Before you commit, they will make sure this is the most beneficial option for your child.
Students Love The Montessori School Of The Tetons
Once your child begins school, they will have the freedom to direct their own learning with activities based on a handful of aspects: practical life, sensorial, language, mathematics, cultural, peace education, art, science, music, and movement. The students all share a classroom, which creates a natural leadership structure. Older kids will be encouraged to help younger students with activities, and the younger kids will gain confidence as they work alongside the older students. This will also create a strong community feel. Your child will learn how to be mindful of their classmates while learning their role within the world.
Specialty
The outdoor playground is one of the biggest draws of a Montessori education, and as you might have guessed, the Teton school offers one of the best natural classrooms around! Just like with their indoor classroom, the outdoor area is designed to align with all of the Montessori principles. Your child will have an open yet safe space that they can explore as much as they would like. Each day, they can choose from seasonal activities as well as unstructured outdoor play. This is going to give them the chance to build their relationship with other students while growing their appreciation of nature.
The class will also have some structured activities your child can do while outside. Sometimes, they will go on group hikes on the surrounding trails. Other times, they will work on growing plants in the garden. The school will grow their very own sunflower seeds that your child can transform into birdseed mixtures. Kids can also grow vegetables that will be served up during snack time. One of the most beloved activities happens during the winter when the National Elk Refuge offers sled rides, where kids can learn about larger animals inside the ecosystem. With this school, your child will get the chance to see Grand Teton National Park as their own private backyard!
Montessori School Of The Tetons Grows Lifelong Learners
If you have been looking for a school built to accommodate your curious learner, I just know you are going to love Montessori School of the Tetons. With this school, your child will have the chance to explore the world their own way!
Are you looking for more ways to celebrate your child? Then I would love to connect! As a Jackson Hole family photographer, I love working with parents to honor every milestone. I would love to have a conversation and tell you about my style so you can see if we’re a match. Hope to chat soon!
