Refreshed learning spaces at Mountain Academy: Where environment becomes teacher

A message from Teton Science Schools:

JACKSON, Wyo. — At the Mountain Academy Jackson Campus, we know that learning extends far beyond the walls of a classroom. Rooted in the belief that children learn through relationships, we embrace the idea of multiple teachers: parents and families, classroom teachers, and the environment itself. Every mudroom, classroom, play yard, and nearby woods is part of this living environment. Each space has the potential to teach, to reflect our values, and to spark dialogue and exploration.

Our youngest learners are welcomed into the thoughtfully designed Young Toddler and Toddler classroom. The spaces are warm and responsive, created to support early development through sensory exploration, movement, language growth, and social connection.

Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten spaces feature dedicated studios that serve as laboratories for thinking, experimentation, and expression. With an emphasis on rhythm, routine, and relationships, children begin to build confidence and a sense of belonging in a nurturing environment that honors their emerging independence.

Lower School (Kindergarten through 5th grade) classrooms embrace natural light, open layouts, and flexible spaces, encouraging connection and creativity. Some classrooms feature lofts for quiet study or imaginative play, alongside curated libraries that create cozy, engaging spaces for reading and discovery.

For our middle school students (6th through 8th grade), classrooms are alive with energy, a true hive of activity where ideas are tested, challenged, and brought to life. Science labs, flexible workspaces, and collaborative zones empower students not only to investigate and experiment but to think critically, work collectively, and take ownership of inquiry-based projects fueled by curiosity and rigor.

Outdoor learning is equally intentional. Early Childhood students have access to both their play yards and the broader campus, expanding opportunities for exploration and imaginative play. Kindergarten through 8th-grade students access fields and hillsides ideal for building forts, moving around, and playing outdoors. Playgrounds are designed to balance adventure with respect for local wildlife, providing students with safe spaces to run, climb, and play freely.

Across our Jackson Campus, the environment acts as a “third teacher.” It communicates Mountain Academy’s values, engages children through open-ended materials and experiences, and provides space for reflection for both students and educators. From classrooms to outdoor spaces, each environment is designed to inspire learning, creativity, and a lasting connection to community and place.

Learn more by visiting mountainacademy.org or by calling (307) 732-7757.