Building a Culture of Connection at Mountain Academy
At Mountain Academy, community isn’t just something we talk about; it’s something we live every single day. Our students are part of a warm, tight-knit school where every child is seen, supported, and celebrated. From the moment they arrive on campus, students know they belong here.
A Week Filled with Togetherness
Each week, our entire campus spends more than six hours together: sharing recess, enjoying community lunches, and gathering for our beloved weekly school meeting. These moments aren’t just fun; they’re foundational. They help students build friendships across grade levels, strengthen their sense of belonging, and create memories that last long after the school day ends.
During our school-wide morning meetings, students take the lead in celebrating one another. Compliments like “Thank you for being my friend and playing with me at recess” echo around the room, reminding everyone how small acts of kindness build a great sense of community. We also recognize two Star Students each week, students nominated by staff for exemplifying the “Three T’s”: Try hard, Take responsibility, and Treat others with kindness. We close our meetings with a thankful circle, where each student shares one thing they’re grateful for. Again and again, we hear how thankful they are for their friends, their teachers, and their Mountain Academy experience.
Families at the Heart of Our School
Community at Mountain Academy extends beyond students and teachers; it includes families, too. Each week, we host a community lunch, where parents and families are invited to join us for a shared meal. It’s a time for connection, conversation, and laughter. Families get to see their children thriving, and students feel proud to share their school world with the people they love most.
Learning, Leading, and Growing Together
We also bring our community spirit into extraordinary events. Recently, one of our incredible parents organized a school-wide scavenger hunt that had everyone buzzing with excitement! Students from every grade were mixed into teams to solve academic challenges, from math problems to creative riddles, working together to find the next clue. The blend of teamwork, leadership, and learning turned the day into an unforgettable experience. Seeing younger students look up to older peers, and older students guiding with empathy, was a perfect example of what makes our school culture so special.
Living Our Values Every Day
The foundations of Mountain Academy, academic engagement, character development, and community focus, are strengthened by our connection to the TSS values of Collaboration and Inclusion. We want students to love coming to school each day. We want them to learn from one another, grow as individuals, and become kind, confident people who care deeply about their community.
At Mountain Academy, we believe that when students feel connected, they thrive. Our traditions, celebrations, and shared moments all build a culture where every child knows: You belong here.
