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About – Gutenberg

A young child playing with blocks in a classroom at Mountain Academy of Teton Science Schools.

What We’re All About

And How We Got Here

Since 1967, Teton Science Schools (TSS) has taught students about the natural world and the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Through the study of nature, the organization has taught, trained, and inspired thousands of children, adolescents, and adults. Mountain Academy of Teton Science Schools offers a distinctive, experiential place-based education from preschool through grade 12. We believe that an excellent education engages all components of the child in learning experiences that address the multiple facets of human development.

 

Message From the Head of School — Shawn Kelly

Welcome!

When I joined Mountain Academy in March 2021, I immediately noticed the strong sense of community and what a dynamic place it is to learn and grow. I could also see how passionate our faculty are and their desire to inspire their students to reach their best selves. We are excited to welcome new students and encourage you to visit one of our campuses soon to experience the difference of a Mountain Academy education.

Read Shawn’s Full Message

Welcome!

When I joined Mountain Academy in March 2021, I immediately noticed the strong sense of community and what a dynamic place it is to learn and grow. I could also see how passionate our faculty are and their design to inspire their students to reach their best selves. We are excited to welcome new students and encourage you to visit one of our campuses soon to experience the difference of a Mountain Academy education.

Mountain Academy is situated on two campuses in Jackson, Wyoming and Victor, Idaho. Our Jackson Campus is close to Grand Teton National Park and an hour away from Yellowstone National Park, serving students ages 3-18. Our Teton Valley Campus is in Victor, Idaho and serves students ages 3-14. Place-based education is intrinsic to who we are and what we do. Our faculty are committed to providing a strong academic curriculum through the lens of nature and the environment. Our graduates are brave, inquisitive, resilient, and concerned global citizens who emerge as engaged leaders inspired by our transformative education.

The Kelly family of Teton Science Schools sitting on a bench outsite posing for a family portrait.

Discover Our Campuses

The Mountain Academy Jackson Campus building with modern architecture next to a grassy field.

Jackson Campus

The Mountain Academy Jackson Campus is situated on 900 acres on the main campus of Teton Science Schools. The school is nestled in Coyote Canyon, providing ample opportunities for students to use the outdoors as a classroom. Students on the Jackson Campus start each morning with a quarter-mile walk up the canyon to their classrooms and spend a significant part of the day outside.

View Jackson Admissions Details
Rows of raised gardens in front of a weathered barn on the Mountain Academy Teton Valley Campus.

Teton Valley Campus

The Mountain Academy Teton Valley Campus is located just a few blocks from Main Street in downtown Victor, Idaho. The 10-acre campus includes houses for different grade levels, outdoor space, a library yurt, and space for the farm and garden program. Students spend a significant amount of time outside in the play yard, which is specifically designed for open-ended play.

View Teton Valley Admissions Details

Mountain Academy Experiences

Dylan ’26

“On our right of passage journey to Red Canyon Ranch, I liked having the independence to stay by myself and to cook some of my own meals.”

Dylan ’26
Revi ’29

“I like going on extended Journey’s because you get to know your friends better. It is different from other schools because you learn about things outside of the classroom that is connected to your learning.”

Revi ’29
George ’37

“I love woods days because I really like it! I like going on the minibus and playing in the snow!”

George ’37
Jacob ’23

“The high ropes course pushed not only myself, but my classmates as well. It was really cool seeing my friends achieve something that they were afraid of at first.”

Jacob ’23

Our Foundations

Academic Engagement, Community Focus, and Character Development are the three pillars upon which Mountain Academy of Teton Science Schools’ place-based approach to education stands.

Mountain Academy students in a classroom building towers using household objects.

Academic Engagement

At Mountain Academy, teachers balance relevant instruction in the core subject areas with student-driven projects that foster investigation, collaboration, and critical thinking skills. As a result, Mountain Academy students are active participants in the learning process, developing the ability to own and express their unique thoughts and ideas.

A wide angle from above showing lots of students sitting in a classroom at Mountain Academy.

Community Focus

As members of a welcoming and supportive school community, Mountain Academy students develop a strong sense of belonging, and learn the importance of making positive contributions to their families, school, and local and global communities. Because guardians play a critical role in the education of their children, Mountain Academy faculty and staff cultivate strong partnerships with families.

Two young Mountain Academy students wearing jackets walking toward a rock climbing wall.

Character Development

We place a strong emphasis on the growth of the individual child, including their social and emotional development. Students are encouraged to take intellectual risks, to ask and answer their own questions, and to express their unique thoughts and ideas. Mountain Academy faculty work hard to provide opportunities for student voice and choice to help foster children’s natural curiosity, creativity, and desire to learn and grow.

Mountain Academy Alumni

Mountain Academy is proud of our history and the relationships, lessons, opportunities, and experiences that have been fostered on both of our campuses. Our alumni represent the mission of Mountain Academy by continuing to be curious and engaged leaders following their time at school.

 

Learn More About Our Alumni