Microschools Offer Montana Families Creative, Learner-Centered Education Options

When Christa Hayes' kids shut down their public schools in 2020, the Montana math professor started hearing from parents seeking help for their children's schoolwork and wanting to find a way for them to meet in person while working through their remote public school curriculum.

So Hayes, who had been a mathematics professor at Montana State University for more than a decade, resigned her job and founded Peak Academy in 2021 as a nonprofit private school.

"My life is so much happier and richer now," Hayes tells Education Week, which visited Peak Academy earlier this week.

Peak Academy is a microschool, or small school that's typically less expensive and more individualized than a traditional private school.

It's currently home to 16 middle school students who spend their days learning academics, doing projects, and enjoying frequent field study with two full-time teachers, in addition to Hayes and other part-time instructors from the community.

Many of Peak Academy's students attend the nearby Bozeman Field School, one of the area's first schools to focus on project-based, outside experiential learning along with high-quality academic instruction.

"When we came here, I knew we weren't going to go to public school, and there were no outdoor, nature-based, academic-focused, academic Read the Entire Article


Selected Grant News Headlines

A customized collection of grant news from foundations and the federal government from around the Web.

Learning Through Innovation and Playing with Purpose

"We wanted an environment where our children could excel academically and build physical competence and confidence during the summer," Christa and Sunday Eniojukan say of the summer camp they...more

O'Melveny Advises Samsung Electronics on Formation of Joint Venture with Lennox

If you're in the market for a new air-conditioning system, you'll soon have a new partner in your corner. Samsung has announced a joint venture with Lennox that will see the South Korean...more

David Livingston, Former Us Presidential Advisor, Returns to Usc

"When people think about clean tech, we want them to also be thinking about lower carbon fertilizers, drought-resistant crops, electrified tractors and farm equipment, and more," David Livingston...more

Usa Today Names Carrier Among America'S Climate Leaders

USA Today has released its second annual list of "America's Climate Leaders," highlighting companies that are leading the way when it comes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This year's list...more

Beyond Risk: Insurers' Innovative Strategies for Extreme Weather Events

"We must maintain downward pressure on prices while making insurance as affordable as possible without compromising the sustainability of the product, which requires a focus on prevention and early...more

University, Detroit Regional Chamber Announce Plans for Innovation Corridor

The state of Michigan has a lot going for it when it comes to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education, but some say it's falling behind when it comes to keeping top talent in the...more

Climate Academy Challenge: What Are Your Ideas for Cooling the City?

Paris will be hosting the Summer Olympics in 2024, and the French capital wants to make sure the games are "a cool, fresh haven for Parisians during the hot summer weather," the Local reports. To...more

Blueprint Studios Unveils Redesigned Website: Elevating Event Experiences Through Innovation

Mircea Manea and her team at Blueprint Studios have been creating unforgettable experiences for clients for more than 25 years. Now, the San Francisco-based event design and production company is...more

Distinguished Ucf Optics, Photonics Professor Inducted into Florida Inventors Hall of Fame

"Everyone knows what a laser pointer is, and we can make those with bright electrons and moving around." Those are the words of University of Central Florida professor Peter Delfyett, who has...more

Usa Today Names Carrier Among America'S Climate Leaders

USA Today has released its second annual list of "America's Climate Leaders," highlighting companies that are leading the way when it comes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This year's list...more





Australia’s Melbourne City Mission Chief Executive Officer Ric Holland writes how philanthropy can act as an enabler on many levels.