Who We Are

At Little Oak, we support the development of the whole child by providing a comprehensive Montessori education to children of the Columbia River Gorge. It is our goal to guide each child’s quest to reach their intellectual, social and emotional potential in a nurturing environment that fosters respect, compassion and independence. 

As a non-profit, 501(c) 3, State of Washington approved private school, we are governed by a Board of Directors consisting of parents and community members who are dedicated to the success and stability of our school. Our operations and school development are supported by the generosity and commitment of our heavily involved parent community.

Our Story

Bonded by shared beliefs and a vision to provide their children with a more individualized learning environment, a group of dedicated parents organized together in 2004 to water the seed of inspiration that grew into what is now Little Oak Montessori School. These founding families were the spark of a social movement towards child-centered education in the Columbia River Gorge. Working together, they established a Montessori school where parent volunteerism enabled affordable tuition and fostered the truest sense of community. 

Little Oak’s roots are surrounded by mature oaks, maples, and ponderosa pines. As the flora around us has grown, so too has the school evolved into a partnership for parents wishing to develop confident, capable, and fulfilled human beings. This rich history of inspired thinking and cultivated sense of purpose continues to support Little Oak in guiding children to strive for their full potential and discover their unique contribution.

Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Statement (JEDI*)

Dr. Maria Montessori was a passionate advocate for teaching peace. Little Oak recognizes that peace requires a commitment to justice within our community and world, alongside a spirit of learning and unlearning. 

While we cannot solve all of the issues created by cultural and institutional classism, racism, and sexism, we know that this work is not neutral, and we must take active steps to move our community toward greater equity, inclusion, and justice. 

We are committed to providing a school environment that actively identifies and reduces biases to honor differences in races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, gender expressions, religions/beliefs, family structures, economic backgrounds, cognitive and physical abilities, and other identities that make our students, staff, and families unique. 

Our organization is committed to the internal and external work of identifying and dismantling bias and racism in our community. We acknowledge that this work is ongoing and we are deeply committed to this journey. We pledge to support each other in this process as we continue as educators for peace.

Philosophical Foundations

Following the philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori, we believe that when children are empowered to use their natural tools of learning–concentration, coordination, responsibility, compassion, order and independence–they experience and develop a passion for lifelong learning.

Accreditation

All Little Oak lead guides are Association Montessori Internationale-certified and have extensive teaching backgrounds and experience. Little Oak Montessori School is fully certified by the state of Washington as a private school and has been incorporated as a non-profit institution since 2006.