Business Details
Nature-Based Montessori Education for Holistic Child Development
Another Way School is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) educational institution based in Park City, Utah, dedicated to awakening children's minds through an integrative approach combining Montessori principles, Native American philosophy, and immersive nature experiences. Founded on the belief that nature is the primary teacher, the school fosters holistic development by connecting children to the Earth, animals, and community. Our curriculum emphasizes project-based learning, outdoor education, and cross-disciplinary programs like mindful horsemanship, child-centered skiing, and primitive skills training.Accredited by Montessori Educational Programs International (MEPI), we prioritize respect for all life, individualized learning, and nurturing emotional, cognitive, and physical growth. With a focus on sustainability and kinship, we prepare students to thrive academically and spiritually while honoring the interconnectedness of all beings.
Services
Montessori Education
Outdoor Education
Horsemanship Lessons
Child-Centered Skiing
Primitive Skills Training
Highlights and features
- Accredited Montessori program with Native American cultural integration
- Daily outdoor education and nature immersion in the Uinta Mountains
- Unique programs like mindful horsemanship and child-centered skiing
- Experienced staff with expertise in experiential and special needs education
- Proven academic outcomes with graduates excelling in traditional schools
Associations and certifications
- Montessori Educational Programs International (MEPI)
What people say
Academic excellence through nature immersion
Exceptional horsemanship and ski programs
Nurturing environment for emotional growth
Strong community involvement and support
Lifelong passion for learning cultivated
Services
Montessori Education
Our Montessori-based curriculum integrates academics with nature immersion, fostering self-directed learning and critical thinking. Students engage in hands-on projects that connect math, science, and literature to real-world experiences. This approach cultivates independence, creativity, and a lifelong passion for learning while respecting each child's unique developmental pace.
Outdoor Education
Daily outdoor activities like hiking, gardening, and Friluftsliv (Norwegian open-air living) teach environmental stewardship and survival skills. Children learn to read natural patterns, fostering respect for ecosystems and building resilience through direct interaction with Utah's mountain landscapes under expert supervision.
Horsemanship Lessons
Students develop responsibility and empathy through horsemanship training emphasizing partnership and natural horsemanship principles. Lessons include trail riding, stable management, and classical riding techniques, promoting physical coordination, confidence, and understanding of animal behavior in a safe, structured environment.
Child-Centered Skiing
Certified instructors teach skiing using developmentally appropriate methods, starting on-site practice slopes before progressing to local resorts. The program builds physical fitness, risk assessment skills, and teamwork while adhering to PSIA-I safety standards and fostering a lifelong connection to winter sports.
Primitive Skills Training
Students learn traditional wilderness skills like fire-making, tracking, and crafting tools from natural materials. Guided by experts with mountain man backgrounds, these sessions deepen understanding of historical practices while enhancing problem-solving abilities and appreciation for sustainable living techniques.
People
Diane Bode
Executive Director & Founder
Diane Bode, founder of Another Way School, combines Montessori expertise with decades of experience in child development and outdoor education. Her visionary leadership integrates Native American philosophy, horsemanship, and environmental stewardship into a holistic curriculum that nurtures children's intellectual, emotional, and spiritual growth.
Misti Seppi
Horse Program Advisor
Misti Seppi brings extensive equine expertise to the horsemanship program, blending Parelli Natural Horsemanship with classical riding techniques. Her focus on partnership-based training fosters mutual respect between students and horses, emphasizing safety, communication, and the therapeutic benefits of human-horse relationships.
Tom Cammermeyer
Outdoor Program Mentor
Tom Cammermeyer, a Norwegian Friluftsliv mentor, guides outdoor education programs that connect children to nature through deep ecology principles. With 32 years of experience managing Norway's Outdoor Center, he teaches environmental respect and survival skills while maintaining the school's property and animal habitats.
Jamie Giordano
Cultural Anthropology Mentor
Jamie Giordano specializes in Native American traditions and regenerative agriculture. Her work integrates indigenous plant medicine, permaculture, and ceremonial practices into the curriculum, fostering cultural awareness and ecological literacy through hands-on learning experiences in gardening and natural resource stewardship.
Tim Jarrell
Living History Mentor
Tim Jarrell, adopted into Lakota traditions, teaches authentic Native American arts, dance, and ceremonies. With decades of immersive experience among Plains Indian elders, he preserves and shares traditional knowledge, ensuring students gain genuine cultural understanding through storytelling, regalia-making, and ceremonial practices.
Questions
What educational philosophy does Another Way School follow?
We combine Montessori principles with Native American philosophy and outdoor experiential learning to foster holistic development, emphasizing respect for nature, individualized learning, and kinship with all life.
Is Another Way School accredited?
Yes, we're accredited by Montessori Educational Programs International (MEPI), ensuring authentic Montessori practices and high educational standards for children ages 3–12.
What outdoor activities are offered?
Daily outdoor education includes Friluftsliv, skiing, horsemanship, and primitive skills training. Seasonal programs like summer nature classes and garden projects deepen environmental connections through hands-on learning.
How does the school support special needs children?
Our individualized approach accommodates diverse learners, including those with autism and learning disabilities. Multi-age classrooms and experienced staff provide tailored support while fostering peer mentoring and inclusive community building.
Can families participate in school activities?
Parents actively engage through volunteering, fundraising, and classroom support. Community involvement strengthens our programs, with opportunities for field trips, special projects, and cultural events throughout the year.
How do I enroll my child?
Contact us via phone or email to schedule a tour and discuss enrollment options. We recommend visiting our Park City campus to experience our nature-based Montessori approach firsthand before completing registration.
