Mountain Academy of Teton Science Schools

Mountain Academy of Teton Science Schools Mountain Academy integrates place-based learning to empower students with critical thinking, creativity, and stewardship. Apply today!

We have campuses in Jackson, WY, and Teton Valley, ID, for ages 18 months–8th grade. https://www.tfaforms.com/5055449

Meet the Jackson Campus leadership and specials teams! Some staff even support students and families across both Mountai...
09/23/2026

Meet the Jackson Campus leadership and specials teams! Some staff even support students and families across both Mountain Academy campuses. 🍎

Chris Bessonette
Head of School, Jackson Campus

Chris brings extensive experience in outdoor education, independent schools, dual-language education, and place-based learning. A former Journeys School teacher and NOLS instructor, he is passionate about creating meaningful educational experiences rooted in curiosity, adventure, and community.

Paige Fisher
Director of Early Childhood & Pedagogista

Paige has spent the past decade inspiring curiosity and empathy in young children at Teton Science Schools. Drawing on place-based learning and the Reggio Emilia philosophy, she believes children can actively shape their own learning.

Rachel Rubin
Early Childhood Assistant Director & Atelierista

Rachel creates spaces where young children can explore, take risks, and connect with the world around them. With experience leading classrooms, after-school programs, and summer camps, she is passionate about joyful learning, collaborative teams, and strong communities.

Renee Pilbeam
Senior Director of Enrollment

Renee joins Mountain Academy as Senior Director of Enrollment, bringing more than 15 years of experience in admissions, marketing, and educational leadership. She is passionate about building authentic relationships and helping families find a community where their children can learn, belong, and thrive.

Jenny Brackin
Director of Teaching and Learning

Jenny has taught in elementary classrooms since 2009 and holds a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis on arts integration. She is passionate about designing creative, hands-on learning experiences that inspire every student to explore and discover.

Joanna Cooke
Student Support Faculty for Kindergarten - 8th Grade

Joanna is an educator and author whose career has centered on connecting young people with nature. Her experience includes outdoor education, interpretation in Yosemite National Park, teaching in a Spanish dual-immersion classroom, and writing six nature- and science-focused books for young readers.

Donna Tully
Middle School Curriculum

Taking a deeper look at what lives beneath the surface! 🔍Our Jackson Campus Kindergarteners traded the classroom for the...
09/23/2026

Taking a deeper look at what lives beneath the surface! 🔍

Our Jackson Campus Kindergarteners traded the classroom for the pond, scooping, searching, and discovering some of the tiny creatures that call the water home.

🌈 We always wondered what was at the end of the rainbow...Apparently, it’s Teton Science Schools. 💚A little rainbow magi...
09/22/2026

🌈 We always wondered what was at the end of the rainbow...

Apparently, it’s Teton Science Schools. 💚

A little rainbow magic over both our Mountain Academy Jackson and Teton Valley Campuses!

Old Bill’s giving closes today!Your gift to the Mountain Academy Jackson Campus supports our students, teachers, and the...
09/18/2026

Old Bill’s giving closes today!

Your gift to the Mountain Academy Jackson Campus supports our students, teachers, and the meaningful learning experiences that prepare students for what comes next.

🏔️ Give today at the link in bio.

Thank you to the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole for 30 years of Old Bill’s and for all you do for our community!

We’re so happy to have the Teton Valley Campus filled with students again, and we’ve been busy! 🍎🗻
09/16/2026

We’re so happy to have the Teton Valley Campus filled with students again, and we’ve been busy! 🍎🗻

Meet the dedicated faculty guiding our Kindergarten through Middle School students at Mountain Academy’s Jackson Campus!...
09/15/2026

Meet the dedicated faculty guiding our Kindergarten through Middle School students at Mountain Academy’s Jackson Campus!

Nikki Samuels
Kindergarten–2nd Grade Faculty

Nikki is inspired by young learners’ curiosity and wonder and brings experience in elementary education, art, and nature-based learning. A former TSS educator and children’s book author, she is excited to return to the Mountain Academy community.

McKenzie McBride
Kindergarten–2nd Grade Faculty & Office Manager

McKenzie brings extensive experience supporting young learners through preschool, literacy, after-school, and summer programming. She loves bringing learning to life through books, hands-on projects, and meaningful connections to the world around us.

Shay June
Kindergarten–2nd Grade Faculty

Shay brings more than a decade of classroom and school leadership experience shaped by living and working in nine countries. She creates joyful learning environments where students feel celebrated and build meaningful connections with place, people, and the natural world.

Taylor Rankin
3rd–5th Grade Faculty

Taylor brings experience teaching upper elementary students and a passion for engaging, student-centered learning. She believes students learn best through exploration, meaningful questions, and strong connections with their classmates, teachers, community, and natural surroundings.

Tony June
3rd–5th Grade Faculty

Tony has taught in North Carolina, China, Colombia, and Qatar, developing a passion for inquiry-based and project-based learning. He helps students connect their classroom experiences to their communities and the wider world.

Sam Neirman
Middle School Math Faculty

Sam brings a background in forestry, science education, and place-based learning to the middle school classroom. He strives to create an inclusive environment where every student’s experiences, ideas, and stories are heard and valued.

Anna Szalay
Middle School ELA & Humanities Faculty

Anna brings experience in literacy intervention, academic mentoring, and college and career readiness programming. She is committed to helping students build the knowledge, confidence, and skills to become thoughtful, engaged members of the

We’re excited to introduce you to our Teton Valley Campus Kindergarten–5th Grade faculty!Swipe through to meet the teach...
09/11/2026

We’re excited to introduce you to our Teton Valley Campus Kindergarten–5th Grade faculty!

Swipe through to meet the teachers guiding our Kindergarten–5th Grade students this year.

Tim Gruber
Lower School Division Head & Kindergarten/1st Grade Faculty

Tim joined Mountain Academy in 2021 and loves building strong relationships with students, families, colleagues, and community members. Outside the classroom, he enjoys running, reading, and sharing stories.

Carla Kanieski
Kindergarten & 1st Grade Faculty

Carla is a creative educator with a background in behavioral neuroscience, German, and pediatric healthcare. She is passionate about creating joyful environments where children can explore, grow, and connect with the world around them.

Emma Berry
2nd & 3rd Grade Faculty

Emma brings a whole-child approach to teaching, supporting students’ academic, social, and emotional development. Outside the classroom, she enjoys learning new sports, singing, and spending time with her family.

Joanna Ahlum
2nd & 3rd Grade Faculty

Joanna is an educator and ecologist who helps students develop curiosity, wonder, and connection to the world around them. She brings experience in environmental science, experiential learning, and place-based education.

Katie O’Connell
4th & 5th Grade and Life Skills Faculty

Katie began her Teton Science Schools journey in the Graduate Program in 2018 and holds a master’s degree in Place-Based Education. She is passionate about project-based learning and creating classrooms where students feel safe, supported, and excited to learn.

Mike Spence
4th & 5th Grade Faculty

Mike’s teaching is rooted in helping young people build confidence and discover their unique strengths. A former collegiate coach and nonprofit founder, he brings a passion for community, purposeful learning, and exploring the outdoors with his family.

Address

700 Coyote Canyon Road
Jackson, WY
83001

Telephone

+13077333729

Website

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