Little Oak Montessori School

09/09/2026

The first days of school are full of beginnings, some brand new, others wonderfully familiar.

Across Little Oak, children are settling into the rhythms and routines of their classroom communities. In Children's House, a new student receives their first lesson with Metal Insets while a returning child eagerly returns to a favorite work. Older children begin stepping naturally into their role as classroom leaders, showing younger classmates how materials are used and helping them find their way within the community.

In the Elementary, the year begins with foundational group lessons, with our First Years gathering to to learn new routines, expectations, and ways of working together. Returning students reconnect with their environment and one another, ready to build upon the work of years before.

This is one of the gifts of the mixed-age classroom: every child has the opportunity to be new, to grow, and eventually become the experienced classmate who helps welcome someone else.

Thank you for trusting us with these important first days. We're so happy to welcome children back into their classroom communities and begin another year of learning and growing together!

09/02/2026

When you walk into a Montessori classroom, you may notice that it feels different. The shelves are child sized and accessible, materials are carefully arranged, and there are spaces for individual work, collaboration, movement, and concentration. But the prepared environment is about much more than how the classroom looks.

Our environments are intentionally designed to support the development of the child; every part of the classroom having a purpose.

The materials invite children to explore, practice, amd discover through their own hands. The order of the shelves helps children develop independence by allowing them to find, use, and return their own work. The size of furniture communicates, "This space belongs to you." The expectation that children care for their environment teaches responsibility and respect for the community they are part of.

A Montessori classroom is prepared to meet children where they are developmentally while gently inviting them to grow. The environment become a silent guide.

At Little Oak, we believe children deserve environments that communicate something powerful:

You are capable.
You are trusted.
You belong here.

08/31/2026

Dr. Maria Montessori was born on August 31, 1870. More than 150 years later, her vision continues to shape not only how we understand children, but how we come together to support them.

As we begin a new school year, we’re especially grateful for the families who choose Montessori; who choose to see childhood as a time worthy of respect, independence, curiosity, and meaningful work.

Last week, our parents gathered in community to learn, ask questions, and deepen their understanding of the Montessori approach. It is a reminder that Montessori education extends beyond the classroom. It is a partnership between children, Guides, and families, grounded in a shared belief in the potential of every child.

On Dr. Montessori’s birthday, we celebrate her remarkable legacy, and the families and educators who continue to carry her vision forward, one child and one community at a time.

Happy Birthday, Dr. Montessori!

08/29/2026

One of the first things families often notice in a Montessori classroom is that children are doing things very ordinary. They may be pouring water, preparing food, arranging flowers, or carrying for their classroom environment.

A common question is, "Why are children doing these tasks at school?" The answer is that Practical Life is not simply about learning how to complete a task. It is about developing the whole child.

Maria Montessori designed Practical Life activities to help children develop independence, coordination, concentration, amd a sense of order through purposeful work.

A child pouring water is developing control of movement and focus. A child preparing snack is practicing sequencing, planning, and care for others. A child cleaning up after their work is learning responsibility and respect for there community. These activities are carefully designed with a beginning, middle, and end. Children can see their progress, recognize their success, and repeat the work until they feel confident.

Practical Life gives children the opportunity to practice being capable. And when children experience themselves as capable, they begin to approach new challenges with confidence.

In Montessori, independence is not something we wait for children to develop. It's something we intentionally nurture everyday.

08/20/2026

Our Guides are back on campus, reconnecting, welcoming new members to our community, and preparing for another meaningful year of learning and growth!

In the Montessori tradition, we know that strong foundations matter. Just as we carefully prepare an environment where children can thrive, we begin our year by building connection, collaboration, and a shared sense of purpose among our educators.

Here’s to a wonderful year ahead, rooted in community, grounded in Montessori principles, and full of possibilities.

08/13/2026

08/12/2026

And just like that, we're wrapping up another summer at Little Oak! ☀️

It's been a summer of creating, exploring, getting messy, trying new things, and spending plenty of time outside. From nature art and tie-dye to herbal teas, splash pad days, creative projects, and so much more, each week brought new ways to play and discover.

But the best part has been watching new friendships form, confidence grow, and memories being made along the way.

Here's to a summer well spent! 💛

07/27/2026

☀️ Just a reminder! ☀️

Our Little Oak Pool Party is this Saturday!

🏊 Current families & alumni families
🕙 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
📍 The Dalles Pool

We're looking forward to a fun morning of swimming, reconnecting, and enjoying the last days of summer together!

If you haven't RSVP'd yet, please send us a DM or email so we know to expect you. See you Saturday!

07/22/2026

Some of the best moments of summer are the ones no one plans.

A conversation under the climbing structure.
A game that grows as more friends join.
An idea that turns into an adventure.
A creation that starts with one child's imagination and becomes something shared.

Here at summer camp, children have time to explore, create, problem-solve, amd connect with one another. They bake in the mud kitchen, build with outdoor blocks, take on imaginative roles, create games, and turn ordinary moments into something memorable.

If you asked the children what they learned today, you probably wouldn't hear a list of lessons. You'd hear stories. Stories about what they built, who they played with, and the adventures they imagined.

That's one of the beautiful things about childhood. When children are given the time, space, and freedom to explore, learning naturally follows.

As we soak up these last weeks of summer camp, we're already looking forward to another year of discovery, growth, and joyful learning at Little Oak.

07/20/2026

Pack your curiosity and get ready for a week of exploring the world! Campers will travel across cultures through hands-on activities, creative projects, stories, art, food, and fun. From learning about different traditions to discovering what makes each place unique, we'll celebrate the incredible diversity of our world.

Children ages 4-8, come join us!

August 3-7
8:30am-3:30pm
$375/week

Click the link in our bio to learn more and register