Early Childhood

Our Early Childhood program is comprised of four preschool classes.

Welcome to Our Preschool Classes

Our Early Childhood program includes four preschool classes for ages 2-5. Children are encouraged to learn through joyful play, gentle independence, and open-ended exploration. Rooted in curiosity and creativity, these early years lay the foundation for a lifelong love of learning and connection to the world around them.

Engaging Activities

In our classes, children engage in imaginative play that sparks their creativity. Through outdoor exploration, they connect with nature while developing curiosity and confidence. Our curriculum includes songs and movement to enhance their physical coordination and rhythm.

Literacy and Science

We introduce early literacy concepts through stories, letters, and sounds, fostering a love for reading from a young age. Our science investigations encourage children to ask questions and explore the world around them, enhancing their critical thinking skills.

Holistic Development

These diverse activities cultivate essential skills such as friendship and character development, independence, and both fine and gross motor skills. Our preschool prepares children for academic success while nurturing their problem-solving abilities and sense of community.

Early Childhood

Our Preschool classes offer a warm, creative, and nurturing environment for children ages 2–5, where each day is guided by wonder, imagination, and the joy of early learning. At the heart of our program is free and creative play — open-ended, child-led experiences that allow children to express themselves, solve problems, explore their interests, and make sense of the world around them.

Whether they are building forts, creating elaborate pretend worlds, exploring natural materials, or splashing in water and mud, children engage in rich, meaningful play that fosters social development, independence, and self-confidence. Outdoor exploration, songs and movement, storytelling, and nature-based activities provide a rhythm to the day, while experiences like cooking, baking, science investigations, and early literacy spark curiosity and a love of learning.

Through these playful and purposeful moments, children develop friendships, fine and gross motor skills, early academic readiness, coordination, emotional awareness, and a strong sense of community. Our environment honors the whole child — nurturing not only cognitive growth, but also creativity, empathy, resilience, and joy.

Learning Academy Teton Valley Preschool - Kids Playing

Learning Academy Teton Valley Preschool - holiday

Learning Academy Teton Valley Preschool - Kids Learning

Learning Academy Teton Valley Preschool - Holiday Feast

Learning Academy Teton Valley Preschool - Kids Eating Lunch

Meet Our Teachers...

Halina Hickey

Preschool Director & Teacher

Halina Hickey has been with The Learning Academy of Teton Valley since the very beginning and currently serves as the Preschool Director. With a lifelong passion for working with children, Halina brings warmth, wisdom, and dedication to every aspect of her role. She not only leads her own classroom but also provides guidance and support to the other preschool teachers, helping to foster a nurturing and engaging environment for LATV’s youngest learners.

Originally from Poland, Halina moved to the United States at the age of 25, settling in Jackson Hole, Wyoming after getting married. She began her career in childcare as a private nanny before opening her own in-home daycare while raising her two children, Luke and Gina. Over the past 20 years, Halina has called Teton Valley home, and her commitment to the local community and its children has only grown stronger with time.

Jerikah Weatherston

Preschool Teacher

Jerikah brings a deep love for early childhood development and a profound respect for each child’s inner world to her role at The Learning Academy of Teton Valley. With a background in family and child advocacy with a concentration in pre-clinical psychology, she is deeply committed to whole-child education—valuing not only intellectual growth but also affect regulation, relational attunement, and authentic self-expression.

Before joining the preschool classroom, Jerikah spent several years teaching Kundalini yoga and meditation to children and adults alike. These mindful practices continue to shape her approach to teaching, grounding her work in rhythm, breath, and presence. At LATV, she creates a nurturing space where children feel seen, safe, and inspired to explore both the world around them and the landscape within.

Gina Hickey

Preschool Teacher

Gina Hickey has been working with children for as long as she can remember. A true valley native, Gina began babysitting and working as a summer camp counselor for The Learning Academy of Teton Valley around the age of 14. Since then, she has worn many hats within the LATV community—camp counselor, preschool teacher, paraprofessional, and substitute teacher. She has also worked as a nanny for local families and supported pediatric care and vaccinations at a local clinic, bringing both compassion and versatility to every role she takes on.

Born in Jackson Hole, Gina has always felt connected to the mountains and forests of Teton Valley. Though she spent a short time living in Denver, her heart brought her back to the place she’s always called home. Deeply inspired by nature and the magic of the seasons, she especially looks forward to the crisp air and changing colors of fall—what she lovingly refers to as “spooky season.”

Jess Butcher

Preschool Staff

Jess has always enjoyed working with youth and fostering a well-rounded education. Her career has been built on the belief that children—our future—deserve the very best development and nurturing we can provide. She has dedicated herself to learning as much as possible to be an effective caregiver and educator.

Jess fell in love with the Montessori Method while working in a Montessori preschool and K–7 charter school, where she saw firsthand how children thrive through child-led learning, independence, and whole-child development. These principles continue to guide her work with every child she supports, including her own.

Alexa Nicolaus

Preschool & Lower School Support Staff

Alexa Nicolaus brings over 16 years of experience working with children in both one-on-one and classroom settings. Her background includes teaching French Pre-K, supporting elementary students, and working closely with children with special needs. After spending the last two and a half years at home raising her son, William, Alexa is excited to begin her first year at The Learning Academy of Teton Valley.

Gentry Moore

Support Staff

Gentry Moore grew up in sunny Mesa, Arizona, and has been embracing life in the valley since 2023—cold weather and all. Before joining the Learning Academy, she spent two years working as a physical education teacher and paraprofessional, discovering how much she loves supporting students in both learning and play.

A big fan of all things sports, Gentry also enjoys getting creative with crafts and art projects. When she’s not at school, you can usually find her hanging out with her playful pup, Maverick, or exploring the outdoors whenever the sun is shining.

Gentry is excited to be part of the Learning Academy community and can’t wait to get to know each student and their family. The Learning Academy is lucky to have her enthusiasm, warmth, and creativity as part of the team.

Upcoming Events...

2026-27 Enrollment

Welcome to The Learning Academy of Teton Valley! We are honored that you are considering our school for your child’s educational journey. Located in Driggs, Idaho, our campus serves students from preschool through eighth grade and offers a nature-based, individualized learning environment where children are encouraged to explore, create, and grow at their own pace.

At The Learning Academy, we believe every child is unique. Our educators are committed to meeting learners where they are, accommodating diverse learning styles, and providing thoughtful support so each student feels seen, valued, and capable. We strive to create a safe, nurturing space where curiosity is celebrated, creativity is encouraged, and children feel confident taking academic and personal risks.

Hands-on learning, meaningful relationships, and time spent outdoors are central to our approach. Just as important as academic growth is the development of strong character, healthy relationships, and emotional well-being. We intentionally model and teach kindness, responsibility, empathy, and respect—values that help students thrive both in and beyond the classroom.

We warmly invite you to explore our campus, experience our community, and see firsthand how The Learning Academy supports the whole child. Please reach out with any questions or to schedule a tour. We look forward to welcoming your family and partnering with you in your child’s education.