Lower School

Transitional Kindergarten through Track Four

Welcome to Our Lower School

In our Lower School program, students build strong academic foundations through meaningful, hands-on experiences that connect learning to real life. The curriculum emphasizes the development of literacy, numeracy, scientific thinking, creativity, and a sense of place in the world — all within a nurturing environment that honors curiosity, collaboration, and joyful discovery.

Language Arts

Students engage deeply with language through reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Early literacy skills are strengthened through phonemic awareness, sight word recognition, rhyming, poetry, and an introduction to writing conventions. As their confidence grows, students explore letter formation, sentence structure, and the rhythm and meaning of language.

In practice:

• Authoring and illustrating hardcover children’s books
• Daily journaling and creative short stories
• Drafting and reciting original poetry
• Writing personal narratives and biographies
• Participating in speech and dramatic recitations

Mathematics

Mathematics is explored through movement, stories, games, and real-life application. Children develop number sense, mental math strategies, and a deep understanding of mathematical concepts like place value, the four processes, measurement, time, and money — all through developmentally appropriate and meaningful contexts.

In practice:

• Cooking and baking to measure, count, and convert
• Shopping in the school store with real money
• Building and modeling using math in design
• Exploring patterns and sequences through rhythm and nature

Science & Social Studies

Our integrated approach to science and social studies fosters a connection to the natural world and a broader understanding of human communities. Students study the continents and oceans, local flora and fauna, life cycles, and the interdependence of living systems. They also explore their role in the classroom and wider community.

In practice:

• Nature walks and journaling observations
• Life cycle studies through gardening and animal care
• Mapping activities and cultural celebrations
• Community projects and guest speakers

Arts

The arts are woven throughout the curriculum, offering students daily opportunities to express themselves, develop fine motor skills, and explore creative techniques. Through painting, sculpture, drawing, and design, students gain confidence in their ability to communicate visually and imaginatively.

In practice:

• Exploring color theory and mixed media
• Sculpting with natural and recycled materials
• Form drawing and pattern design
• Integrating art into stories, science, and nature projects

$Lower Elementary School The Learning Academy of Teton Valley - Private School$

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The Learning Academy of Teton Valley Lower Elementary

Meet Our Teachers

Dani Wilson

Founder / Lower Elementary Teacher

Dani Wilson is the founder of The Learning Academy of Teton Valley and a dedicated Lower Elementary teacher with over 25 years of experience in alternative, child-centered education. Her vision, leadership, and unwavering commitment to nurturing the whole child have shaped LATV into the thriving, joyful learning community it is today. In 2024, Dani was honored as one of Idaho’s Women of Influence—recognition of her transformative impact on education and her continued efforts to create meaningful, student-first learning environments.

A lifelong learner herself, Dani takes courses every year to stay at the forefront of child development, education theory, and innovative teaching practices. She believes that every child deserves a joyful, nurturing environment where they can grow in both confidence and capability.

Madison Rademacher

TK- Grade 1 Teacher

Madison brings four years of teaching experience to The Learning Academy, working with students from Pre-K through fifth grade. Her passion for education is rooted in a genuine love for children and a deep commitment to helping them feel seen, supported, and empowered to grow into their best selves.

A creative at heart, Madison loves all things imaginative and expressive, with singing being one of her greatest passions. She believes creativity plays an essential role in learning and strives to create a classroom environment where curiosity, confidence, and joy can flourish. Madison is especially motivated by helping students discover what excites them while also guiding them through challenges with patience and encouragement.

Hannah Kolehmainen

Office Manager / Physical Education Teacher

Hannah Kolehmainen has been an integral part of The Learning Academy of Teton Valley for the past eight years, wearing two important hats: Office Manager and K–8 Physical Education Teacher. With over a decade of experience working with children, she is passionate about helping students build confidence, discover their strengths, and develop a lifelong love of movement.

Hannah brings a unique background to her work. A former world-class Modern Pentathlete, she was an alternate for the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia. Her athletic journey and love of physical activity continue to inspire her students every day. Prior to her career in education, Hannah served as a logistics officer in the U.S. Army, where she became Airborne qualified and lived in several states including North Carolina and Florida. Originally born in Vail, Colorado, she grew up in Texas and finally settled in Teton Valley in 2017.

Early Childhood

Our Preschool classes offer a creative early learning environment for young children, ages 2-5.

Lower School

Transitional kindergarten through track four students focus on enhancement of reading, writing and conventions, spelling skills, math concepts, science, geography, and exploration of the world around them.

Upper School

Tracks five through eight delve deeply into all subject areas with a focus on independence, critical thinking, and doing one’s best work.

The Farm

Our farm-to-school approach fosters curiosity, resilience, and a deep connection to the environment while reinforcing the Academy’s mission to nurture well-rounded, engaged learners.

Our Instructors

We choose our teachers at The Learning Academy of Teton Valley for their passion, expertise, and commitment to fostering a nurturing and inspiring learning environment.