Growing for Life.
Rooted in Nature.
Guided by Montessori.
Growing Montessori was created from a belief that childhood should be filled with wonder, meaningful experiences, and the freedom to learn through nature
Growing for life
We believe the most important lessons children learn in their earliest years aren't measured by worksheets or milestones.
Those lessons are found in the confidence to try something new, the curiosity to ask questions, the resilience to keep going, and the joy of discovering the world around them.
Growing Montessori was created from a belief that childhood should be filled with wonder, meaningful experiences, and the freedom to learn through nature. We wanted to build a place where children are respected as capable individuals, families feel genuinely supported, and strong relationships form the foundation of everything we do.
From the moment a family joins our community, we hope they feel welcomed, valued, and confident that their child is in a safe nurturing environment where curiosity is encouraged, individuality is celebrated and a lifelong love of learning can flourish
“Throughout my career, I was often entrusted with the children others described as “difficult” or “too much.” Time and again, I discovered they were neither. They simply needed to be understood, respected, and met where they were.”
Rooted
in Nature
Every changing season, muddy trail, curious insect, and weather-worn branch becomes an opportunity to wonder, observe, solve problems, and discover. We believe nature offers authentic experiences that help children build confidence, resilience, empathy, and a lifelong love for the world around them.
Guided by Montessori
We believe every child has an innate desire to learn, grow, and succeed when given the time, guidance, and environment they need to flourish. Rather than expecting children to fit into a predetermined mold, we choose to observe, encourage, and nurture each child's unique strengths.
OUR GREATEST HOPE
That families see more than academic growth.
They see a child who is confident, capable, kind, and genuinely excited to learn. A child who comes home with muddy boots, joyful discoveries, and stories worth sharing.
What We Hope Every Child Takes With Them
-
CONFIDENCE
Children are trusted, encouraged to trust themselves, and given the freedom to grow.
-
CURIOSITY
Wonder, ask questions, have meaningful experiences, and joyful discovery inspire learning every day.
-
RESILIENCE
Real experiences in nature help children solve problems, embrace challenges, adapt, and persevere.
-
KINDNESS
Strong relationships help children learn to care for themselves, others, and the natural world.
-
LOVE LEARNING
The confidence and curiosity to keep a deep connection with life-long learning from preschool and beyond
2026/2027 School Year
OPEN ENROLLMENT
Meet Our Growing Team
Emalee has been an early childhood educator for almost ten years now. She has worked in many settings. In the last five years, she found the Montessori pedagogy, which comes from Maria Montessori of Italy. She is formally AMI Montessori-trained with a Master’s in early childhood education.
Emalee Fisher, Owner & Director
Nick is our Assistant Director and Guide. His background includes a long list of nature-based experiences. In his younger days Nick was very active in the Boy Scouts of America earning the rank of Eagle Scout. He has participated in the European Intercamp held in Germany, led camping excursions in the deserts of Saudi Arabia, staffed on a scout ranch in the Rocky Mountains and is a member of the Order of the Arrow. He later served in the United States Army and began a new life chapter in formal Childhood Education after the birth of his son. Nicks experiences make him a key part in helping your children explore the wildwoods on our 2 acres.
Nick, Assistant Director & Guide
Leslie will be a Guide alongside Nick. Her passion for early childhood education is evident in everything she does. She approaches challenges with a constructive mindset and brings an infectious enthusiasm to her teaching. For nearly a decade she has been a dedicated, well loved, and deeply valued educator in Woodland. Our community is so incredibly fortunate to have her expertise, energy, and warmth.
Leslie, Guide
Kind words about our staff.
"Emalee was truly foundational in my daughter’s preschool education. From day one, she had an incredible ability to connect with her, making her feel safe, heard, valued, and excited to learn every single day. When my daughter transitioned to a new school, her guides immediately commented on how exceptional her previous guide must have been because she was so advanced—both emotionally and academically—compared to her peers. We will always be grateful for the lasting impact Emalee had on her confidence, kindness, and love of learning."
— Sara T."Leslie demonstrated a strong work ethic and a consistently high level of energy. She is a creative thinker who actively seeks out new ideas to keep young children engaged. Her primary focus in the classroom was always on creating positive, active learning experiences, and she put a great deal of effort into making sure her lessons were interactive and welcoming for the
children. She actively sought out a partnership with the elementary school to ensure students were leaving with kindergarten readiness."
— Ashley K."Leslie has an extraordinary ability to build strong, meaningful relationships with students, parents, and fellow educators. She prioritizes open communication and partnership, ensuring that every family feels heard, and every student feels supported."
— Alyssa H.
We believe every child has an innate desire to learn, grow, and succeed when they are given the time, guidance, and environment they need to flourish. Rather than expecting children to fit into a predetermined mold, we choose to follow the child by observing, encouraging, and nurturing each child's unique strengths.
Keep Exploring Growing Montessori
