Northern Nevada Wildflower Montessori

As a tuition-free public PROPOSED charter school seeking authorization from the State Public Charter School Authority (SPCSA), NNWM will be open to all students across Reno, Nevada. The school’s primary focus will be on serving students in the surrounding neighborhood, with a particular emphasis on supporting those identified in the SPCSA’s demographic needs assessment. This includes students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, those who are considered at risk, English language learners, children enrolled in 1 or 2 star schools, and students with special educational needs. NNWM also aims to reflect and celebrate the rich identities, backgrounds, and experiences of the local community. If located in the 89502, 89512, or 89431 zip code, the school is well-positioned to serve a population where approximately 40%-50% of residents identify with Latin American heritage, alongside students from African American, Asian, and other backgrounds.

Mira Debs, Yale education professor, and Katie Brown write, “The most urgent issue in American public education is to ensure that students living in poverty, many of whom are students of color, receive an outstanding education. Existing research suggests that the Montessori Method has the potential to contribute through schools that respect the developmental needs and cultural backgrounds of all children.” Montessori education can be especially beneficial for low-income learners and English Language Learners (ELL students) because of its unique, student-centered approach. Some benefits of Montessori education include:

• Individualized Learning
• Self-directed Learning through Student Choice
• Learning Beyond the Classroom through Community Engagement
• Hands-On, Concrete Learning
• Language-Rich Environment
• Focus on Independence and Confidence
• Peer Mentorship through Mixed-Age Classrooms
• Culturally Responsive & Respectful Environments

NNWM is committed to providing an inclusive, high-quality education for all students, particularly those who may not otherwise have access to a Montessori education. By implementing the Montessori method, the school aims to offer a personalized, hands-on learning experience that meets the unique needs of low-income learners and English Language Learners. Through its focus on individualized instruction, cultural responsiveness, and community engagement, NNWM will empower students to develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed academically and beyond. As we strive to create an educational environment that reflects the diversity of the local community, we are confident that the Montessori approach will play a vital role in helping all students reach their full potential.

We envision independent learners who are connected to their community and natural environment, equipped to make positive contributions to the world, and inspired to be lifelong learners. Our commitment is to create a learning space that elevates student leaders, encourages humility, and fosters a spirit of service, preparing them to lead with integrity and make a meaningful positive impact in the world.

Our school will serve as a hub of community engagement and partnership, where children, families, and Teacher Leaders collaborate to create an accessible, dynamic learning environment that inspires and empowers all students to thrive. We envision a joyful learning community where student voice and choice drive inquiry-based projects, hands-on learning, and the development of deep relationships with one another, their families, and the world around them.

Through parent choice in education, we empower families and cultivate a safe and enriching environment where students excel academically, develop leadership skills, and become changemakers in their communities. Through self-directed learning, hands-on experiences, and a commitment to lifelong learning, our students will become global citizens who contribute meaningfully to an interconnected and compassionate world.