In the summer of 1980, Pioneer Montessori School emerged as a vision, born from the passion of a dedicated teacher and a close-knit group of parents who shared a commitment to offering their children the finest educational experience. The fall of that transformative year saw the inauguration of the school with 18 students, ages 2 through 5. Karen Oswalt Levy, the visionary educator, taught those students in the one-room classroom during the day and slept in the upstairs loft at night, laying the foundation for the timeless tradition that is Pioneer Montessori School in the Wood River Valley. The spring of 1981 marked the graduation of four remarkable kindergarteners, symbolic of the seeds of potential sown and the promise of a bright academic journey ahead.

From those humble beginnings, Pioneer Montessori School has blossomed into an educational haven, transcending the confines of its initial single Primary classroom. In 2001, Liza Weekes applied to the school for a job as a Primary assistant. However, during the interview, the Board asked if she would ever consider starting a Toddler room. Liza began training in Colorado two weeks later and became the first Montessori toddler lead teacher in the Wood River Valley. Little did anyone at the time what an indelible impact Liza would make on the school and all of the families who attended during her time here. Liza, alongside the cherished Miss Rena, led the toddler room for many glorious years, creating bright beginnings and strong foundations for many students in our valley.

Simultaneously, as the school was growing to include younger students, we were growing older as well with the introduction of the elementary program. Tom Downey, who was then Head of School, began training in the summer of 2003 and took over running the Elementary classes. In 2005, with Tom’s focus on Elementary, the Board determined that the school was in need of a dedicated and respected Montessorian to run the school. Liza Weekes accepted the offer and served as Head of School in the afternoons and continued to run the Toddler program in the mornings. In 2007, Liza moved full-time into the role of Head of School, in which she served for 14 years. In this role, she is best remembered as an incredibly warm, genuine, caring, advocate for children and their parents. She has a deep understanding of child development and unique skill in advising parents eager to help their children reach their potential. In 2021, she gracefully transitioned to the role of Executive Director of Admissions and Development, passing the torch to the capable hands of Molly Lansing.

Molly, with her wealth of educational experience and profound commitment to further her knowledge of the Montessori principles, assumed the role of Head of School in 2022. Armed with a Masters in Bilingual Education and an Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership, Molly brings a fresh perspective to Pioneer Montessori School. Having previously served as a teacher and administrator in the Blaine County School District, her journey to Montessori was fueled by a deep-seated belief in its transformative power. Her two daughters now attend PMS, as well.

For several years during the period of growth, Pioneer Montessori School functioned in three different locations, completing several remodels to accommodate the growing student body. In March 2009, the school purchased the adjacent building on Second Avenue and realized the vision of a single, cohesive campus. The school has evolved into a thriving five-classroom institution, consistently inspiring countless students.

As we trace the trajectory of Pioneer Montessori School, from its modest origins to its current stature, the spirit of authenticity and dedication to Montessori education remains steadfast. Every day and for each of our students we strive to cultivate compassion, instill confidence and awaken consciousness for oneself, others, and the world that surrounds us. The story continues to unfold, and Pioneer Montessori School stands as a testament to the enduring power of inspired education in the Wood River Valley.