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Ask Pinyon (Part 4 of 5): The City is our Classroom
Choosing a school is one of the most personal decisions you make as a parent. We know that behind every question about safety, schedules, or transportation is a deeper question: "Is my child getting the real-world skills they’ll need to navigate life?" We believe that education shouldn't stop at the school door. That’s why we’ve created this series—consider this our "open book." No jargon, no fluff, just honest answers to the questions we hear most often from families like yo

Margaret Mc Donald
Jul 123 min read


Ask Pinyon (Part 3 of 5): Ending Morning Power Struggles — Parenting Tips from Pinyon Montessori in Salt Lake City
Choosing a school is one of the most personal decisions you make as a parent. We know that behind every question about your child's daily habits is a deeper question: "Will my child thrive here and build the confidence they need to navigate the world on their own?" As a teacher-led microschool in downtown Salt Lake City serving children ages 3–12, we believe that independence isn't something you teach—it’s something you cultivate by creating the right space for it. That’s why

Margaret Mc Donald
Jul 53 min read


Ask Pinyon (Part 2 of 5): The "T-Word"—Talking Tuition with Integrity
Choosing a school is one of the most personal decisions you make as a parent. We know that behind every inquiry about schedules or curriculum is a deeper question: "Will my child truly thrive?" We believe that transparency is the first step toward building a real community. That’s why we’ve created this series—consider this our "open book." No jargon, no fluff, just honest answers to the questions we hear most often from families like yours. — Margaret & Brandi Founding Teac

Margaret Mc Donald
Jun 283 min read


Ask Pinyon (Part 1 of 5): How Does a Mixed-Age Classroom Actually Work?
Choosing a school is one of the most personal decisions you make as a parent. We know that behind every inquiry about tuition, schedules, or curriculum is a deeper question: "Will my child truly thrive here?" We believe that transparency is the first step toward building a real community. That’s why we’ve started this series—consider this our "open book." No jargon, no fluff, just honest answers to the questions we hear most often from families like yours. Warmly, Margaret &

Margaret Mc Donald
Jun 203 min read


A Few Spots Left: Will You Join Our School Family This Fall?
Ready to find the perfect school home for your child? If you're looking for a community that values both individual growth and a supportive environment, we have a few spots remaining for the 2026-27 school year! Embrace friendship and love always! Your Child’s Spot is Waiting We are currently crafting balanced, mixed-age classrooms for the 2026-27 school year to ensure every student finds a supportive home. Spots are filling fast due to this intentional approach —so if you're

Margaret Mc Donald
Jun 81 min read


Our Year of LOVE: A Heartfelt Reflection on the Pinyon Community
As our school year comes to a close, we pause with full hearts to reflect on the theme that has guided every interaction, lesson, and moment this year: LOVE. This wasn't just a word on a poster; it was a living, breathing principle, beautifully demonstrated through both grand gestures and the smallest acts of grace. A heartwarming spectrum: love in every color of the rainbow. Love showed up in our shared experiences—from taking in the inspiration of the UMFA’s newest sculptur

Margaret Mc Donald
May 172 min read


Celebrating the Hearts Behind Pinyon: Teacher Appreciation Week
Disclaimer! "Writing about ourselves is always the hardest part, but after just wrapping up our annual Self-Reflection for the Board, we’re pausing to celebrate the dedication that drives our teacher-led school." Margaret & Brandi At our school, "teacher" means so much more than a job title—it’s the heart and soul that builds our community every day. This Teacher Appreciation Week, we’re proud to celebrate our co-founders, Brandi Allen and Margaret Mc Donald. Happy Teacher Ap

Margaret Mc Donald
May 31 min read


Pinyon Montessori: The Power of Teacher-Led, Community-Rooted Micro-Schools
Pinyon Montessori is re-imagining education in Salt Lake City with a model built on intentionality, expertise, and community connection. We are proud to be a micro-school within the national Wildflower Network, offering a unique, human-scaled learning environment that focuses deeply on the whole child. Our Elementary students are out spreading the word about Pinyon Montessori. Find our signage, and scan to learn more about Pinyon! #PinyonMontessori #MicroSchool #CommunityRoo

Margaret Mc Donald
Apr 252 min read


Montessori Curriculum Series Part 5 Cultural: Inspiring Awe & Global Citizenship
We’ve reached the final piece of our journey through the incredible scope of the Montessori curriculum, and it culminates in perhaps the most awe-inspiring area: Cultural Studies. If you’ve ever wondered how a young child can develop a profound appreciation for their place in the universe, a keen eye for scientific inquiry, and a deep-seated respect for all humanity—this is how. A World in Their Hands 🌍 ✨ #MontessoriEducation #CosmicEducation #GlobalCitizen More Than Just Su

Margaret Mc Donald
Mar 282 min read


Fundraiser Update & How You Can Help Us Reach Our Goal! 🌟
Wow, time truly flies when you're making Montessori Magic! Since kicking off our birthday fundraiser on November 13th, we've been absolutely blown away by your incredible generosity. Thanks to all of you, we've already passed the one-quarter mark of our $4,000 goal for our dream items! A massive THANK YOU to everyone who has already donated—your support truly plants a seed for our children's future and and enhances their learning environment. We Need One Final Push! We are o

Margaret Mc Donald
Feb 82 min read


Equity Equals Opportunity at Pinyon
By Donda Hartsfield Carol 1 flourishes in school settings that are in alignment with her needs. She needs teachers that can take time...
dondalion88
May 23, 20244 min read
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