FAQs
Welcome to the Walnut Academy Community!
We are enthusiastic to introduce our school to Missoula and to connect personally
with our neighbors about the nature of our approach to education. Until we get a
chance to have that discussion, here are some answers to questions that you may
have. Thank you for your interest!
What are the ages of students eligible for enrollment at Walnut?
Our school is looking to fill a need for an alternative educational
option for students of the middle and high school level. We are happy
to speak with families whose students are on the younger end of the
middle school age spectrum to determine at which age Walnut might
be an appropriate fit for their student.
How many students does the school enroll? What is the student to teacher ratio?
Our school anticipates an enrollment cap of 10 students and will maintain a 1:5 coordinator/teacher to student ratio. Currently, we have 4 students and 1 full-time coordinator/teacher.
What is student directed learning?
Our program hinges on an ongoing conversation between the
learner, their family and the coordinators. When a family joins the
community, they bring their perspectives, goals and values. As a small
program, we are able to work collaboratively to meet the needs of each
student in our school. It is a place to grow as a whole person. Our
school will be a safe space for learners to arrive each day and be
supported in the growth work that is important to them that day. The
coordinators empower the students to direct their learning and offer
shared learning opportunities to supplement the individual agendas.
An important piece of our program is the regular collaboration with
families to help students set short- and long-term goals, allowing for
ongoing discussion to craft a program that grows with the student.
Our monthly coordinator/family meetings center around the Student
Growth Plan, which grows as the learner develops and tailors their
own learning path.
How is the school day structured?
The school day begins at 10:00 am with a morning gathering/meeting.
The group will discuss options for shared activities and individuals
check-in with coordinators about their own agenda for the day.
Although the learners are free to craft their day, there are a few
structured community moments each day. These include the morning
and closing gatherings, a movement activity (yoga, basketball, dance-
whatever the learners choose) and communal lunch and clean-up time.
From 3-5pm, the students host an “after-school program” that is
designed to be a time for students from other schools to come to
Walnut and build connection with our students.
How is Walnut Academy different from other schools in Missoula?
Walnut is a place for young people to grow- emotionally, socially, physically
and academically. It is a place where learners nurture themselves as
individuals through crafting a meaningful life in their community. Our
students are not constrained by any preconceived notions of what “school”
should be. They are free to learn in an environment where the only constraints
on their choices are those necessary to respect themselves and the communities
they belong to. This includes the Walnut community, the Missoula community and
any other community they may elect to join.
To that end, we encourage our younger students to engage in a partnership
with a non-profit of their choice and volunteer weekly with that
organization. Similarly, we ask our older students to engage in an
apprenticeship weekly. They will be supported through choosing an
area that interests them, locating an organization or person who is
willing to mentor them and developing a successful working relationship with that mentor.
Is Walnut a parent-cooperative?
Yes. We also call it a community, though, because we believe
strongly that the relationships among our families are a vital piece of
the education. We hope to know each other’s students and families.
We plan to host monthly dinners to share a meal and maybe a game
together, modeling how connection promotes communication and fills
the spiritual cups of the individuals involved. We hope to meet each
family with an open mind about their ability to commit to regular time
on campus versus other ways they may contribute. Just as our students
bring unique needs that we will embrace, our families will each also
bring their own unique needs and gifts to contribute.
How can Walnut support our student’s long-term goals?
We will support students as they prepare for the next step after Walnut, whether that plan is
to attend college, pursue a trade or any other passion they hope to
pursue. Independent living skills are modeled and promoted from day
one through our student lunch program (the students meal plan, shop
and prepare their own lunches), our volunteer and apprenticeship
program and our use of community resources, including public
transportation. Our Curriculum Coordinator has experience and enthusiasm for helping learners prepare to take the HiSet, earn their GED or pursue a high school diploma through our partnership with another local private high school that is accredited. Please contact us for more information about that exciting option.
Does a student register as a Homeschool student when they attend Walnut?
Yes. We will provide support and answers through that process and
are happy to talk more with families about the interplay between our
program and services that may still be accessed through the public
school system and the University of Montana.
What is the tuition for Walnut Academy?
Our tuition for the 2023-2024 school year is comparable, yet slightly less than other local private schools and can be pro-rated to accommodate later enrollments. We offer both full-time and part-time options and scholarships are available on a first-come, first-served basis with demonstrated financial need. The application and scholarship packet is available by clicking below. Please reach out to discuss options. We will endeavor to make our program accessible to all students who would benefit from this option.