We are trained professionals and loving individuals, who desire your child to thrive.

About Lighthouse Montessori Academy

Founded in 2013, Lighthouse Montessori Academy is an independent private school serving children from infancy through high school. Through our NIDO, CASA, ACTION, and HILLTOP divisions, we provide a comprehensive educational experience designed to cultivate capable, joyful, and purposeful learners. Children ages 0-5 attend in person at our darling Montessori House of the Children. Children ages 6-18 participate online, and once week in person in different apprenticeship settings in the community.

Maria Montessori observed that as children grow, their educational needs expand beyond the walls of the classroom. While young children thrive in a carefully prepared environment, older children and adolescents need increasing opportunities to engage with the wider community, develop practical skills, and learn from real people doing meaningful work.

In keeping with this vision, ACTION and HILLTOP students regularly participate in community-based learning experiences. Each week, students gather in a variety of settings to learn from artisans, entrepreneurs, tradespeople, community leaders, and other mentors. Through apprenticeships, field experiences, service projects, and hands-on learning, students connect academic studies to real life while developing competence, responsibility, and a sense of contribution to society.

Our approach combines authentic Montessori principles, classical scholarship, meaningful experiences, mentorship, leadership development, and real-world application. We believe education should prepare students not only for academic success, but also for meaningful lives of contribution, responsibility, and lifelong learning.

"Education must prepare not only for the university but also for life."
— Maria Montessori

School Divisions

NIDO (Infant & Toddler)

Our NIDO program serves infants and toddlers in a carefully prepared Montessori environment that supports language development, movement, independence, concentration, and the formation of healthy habits.

CASA (Early Childhood)

The CASA program serves children ages 3–6 and emphasizes literacy, mathematics, practical life, sensorial exploration, cultural studies, grace and courtesy, and independence.

Though NIDO and CASA have their own developmental objectives, they share many areas in the same environment and interact constantly.

ACTION (Elementary)

The ACTION program serves elementary-aged students through a combination of Montessori principles, project-based learning, leadership opportunities, outdoor experiences, meaningful work, and academic study. During the elementary years, students develop reasoning, imagination, responsibility, and a growing understanding of their place in the world.

HILLTOP (Middle & High School)

HILLTOP serves adolescents through a rigorous educational program that integrates literature, writing, history, philosophy, mathematics, science, foreign language, leadership, apprenticeships, service, and meaningful real-world experiences.

Consistent with Maria Montessori's vision for adolescents, students are challenged to develop intellectual depth, personal responsibility, practical competence, and active participation in society.

Academic Program

Lighthouse Montessori Academy provides coaching, instruction and learning opportunities in:

• Language Arts
• Literature
• Writing
• Mathematics
• Science
• History
• Government & Civics
• Foreign Language
• Fine Arts
• Leadership Development
• Practical Life Skills
• Sensorial Experiences
• Physical Education
• Service Learning
• Experiential Education

Our educational philosophy recognizes that true learning occurs through a combination of study, discussion, practice, observation, meaningful work, mentorship, and real-world application.

Attendance & Participation

Students are expected to participate consistently in their educational program and attend scheduled learning activities.

Attendance records are maintained for enrolled students using Transparent Classroom. Parents and school personnel work together to support student success, engagement, and progress.

Our Academic Calendar shadows the Provo School District from August to May.

NIDO and CASA function normally through the summer the months of June and July (closed only during federal holidays).

Student Records

Lighthouse Montessori Academy maintains student records as appropriate for each program through Transparent Classroom, including:

• Enrollment records
• Attendance records
• Emergency contact information
• Health and immunization documentation
• Academic records
• Progress reports and evaluations
• Educational documentation and transcripts, when applicable

Student records are maintained in accordance with school policies and applicable requirements.

Faculty & Mentorship

Students are guided by experienced educators, education coaches, mentors, specialists, and community experts who support academic growth, character development, leadership, and lifelong learning.

Our faculty and mentors provide instruction, guidance, feedback, and individualized support while fostering independence, responsibility, and a love of learning.

Maraly Frandsen has a Juris Doctorate degree, a Masters in Public Administration, International Studies, European Studies and Psychology degrees from BYU. When she decided to dedicate her time to education she attended Westminster College to earn her American Montessori Society Diploma and started Lighthouse Montessori 13 years ago.

She runs this program from her home because a loving home environment provides an optimal warm setting for young children, who can make cookies, tend the garden, find insects, feed the hens. Maraly is committed to hiring highly trained, loving professionals in the field who understand the importance of preparing the environment in careful thoughtful ways, and know how to support the physical, emotional, social and intellectual development of each child.

Parent Partnership

Parents are valued partners in the educational process. Lighthouse Montessori Academy works collaboratively with families to support each student's growth, development, and educational goals.

We believe that strong relationships between students, families, educators, and mentors create the foundation for meaningful learning and lasting success.

Admissions

Enrollment is offered on a space-available basis.

Prospective families are encouraged to schedule a visit, learn about our programs, and complete the admissions process. Student placement is determined based on developmental readiness, educational needs, available space, and program fit.

Required enrollment documentation includes:

• Student application
• Immunization records or exemption documentation
• Emergency contact information
• Previous academic records when applicable
• Additional records as necessary for student placement

School Contact Information

You can email us at hello@LighthouseMontessoriAcademy.com

Text or call (385) 237-5437