Pine Hollow Montessori
Coming Fall 2026
Pine Hollow Montessori is a hybrid, nature-rich Montessori classroom experience for homeschool families in the Lawrence, KS area. It provides an educational setting grounded in curiosity, collaboration, and connection. Currently serving children ages 6-12, it is an interdisciplinary program that is built on human tendencies and supports the whole child.
Montessori Teaching Practices
Children are naturally inquisitive and gravitate toward new understanding. We use authentic Montessori lessons & materials, adapting to the environment we work in. An open ended 3-hour work cycle allows children to absorb themselves deeply in their work, and at their own pace. This model allows a natural flow to learning and provides rich opportunities for peer interaction, executive functioning, self agency, and independence.
Multi-Sensory Approach
When we engage the senses, we engage the mind. Lessons are rich and engaging, involving the senses and designed to draw children in.
Embedded Accommodations
Small group sizes and a flexible learning environment allows for maximum autonomy and attention. Children receive individual lessons and have the ability to learn at their own pace, following their own interests.
A Relational Approach
Underneath every behavior is a feeling, and underneath every feeling is a need. We view behavior as communication, and undesirable behaviors as the only available option a child had in that moment for lack of a better skill/tool. We do not employ behaviorist or compliance based practice, and instead focus on nervous system regulation and engaging the child in collaborative problem solving (see https://livesinthebalance.org/ to learn more of Dr. Ross Greene’s CPS model) . We use declarative language and model skills we hope students will internalize.
Access to Nature
Seamless integration between indoors and outdoors. Students have freedom to move between indoor and outdoor spaces. Nature is full of opportunities to engage the senses. Fresh air, sunshine, rich textures, vibrant colors, smells, and space for large gross motor movement are regulating for the system and wholesome for the soul.
Child-Led Learning
Children are born learners. Our job is to trust them where they are in this moment in their learning process. We practice keen observation and support them with strategically timed lessons and an environment that sparks curiosity, stimulates imagination, and opens opportunities for exploration.
Freedom of Movement
Supporting children’s need to move, touch, wiggle, run, climb, and spin.
Mixed-Age Grouping
Children learn and develop at different paces. By grouping mixed ages together, we set up an environment in which children can connect with others by skill level rather than age and engage in peer-based learning. This model greatly enhances confidence, self-mastery, community, ownership, and social skills.
Parent Involvement
We are family-focused and love our parents! We hope to grow a vibrant learning community that supports the family and serves the child. Although we are a drop-off program, we offer parent volunteer opportunities and supplemental community events.
Want to learn more? Add your email to our list & receive updates!
Program Highlights
A hybrid, outdoor Montessori homeschool program for children ages 6-12.
Outdoor, nature-filled, sensory rich
Authentic Montessori lessons seamlessly integrating with your homeschool schedule
Small group sizes (5:1)
Neuro-affirming and trauma informed
Relational approach, focusing on nervous system regulation
Drawing heavily from Ross Greene’s model of Collaborative Problem Solving
Schedule
Subject to change
Tuesday, Wednesday (8:30-1:30)
We listen to the pulse of the class and follow a general flow, rather than a strict adherence to the clock. The following is a sample of our daily rhythm:
8:30 arrival
8:30-11:30 open work cycle, including lessons, freedom of movement between indoors and outdoors
11:30 lunch, movement outdoors
12:15 rest & reset, open work
1:30 pickup
Questions you may have…
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Good question! We are currently seeking a host, do you have any connections? We are hoping to land within a 20 minute radius of Lawrence, KS. Fill out the Interest Form if you have any ideas, or want to weigh in on the matter.
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You will need to registered as a homeschool student. We can provide guidance on completing these steps, but you will be responsible for notifying your district.
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“Off days” are excellent opportunities for followup work, excursions, and community engagement! We will collaborate with ideas and guidance as appropriate to create a seamless experience that meets the needs of your child.
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We provide an authentic AMI Montessori curriculum, adapted to our homeschooling environment. We cover math, biology, geography, geometry, history, language, music, and art.
Will you be our host?
Pine Hollow Learning is extending a call to help bring our program to life! Our most immediate need is to secure a location for roughly 10-15 students. We are looking within a 20 minute radius of Lawrence, KS. Our needs in a space are modest; ideally abundant outdoor access with varied terrain (trees, fields, creeks, etc.) as well as a small, basic indoor space for lessons and materials (1-2 rooms). It could be as simple as a spare room over a garage, a farm, or a community space looking to expand programming. We are open to lease, barter, or any other creative arrangement we could work out.
Please reach out, all ideas are received.

