Wildflower Foundation

Description: 

Wildflower is an ecosystem of decentralized Montessori micro-schools that support children, teachers, and parents. Wildflower gives all children and families the opportunity to choose high quality, beautiful learning environments as they follow life’s unfolding journey. They also have a “Teacher Leaders” program, and believe that achieving equity in education is possible when schools are owned and operated by people representative of the communities from which they emerge. With this understanding rooting their purpose, Wildflower focuses its support on Black, Indigenous, Teachers of Color in attaining the necessary skills and resources to successfully open and lead Wildflower Montessori schools that serve their community and act as vehicles for educational equity.

The program serves Teacher Leaders, both experienced and new to the profession, interested in opening one-room Montessori schools. They also serve children as young as 6 weeks up through high school.

For emerging Teacher Leaders the program is designed as a community of practice and cohort model. Teacher Leaders engages in the process of starting their school with the support of a School Startup Guide. Wildflower schools spread quickly. 

For families and children our programs take place across their 6 Minnesota schools. Four are located in the Twin Cities area with a fifth to soon exist. The Sixth is located in Montevideo. 

For Emerging Teacher Leaders, our programming typically starts in the fall, however much of the exploration is independent and the timeline depends on the Emerging Teacher Leader’s teaching experience, understanding of the community, and funding needs. For families and children, schools may be open year round or September through June. 

The Montessori Method emerges from the belief that children are naturally good, peaceful and curious and that in the context of a supportive environment, all children engage instinctively in the work of self-construction. With appropriate freedoms and the right support, children follow their interests to create rich learning experiences, form peaceful communities, and support and learn from one another. The Wildflower Foundation is dedicated to the preparation of environments and ourselves to support the development of children. 

Contact: Daniela Vasan 

Email: daniela.vasan@wildflowerschool.org