Primary Program
The Primary Program is the foundation of the Montessori educational system.
Our program offers long, uninterrupted work periods that allow children to fully engage in tasks that they have chosen for themselves, under the careful, individual guidance of their teachers.
Montessori children thus have repeated opportunities to explore materials, become engrossed in their activities, and experience regular states of concentrated focus.
Montessori learning materials are scientifically designed to teach multiple skills and to enable children to problem solve, using their hands and senses. Thus they can independently repeat activities and achieve mastery.
Join Us! Please visit the enrollment section of our website for rates, program hours, and detailed information on how to apply.
Meet the Primary Team
Miss Pam – Beowawe Classroom Lead Teacher
What is your experience and training and how did you come to our school?
I was born in Guatemala and moved to the United States at the age of 12. Reno has always been my home away from home.
I knew early in life I wanted to work with children, and when I started seeking childcare for my eldest daughter, I fell in love with Maria Montessori’s work.
I have been a primary teacher in the Beowawe classroom for the last 12 years and before that I was an assistant for three years. I am committed to this method/philosophy because of the profound respect Dr. Montessori had for children and their developmental stages. I graduated from the Montessori Institute of San Diego in 2009 with an AMI diploma (ages 2-6).
In addition to teaching, I find it rewarding to serve as an interpreter and translator for our Hispanic families. I provide parent education nights and offer my expertise as an advocate for their needs and rights.
Why do you believe in our public charter Montessori school?
Our school is able to successfully serve approximately 425 students and their families. We believe that all children should have access to a Montessori education regardless of their socioeconomic, racial or cultural background. I feel grateful to be part of the HDMS community.
Miss Kelly – Lahontan Classroom Lead Teacher
What is your experience and training and how did you come to our school?
A love of music brought me to study music education as an undergraduate, but as soon as I entered the classroom as a public school music teacher, early childhood development grabbed my interest. As I completed a graduate degree in Early Childhood Education, I focused my studies on Montessori and became more and more convinced by the Montessori philosophy and method.
Before coming to High Desert Montessori, I worked for two public Montessori programs in the United States and ran nonprofit Montessori in Oaxaca, Mexico. I taught Orff-Schulwerk music in a Montessori magnet school in Denver for 7 years. I completed my AMI Montessori training at MINT in Dallas, I was a guide at Lumin Education, an AMI charter school in Dallas, Texas. My husband and I left Texas to open a nonprofit Montessori in Oaxaca, Mexico, where I was the guide in the Montessori Children’s House for 3 years and an administrator/fundraiser for 2 more.
I am a dedicated, experienced, bilingual (Spanish/English), Montessori guide who is passionate about equity and peace education. While I have taught a variety of subjects over my 20+ year teaching career including English, Music, yoga, and Educational Methods (at a university in Mexico), Montessori is my true passion. I am absolutely thrilled that my two children and I are part of the High Desert Montessori community.
Why do you believe in our public charter Montessori school?
I am a strong advocate for public Montessori schools because I believe that Montessori education should be available for all. Montessori is unique in the way that it respectfully encourages each individual to achieve their fullest potential in all areas of life. I believe this amazing educational approach should be accessible to every child and family.
Miss Claudia – Peavine Classroom Lead Teacher
What is your experience and training and how did you come to our school?
I knew I had a calling for teaching since I was a little girl with “school” being my favorite game to play. I have been working with children since the age of 16. I was first exposed to the Montessori Pedagogy at the age of 22; when I first began to work as an Assistant in a AMI Accredited Montessori School in a Primary Classroom in Marin County, California. After observing the transformation from the children, I decided to continue my education to become a Primary Montessori Guide. I attended the Montessori Institute of San Diego where I obtained my AMI Diploma. After graduation, I moved back to Northern California where I began my journey as a Lead Guide in a Primary Classroom. I spent the last two years teaching in Napa; which was a magnificent learning experience. I recently moved to Reno to begin a new chapter of my life together with my husband. Due to my strong belief in the work of Maria Montessori, I visited and observed a classroom at HDMS. The calm, loving community is what attracted me the most about this school. While observing, it was evident that children were enjoying the hours of uninterrupted work and together with the grace and courtesy from the adults; children were at peace. I look forward to a wonderful adventure together with all the families at HDMS.
Why do you believe in our public charter Montessori school?
I strongly believe that all children highly benefit from the Montessori Method. After working in the Private Sector for the past 5 years, I am very thrilled to know that I will be offering the guidance and assistance to more children regardless of their financial background. I am excited to know families, but mostly children, will have the opportunity to experience a loving Montessori Environment.
Miss Lisa – Pine Nut Classroom Lead Teacher
What is your experience and training and how did you come to our school?
My name is Lisa Kapellas and I am a primary teacher in the Toquima Classroom. I have a BA in Anthropology from the University of Colorado at Boulder and a MEd in Early Childhood Special Education from UNR. I have completed both the Primary and Lower Elementary Montessori training programs at the Montessori Education Center of the Rockies through the American Montessori Society (AMS).
Why do you believe in our public charter Montessori school?
Throughout my time working in Montessori schools, I have worked as an administrative assistant, a classroom assistant and a lead teacher in the Front Range of Colorado and the Bay Area. When I moved to Truckee, I was aware there were no Montessori schools and looked toward Reno. I happily found HDMS which was not only a Montessori school but also, a public charter.
Miss Ellie – Toquima Classroom Lead Teacher
What is your experience and training and how did you come to our school?
I obtained a bachelors in Psychology and French from the University of Arizona in 2010. I then traveled through Africa and Europe working with children in schools and orphanages. The trip was pretty life changing and confirmed my passion for working with little ones. I moved to France at the end of 2011 and completed a Masters there in International Education and Development. After getting married and having 2 (of 3) children I began teaching 2nd grade in an International Elementary School in a program for bilingual students. The barriers I found in traditional education pushed me to find something more suited to the individual needs of the child and in 2017 I discovered Montessori. I then began a 3 year journey of obtaining my Montessori and Early Childhood diploma which, after a big move across the world in 2018, eventually brought me to High Desert Montessori. During my internship in 2019, I was able to work in a variety of classrooms which provided wonderful insight and practical tools for working with each unique child. It also further convinced me that the Montessori method is absolute genius and is such a beautiful way to guide children in their development. I am now grateful to be teaching in the Toquima classroom this year and look forward to continuing to be a part of this great community.
Why do you believe in our public charter Montessori school?
I truly believe that quality Montessori education should be accessible to all children. The fact that High Desert Montessori makes that a reality is like a dream come true. With so few Montessori Charter schools in existence, I really feel like we have a rare gem here at HDMS, and I’ve been able to witness first hand how magical it can be!
Miss Casey – Toquima Classroom Co-Teacher
What is your experience and training and how did you come to our school?
I completed my undergraduate degree in K-8 Education in 2009, and then later went on to get a Master’s in Educational Leadership. Along my journey I also obtained teaching endorsements in TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language) and Gifted and Talented Education.
Prior to coming to HDMS, I had the privilege of teaching preschool and elementary students in Seoul, South Korea! I also spent many years teaching in WCSD as a middle school teacher, Gifted and Talented Teacher and EL Teacher. My love for education also extends beyond the early years as well, having previously been an instructor for TMCC and holding classes, workshops, and training for parents and teachers on a variety of topics.
My sister, Miss Ellie, actually introduced me to Montessori which pushed me to research and study more about the methodology. This past year was spent working to create a homeschool Montessori environment for my little ones, and I’m thrilled now to be joining the HDMS family!
Why do you believe in our public charter Montessori school?
HDMS is able to provide an educational experience that is individualized and meets the needs of each child, which isn’t something you can find at all schools. It’s a place where a strong foundation is laid and the love of learning cultivated.
Miss Chrissy – Tuscarora Classroom Lead Teacher
What is your experience and training and how did you come to our school?
I have a B.A. in environmental science and ecology and a Master’s degree in education. I earned my Montessori primary diploma from Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) in 2012. I came to High Desert looking for an individualized and whole child approach to education for my two daughters. I have been a part of the High Desert Montessori community for over 10 years now.
Why do you believe in our public charter Montessori school?
I love working with children; each day is different and new. I enjoy seeing each child reach his or her true potential through the Montessori curriculum in a public charter school setting. I believe all children should have access to a Montessori education regardless of their background.
Miss Maureen – Snowflower Classroom Lead Teacher
What is your experience and training and how did you come to our school?
I have worked with children for most of my life. After teaching special education for 18 years, I decided to join HDMS as the next leg of my own educational journey. The idea of learning a new (to me) method of supporting the growth and education of our children is exciting!
Why do you believe in our public charter Montessori school?
I believe all students have the right to participate in quality educational experiences and take an active roll in those learning experiences. HDMS creates a learning environment that helps students become independent learners who take pride in their education.
Miss Noemi – Pine Nut Classroom Assistant
What is your experience and training and how did you come to our school?
I am currently studying elementary education in college. I came to High Desert Montessori thanks to Miss Martha in Candelaria because when I was doing my observations for my 203 education class she saw how interested, how polite and friendly I was and she asked me if I would like to work here, I looked at her really shocked and I told her really? I could work here even though I don’t have my associates degree yet? She said I could and I was really happy because just by observing that classroom I saw how wonderful the school is.
Why do you believe in our public charter Montessori school?
I believe in our public charter Montessori school because I see the happiness in the children’s face. I’m not in a classroom but the few times that I have been put in one even if it’s for an hour I see how engaged the students are to learn. The learning methods that are used are very different than with public education and coming from one, if I would have had the chance to ask my parents if they could put me in a Montessori school, I would have. I also saw how my younger sister was being taught in elementary and she struggled a lot to understand things, especially with Math. I had the opportunity to see a teaching method used for math, and it made it seem so simple. I like how the children have choices on what work they would like to do and how hands on the teaching methods are.
Miss Ana – Peavine Classroom Assistant
What is your experience and training and how did you come to our school?
I love working in education and have worked at a number of schools here in Reno and the Bay area. I heard about HDMS through Ms. Stephanie and absolutely love it here.
Why do you believe in our public charter Montessori school?
After raising 3 boys and being a part of my 7 grandchildren’s education I see how important quality education and school choice is. The way a Montessori classroom runs is so unique and beautiful.
Miss Allison – Toquima Classroom Assistant
What is your experience and training and how did you come to our school?
I have a background in environmental science, botany field work and managing research projects. I taught science for 2 years at a charter school in Colorado, before moving to Reno in 2014. Since moving to Reno I have worked for an environmental non profit organization, organized a free forest school homeschool/preschool group, and volunteered with hospice. My daughter is in the primary program, and I am enjoying being part of the primary program as an assistant.
Why do you believe in our public charter Montessori school?
I believe that High Desert Montessori School offers an wonderful opportunity for children to grow their Self-Esteem and self- reliance. Every day I am impressed by the dedication of the people I work with.
Miss Sunny – Lahontan Classroom Assistant
What is your experience and training and how did you come to our school?
I graduated in 2014 with a degree in Early Childhood Education. I started working at HDMS in the Fall of 2014. My son, Elliott, had been attending HDMS since 2013. Montessori was a teaching style I had learned about while going to school for my degree. I loved that I could work at the same school as my son.
Why do you believe in our public charter Montessori school?
I believe in HDMS because it is very accepting of all families. I believe in HDMS because I have seen how this learning style can greatly affect children to be independent, life long learners.
Miss Jenni – Tuscarora Classroom Assistant
What is your experience and training and how did you come to our school?
My experience and training with kiddos began with my first job in high school with the City of Sparks. This lead me to pursue to a Bachelor Degree in Human Development and Family Studies. I’ve worked with children between the ages of birth to 17 in many capacities. My favorite being my job onboard different cruise lines!
I also ran an infant/toddler home daycare.
Why do you believe in our public charter Montessori school?
After becoming a parent I realized even more so how important education is and wanted the best all around place for my kiddo to attend. We enjoy the philosophy and intent behind Montessori and feel lucky to be a part of the HDMS community.
Miss Jocelin – Snowflower Classroom Assistant
What is your experience and training and how did you come to our school?
I worked with Maureen in an Early Childhood Program for several years.
Why do you believe in our public charter Montessori school?
I believe in following the child.