Walnut Farm Montessori School

Walnut Farm Montessori School is the only American Montessori Society accredited school in the state of Arkansas. Founded in 1991, Walnut Farm welcomes children ages 18 months through elementary from diverse backgrounds, abilities, religions, and cultures. Our school community includes families from Northwest Arkansas and Southwest Missouri.

In addition to a full Montessori curriculum, WFMS provides a variety of prepared learning environments, enrichment programs, and activities to our students. Our toddler communities have outdoor areas where children may choose lessons and play as well as a playground suited for their developmental needs. Our primary students enjoy an outdoor classroom environment, Spanish and Music instruction. Our elementary students develop a strong foundation in literacy and numeracy while also exploring geography, history, earth science, and biology in self-paced individual and small group lessons. Elementary students enjoy Spanish, P.E., Naturalist, Art and Music classes. Our physical space supports students social and emotional development: the Elementary backyard has a large, terraced patio where the students often take their work or enjoy an outdoor lunch. There is also a labyrinth to walk mindfully and a Gaga pit for vigorous play.  Both primary and Elementary students learn to grow and harvest foods and care for animals in our Naturalist outdoor classroom; they also enjoy outdoor recreation on our hiking trails and natural playground.  Our students connect with our broader community through the schools' participation in community celebrations and, in the upper grades, through volunteerism. This year, elementary students ran donation drives for a local shelter as well as for refugees from Ukraine. In addition, our elementary students participate in monthly trips in our region to enhance their classroom studies and appreciation of the arts.