Different On Purpose
Founded in Prescott, Arizona, Mountain Oak Community School began with a simple belief — that education should be personal, purposeful, and connected to the real world.
As a nonprofit microschool serving Pre-K through 8th grade, we combine academic excellence with character development, outdoor learning, and meaningful community engagement.
Our Vision
We are a model community learning school where every student discovers their unique gifts, cultivates intellectual curiosity and creative expression, and emerges as a confident leader contributing meaningfully to a more just, innovative, and sustainable world.
Our Mission
Mountain Oak Community School (PreK-8) nurtures the whole child — head, heart, and hands — through differentiated, inspired pedagogy. We integrate arts and creativity, AgriScience, S.T.E.A.M., project-based learning, and thoughtful innovation to honor each student’s unique journey. We cultivate the intellectual curiosity, emotional intelligence, and practical capability needed to thrive as lifelong learners and engaged citizens ready to navigate and shape an ever-changing world.
Our Educational Philosophy
Learning That Comes Alive
We believe children learn best when they are active participants in their education. Our multi-age classrooms encourage mentorship and collaboration, while project-based learning connects academic subjects to real-world applications.
Through outdoor education and community partnerships, students develop curiosity, creativity, and compassion — the foundations of lifelong learning.
- Collaborative & Multi-Age Learning
- Outdoor, Nature-Based Education
- Project & Inquiry-Driven Curriculum
- Whole-Child Development
Our Values
What We Believe In
Educational Innovation
Constantly evolving to meet each learner’s needs.
Whole-Child Development
Nurturing minds, hearts, and character equally.
Community Connection
Learning through local partnerships and civic involvement.
Environmental Stewardship
Using nature as our classroom and inspiration.
Family Partnership
Parents as collaborators, not just observers.
How we are Different
Small Class Sizes
8–12 students per class. Individual attention and strong teacher-student relationships in intimate learning groups.
Outdoor & Nature-Based Learning
Lessons extend into Prescott’s natural environment, fostering curiosity and environmental stewardship.
Community-Integrated Projects
Real-world learning through partnerships with local businesses, organizations, and civic initiatives.
Personalized Educational Pathways
Tailored learning plans designed around each student’s strengths, needs, and interests.
Character & Social-Emotional Development
Building empathy, resilience, and confidence alongside academic achievement.
Arts & Science Integration
Blending creativity and critical thinking through hands-on projects that unite artistic expression with scientific discovery.
Testimonial
Meet Our Team
Dr. Timothy J. Harrington
Interim Director/Board President
Carmen Alvey
SPED Coordinator
Ryan Brown
Board Member
Peter Rennick
Board Vice-President
