More About The Learning Tree Montessori

Welcome to The Learning Tree Montessori, we are pleased that you have selected our program for your child. We take our responsibility as your child's guide in education and personal development seriously. This information is designed to answer any questions you may have and also serve as a reference to our background, training and professional development.

Background and general information

The Learning Tree Montessori was founded out of the sole need to help develop the love for learning to be a lifelong process in all our children. Katie Olson is the Owner and Directress. She received her B.S. from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in Psychology/Biology, during this period of time she taught inorganic chemistry labs, worked in a polymer lab for the University and did her work study with the Physician Assistants at The VA Hospital. After graduation she served 2 years in AmeriCorps (1. National AIDS Fund AmeriCorps/ 2. National Multicultural Alliance AmeriCorps for Teachers). Moving to Alaska in 1997, she decided it was time to return to school. She was accepted into the Masters of Arts in Education program at the University of San Francisco focusing on secondary science and math. She received her Curriculum and Instruction Training from The Exploratorium Science Center in San Francisco. After completing 1 1/2 years of studies she returned home to finish her Masters as an independent study. She was employed at The Imaginarium Science Center in Anchorage for a year teaching/training and traveling to the Bush to spread her love of science. She opened The Learning Tree Montessori in 2003 in Delta Junction and moved the business to Soldotna in 2006. Katie is a certified Montessori directress with her credential in Preschool/Kindergarten ages 2.8-6 years old.  Katie is also a member of the American Montessori Society and attends yearly conferences to insure we maintain the best Montessori program in our area.

I am not only a teacher, but an awakener