Who We Are
Every parent hopes to find a place where their child feels safe, valued, and excited to learn. At Foothills Montessori School, we have spent more than 25 years creating exactly that kind of community. Here, your child is known as an individual, encouraged to follow their curiosity, and trusted to grow into a confident, capable person. As one of the first Montessori schools in the Las Vegas Valley, we have helped generations of students discover their strengths, build independence, and develop a genuine love of learning. As our School Leader, Danna Karlavage shares, “Children don’t need more pressure; they need the right environment.” This belief continues to shape every classroom, every relationship, and every experience at our school.
Parent Reviews
Jackie A.
March 5, 2025
My son is learning so much and loves coming to class every morning.
Ryan J.
December 5, 2024
Amazing classroom experience. Teachers are wonderful. The kids are all really great and the grounds and atmosphere are perfect to allow our child to grow and learn.
Jackie E.
December 4, 2024
We love that it teaches our son to love the art of learning and the process, not just meeting milestones.
Isabel G.
November 26, 2024
As a teacher, I’m genuinely happy to be here. The environment is warm and welcoming, with everyone being consistently kind and polite. It’s clear that the staff truly values collaboration and support, as they are always available to lend a hand or simply listen when needed. This sense of community makes it a joy to come to work each day and ensures that everyone feels respected and valued. It’s inspiring to be part of such a positive and encouraging workplace.
Our Story
When Foothills Montessori School opened its doors in 1999, our vision was simple: create a place where students could be truly seen, respected, and inspired to discover their potential.
As one of the first Montessori schools in the Las Vegas Valley, we began with just 15 students and a deep belief that education should nurture the whole child. We wanted to create more than a school. We wanted to create a community where students felt confident asking questions, taking risks, building meaningful relationships, and developing a lifelong love of learning.
Over the years, that vision resonated with families throughout Henderson and beyond. Our community grew, and in 2004, we expanded to include a Middle School program so students could continue their Montessori journey through adolescence. Today, Foothills Montessori School serves approximately 310 students from preschool through eighth grade, many of whom begin with us as young learners and remain until graduation.
We believe students are capable of more than they often realize. When they are given meaningful choices, trusted with responsibility, and supported by caring educators, they develop confidence, independence, resilience, and a strong sense of self.
At Foothills Montessori School, we are proud of our history, grateful for our community, and excited for the future. As part of the Endeavor Schools family, we are strengthened by a network of schools that share our commitment to educational excellence while preserving the unique culture and values that make Foothills special. Most of all, we are honored to be part of your child’s story.
Mission
Our mission is to help our students become confident, capable, and self-directed learners through an authentic Montessori education that nurtures academic, social, emotional, and personal growth. We create an environment where your child is respected as an individual, trusted with responsibility, and encouraged to discover their full potential.
Vision
Curriculum
What Makes Our Montessori School Different?
What makes our school special is our belief that your child is capable of far more than they may realize. Every day, our guides create opportunities for students to make choices, solve problems, take responsibility, and discover what they can accomplish on their own. As confidence grows, so does a sense of independence, resilience, and pride that extends far beyond the classroom.
Our School Leader, Danna Karlavage, explains, “At the core of our mission is the belief that children are capable of more than we often give them credit for, and when given the right environment, they rise to meet it.” This belief shapes every classroom, every lesson, and every interaction throughout our school community.
Families often tell us that Foothills feels different from the moment they walk through the door. Our multi-age classrooms create a warm, supportive environment where students learn from one another, celebrate one another’s successes, and build meaningful relationships over time. Older students naturally step into leadership roles, while younger students gain confidence from the encouragement and guidance of their peers. It creates a true sense of belonging that many families are searching for.
Another thing that sets us apart is the way our guides build relationships with each student. Because our classrooms are intentionally calm and purposeful, our educators have the time to truly understand how your child learns, what excites them, and where they may need support. Your child is never just another student in a classroom. They are known, respected, and cared for as an individual.
As Danna shares, “Because the classroom is not rushed, our guides have the space to really get to know how each student learns, what motivates them, and where they need support.” This understanding allows us to meet students where they are while helping them grow in confidence, independence, and capability.
We also believe that education should prepare your child for life, not just the next grade level. Through meaningful responsibility, thoughtful guidance, and opportunities to make real choices, students learn how to manage their time, stay focused, work through challenges, and take ownership of their learning. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, experiences that foster independence and decision-making help young people build confidence, resilience, and important self-regulation skills that support lifelong success.
Danna Karlavage reflects on these moments best, “The moments that make our team most proud are often the quiet ones, a child sticking with something that was once hard and figuring it out on their own, a student stepping in to help a peer, or a child confidently explaining their thinking.” These moments may seem small, but they represent something powerful, a young person growing into a confident, capable, and compassionate individual. That is what makes Foothills Montessori School so special.
Early Childhood Leadership & Staff
Our team brings together Montessori credentials, educational expertise, and years of classroom experience, but what families often notice first is the genuine care and respect our guides show every student. Most of our lead guides hold AMS or AMI Montessori credentials specific to their age level, or are actively completing their training, alongside degrees in education or related fields. Ongoing professional development is a priority across our school, with regular training in Montessori practice, child development, executive functioning, and classroom leadership. This commitment to continuous growth helps ensure your child is supported by knowledgeable, dedicated guides who are passionate about helping them thrive.
Danna Karlavage
School Leader, Foothills Montessori School
With 26 years of experience in education, Danna brings both deep professional expertise and the personal perspective of a Montessori parent. She finds the most joy in building a school where children are truly known, guides feel deeply supported, and curiosity, independence, and purpose are felt in every classroom.
LinkedInAchievements & Accreditations
Foothills Montessori School is an affiliate of the American Montessori Society (AMS). It is licensed by the Nevada Department of Education, reflecting our commitment to maintaining high standards in Montessori education. By the end of their first Montessori cycle, 98% of our students meet or exceed first-grade readiness benchmarks based on the Common Core Standards and Whole Child Indicators, which measure academic, social-emotional, and executive functioning development. Our students also excel academically, with 97% reading at or above a first-grade level and 98% meeting or exceeding first-grade math expectations. These outcomes reflect an educational experience that helps your child build the confidence, independence, and strong foundation needed to thrive in elementary school and beyond.
“When children are actively involved in their own learning journey rather than seen as empty vessels to be filled, they feel valued, and they leave knowing they are important.”
– Danna Karlavage, School Leader, Foothills Montessori School
Endeavor Schools is a community of more than 100 schools across the country, brought together by a shared commitment to caring for children during the most important years of their lives. Each school is thoughtfully connected to its local community, creating environments where children feel safe, supported, and encouraged to grow. Behind every classroom is a team of educators and parents who understand how much these early experiences matter and are dedicated to helping children build confidence, develop essential skills, and find a genuine love of learning. At the heart of Endeavor Schools is a focus on one simple goal: to give every child the support and foundation they need to thrive, both in school and in life.