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Details

Service Provider Name: Ashby Family Ranch LLP
Service Provider Number: 17638
Address: 4728 W 11900 S
Contact: Rachell Ashby
Phone: (385) 472-8443
Policy Note: This provider is approved by CFEF as an Education Instruction Alternative. USBE establishes and regulates requirements for qualifying private schools but does not regulate Education Instruction Alternatives as private schools. CFEF determines whether an Education Instruction Alternative is eligible to participate and has final authority over its approval and continued participation. Parents are responsible for determining whether an Education Instruction Alternative and its services are appropriate for their child’s individual educational needs. If applicable, punch passes, traveling shows, VIP packages, private tours, and birthday party packages are not eligible expenses. Please refer to the Fund Use Guide for additional information about Education Instruction Alternatives.

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Farm-Based Montessori Education for Hands-On Learning

Montessori at the Homestead is a farm-based Montessori learning environment located in Payson, Utah. Established in 2018, the program combines traditional Montessori principles with hands-on experiences in nature, animal care, gardening, and homesteading. Its approach emphasizes whole-child development, encouraging children to grow physically, socially, emotionally, and cognitively through meaningful activities and exploration.

The school follows the Montessori method, using child-led learning and hands-on materials to nurture curiosity, concentration, and independence. Alongside classroom activities, students participate in daily farm responsibilities that help them develop practical life skills, empathy, and a sense of responsibility for the natural world. Children may gather eggs, water gardens, care for animals, explore the greenhouse, and participate in seasonal farm projects.

Montessori at the Homestead offers a summer camp for children ages 5–12, held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon. The program includes advanced homesteading activities, gardening, farm-to-table cooking, herbal projects, and animal husbandry. Children can learn about pony care, poultry, plant life, composting, and other aspects of maintaining a working homestead. The school also offers a fall-through-spring program for families seeking learning opportunities beyond summer, although specific details about that program are not provided in the supplied information.

Farm life is an important part of the educational experience. Students have opportunities to care for ponies, cats, goats, and poultry, observe hatching eggs and baby animals, take nature walks, and explore the life cycles of plants and animals. These experiences connect academic concepts with practical activities and encourage children to understand their role in caring for their environment.

Lead Montessori educator Rachell Ashby brings more than 15 years of Montessori teaching experience to the program. She focuses on child-led discovery and creating meaningful learning experiences through the classroom and farm environment.

Families can schedule a visit to learn more about the programs and educational philosophy.