About Us

Gardner Academy is an independent middle school for grades 6-8. Our competency-based model nurtures essential skills, allowing each child to thrive both academically and personally. With a balanced approach that includes engaging indoor learning and immersive outdoor experiences, Gardner fosters deep connections to self, the world, and our community here in the Methow Valley. We prepare students to navigate the world with confidence, empathy, and a lifelong love of learning. Through collaboration and exploration, our young learners become thoughtful contributors to society, ready to make a positive impact.

Portrait of a graduate

A Gardner Academy graduate is grounded, curious, and purpose-driven. They think critically and communicate clearly and respectfully, having mastered core academic competencies through personalized, rigorous learning. They lead with integrity, serve with compassion, and navigate complexity with resilience. Rooted in place, history, and values, they carry a deep sense of stewardship for their community and the world. Equipped with wisdom from the classics, skills from hands-on projects, and strength of character shaped by faith and service, they are prepared not only to succeed—but to contribute meaningfully wherever they go.

A person standing on rocky mountain peak with arms outstretched, holding a trekking pole in one hand, surrounded by layered blue mountain ranges under a clear blue sky.

Mt. Gardner — The peak every graduate will climb.

FAQs

  • Possibly. We will constantly evaluate possibilities and needs. 

  • We love thoughtfully employed technology supporting education, and also generally believe that we have too much of it in our lives. No personal technology devices will be used at school between opening and closing, and only targeted technology directly supporting specific educational goals. Our focus will be on conversations with each other, and students can expect to write quite a lot by hand.

  • No. Gardner Academy is not affiliated with a local church, though is supported by the Episcopal Diocese of Spokane.

  • Regular assessments will look at every student’s progress.

  • Teacher guides will communicate regularly with families and children to ensure that the teaching team of teacher guide and family are aligned on goals and opportunities. If a parent must reach a student, please contact the student through the guide.

  • Our teacher student ratio is approximately 1:7. Advisory groups will be 7-8 students.

A Day in the Life

At Gardner Academy, students experience a dynamic daily routine. Guided by dedicated instructors, they work on hands-on projects and collaborative activities that enhance critical thinking and teamwork skills.

Learn more about our daily routine.

Sunshine shining through tall green trees in a forest, with lush green ground cover and a light blue sky visible through the leaves.

Meet the Team


  • Co-founder

    Shannon is an author, keynote speaker, and the founder and CEO of The Grit Institute. She is a graduate of Duke and Dartmouth universities, and was one of the first women to serve as an Apache helicopter pilot in the U.S. Army. Shannon was the founder and chair of the board which successfully envisioned, raised money for and build the Winthrop Library. She and her husband, Peter, have raised their two sons in the Methow Valley for the past eleven years.

  • IX Bishop of Spokane

    Bishop Rehberg is the ninth bishop of the Diocese of Spokane, where she oversees all the ministries of the Episcopal Church in eastern Washington, including Gardner Academy, and serves on several committees for the national church. Before her ordination to the priesthood she worked as a chemistry professor and as an EMT/firefighter. She was present and served at the World Trade Center on 9/11.

  • Director

    Vicky was a middle school educator for many years in Social Studies, English and Religion, as well as high school World History and Global Studies. She taught at both Sacred Hearts Academy in Hawaii and Fredricksburg Academy in Virginia.


  • Co-founder and Board Chair

    Peter is a Washington native, and the founder and CEO of Tiller, a financial services platform. A graduate of Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business, he has served as chairman of the Board of trustees at Seattle’s Lakeside School, and is passionate about cultivating local community and excellence in education. He lives with his wife, Shannon, and their two sons in the Methow Valley.

  • Humanities Guide & founding teacher

    Max is a theologian, outdoorsman, and wildland firefighter. He holds degrees in history and theology from Durham University in the U.K. and from Boston College, but is also deeply formed and inspired by the ministries of Saint Mark’s Church in Philadelphia, which includes the tuition-free St. James School. He first came to the Methow to fight fire with the Forest Service, and is excited to remain a member of the community and to help start Gardner.

Our Advisors

Shannon Huffman Polson // Co-founder

Peter Polson // Co-founder & Board Chair

Gretchen Rehberg // Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Spokane

Kimberly Lafferty // Consultant

Roxanne Mourant // CEO of CBE Ignited

Chuck Peters // Educational Consultant

Emily Puetz // Educational Consultant

Max Woolley // Educator & Wildland Firefighter