Teacher Spotlights

Get to know the teachers who shape learning at Ventana through our Reggio Emilia–inspired approach! Through our Teacher Spotlights, hear from the educators who listen deeply to children’s ideas, build upon their questions, and thoughtfully guide their learning through ongoing exploration and inquiry.

Alec Hattan, Music Specialist

Monica Bolante, Early Childhood Educator

Debi Bentley, First Grade Teacher

Molly Fargeorge O'Connell, Science Specialist and Tinkering Teacher

Iris Tal, Early Childhood Educator

Ventana School

Ventana School is a Reggio-inspired Preschool and Elementary school serving children from age two through fifth grade. Our curriculum is student-led and teacher-framed, a dynamic co-creation driven by the interests and questions of children and shaped by the expertise of teachers who nurture both social-emotional and academic skill development. This is exemplified by our commitment to inquiry work, an emergent and developmentally attuned practice of creative exploration and discovery. As an inclusive, progressive school affiliated with the Episcopal Church, we celebrate the whole child: mind, body, heart, and spirit. Our diverse community includes families of many and no religious affiliations. Everything we do is rooted in the Ventana Values: Wonder Constantly, Work Together, Bring Your Whole Self, Appreciate Each Other, Choose Kindness, and Respect Nature.