Specialties
Rising Heights Academy – A Montessori-Inspired Education in Midway, Wasatch County, Utah
Elementary School Serving Pre-K– 6 | Expanding to Grades 7–8 in Fall 2026
Personalized, Purpose-Driven Learning That Nurtures Every Child’s Unique Potential
Small class size 2:22 ratio
Why Montessori:
Students perform higher academically especially in language arts and math.
Students perform higher in nonacademic areas such as executive functioning, self-regulation, creativity, and social skills.
Average a full year ahead by sixth grade.
Individualized education. Each child taught at their level according to their interests.
Not only is our goal to help each child rise to their potential, but our second major goal is to have a true partnership with parents.
Rising Heights Academy uses a program called Transparent Classroom that will allow parents to log in and view their child's progress. Parents can also view pictures and items uploaded to their child's portfolio as well as receive daily notes/pictures on their child's progress. They can see what lessons are planned, have been taught and their mastery in several areas. Parents will also be able to connect with the school calendar and view announcements from the school on the homepage. They can download the app for easy access on any mobile device. A link to invite parents to join Transparent Classroom will be sent after the application has been accepted and commitment fee paid.
History
Established in 2023.
I struggled in school—working hard for average grades and feeling frustrated by a system that didn’t fit how I learned. I knew there had to be a better way.
That belief led me to become a teacher, determined to support students who felt the same way I did. I worked to individualize instruction within a traditional system, but quickly found myself overwhelmed—limited resources and little support made it difficult to truly meet every student’s needs. Again, I thought: there has to be a better way.
When I became a parent, my desire for something better deepened. I wanted my son to have the support and opportunity I didn’t.
Through research, reflection, and experience—as both educator and parent—I discovered a better way: one that meets each child where they are, and helps them rise with the resources and guidance they need to thrive.
A way that empowers students to become creative thinkers, entrepreneurs, and leaders.
This is that way.
Melissa Ray
Director, Rising Heights Academy
Meet the Business Owner: Melissa R.
I have a degree in Elementary Education and taught 5th grade in a traditional class setting for several years. I then got the opportunity to move to Maui and run my own business for 6 years. Wanting to be closer to familial support and better educational resources, we moved back to Utah where I worked with districts on recruiting and managing substitutes. Worrying about my son's educational future, I debated on homeschooling but then had the wonderful opportunity and support to build and open a school that encourages and nourishes a child's true potential.