Meet the Founding Educator
In our beautifully curated, peaceful classroom, you will find a vast collection of quality Montessori materials. What you will not find is a typical practical life area in the classroom - our exercises in coordination, independence, and concentration take place organically through a deep connection with art and culture - this is one area where Reggio Emilia practices really shine! Children have a wide variety of art materials and media from which to select their work in creating each day. We regularly embark on cooking projects that celebrate the diverse cultures worldwide and share meals together that engage the senses and foster connection within the community.
With the presence of community members who come to share their passions with us and guide us toward discovery, bringing with them opportunities for intergenerational friendship and connection, our children grow in the comfort of belonging and a strong sense of community. We are visible in our community and follow our curiosity to learn about the happenings all around us as we adventure on foot each day.
I am grateful to have called Asheville home since 2011. My partner, Ken (also a career educator!) and I live in North Asheville with our three daughters (14, 8, and 4) and two dogs.
Thank you for being here, taking a few minutes out of your day to learn about Little Field School and a little about me and my family. I can’t wait to know you - please reach out!
Hi, I’m Liza Kelly
I am the founding teacher of Little Field School, which was borne after a decade of intermittent planning between multi-year stints of teaching at schools that were all alike in their approach to educating the whole child. I finally made the leap in 2024 and opened the door to invite children to collaborate in community - making connections with each other and carving themselves into the greater Asheville community in their unique sense of self and in the knowledge that they are valuable and irreplaceable contributing global citizens.
I have been privileged to teach in Reggio Emilia and Montessori schools throughout a majority of my career. Little Field School’s curriculum is influenced by the aspects of each philosophy with which I have resonated and those that I know to be most effective in equipping each child with a deep love of and joy in learning and curiosity that lasts a lifetime. Please be sure to take a look at my best effort at condensing what I know to be the best practices for the education of young children.
“There is something of yourself that you leave at every meeting with another person.”
Photo credit: Sheila Mraz Photography