Teton Science Schools: Learning in the Heart of Wyoming’s Wilderness
- Road Scholar Lauren B. embarked on a learning adventure in Grand Teton National Park in the summer of 2025. One thing that stood out to her besides the majestic mountains was the outstanding learning facilities at Teton Science Schools.
- Teton Science Schools serves students of a variety of ages and offers the opportunity to stay, eat and learn in their Jackson Hole campus, built intentionally to coexist with the surrounding ecosystem.
- Teton Science Schools also has a campus at the Murie Ranch, another highlight of a learning adventure in Grand Teton National Park, where history, conservation, local lore and stunning mountain views intersect.
Before stepping foot on the Jackson campus of Teton Science Schools, I knew that their dormitory lifestyle would be a key element of my Road Scholar program, Hike, Paddle & Float: Outdoor Adventures in the Grand Tetons. But I didn’t know just how crucial a role Teton Science Schools would play in not only my learning adventure, but a whole series of Road Scholar programs and the surrounding Jackson Hole community.
Teton Science Schools started in 1967 when science teacher Ted Major began bringing high school students into the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem to study and work on research projects. They have since grown to include four campuses and countless students, ranging from early childhood education to middle school students to summer camps and visiting groups, such as Road Scholar.
Upon arrival, we were introduced to the Jackson campus during an orientation walk that highlighted its intentional design and connection to the surrounding landscape. Because the school is built into a canyon just outside of town, it sits within a migration corridor, making wildlife sightings a frequent occurrence. Buildings were constructed with sustainable materials, including unfinished wood that reduces the need for additional chemicals and paint, and the dorms were positioned to stay naturally cool during the day and warmer in the evenings.
Community is a core part of life at Teton Science Schools. In shared bathrooms and dorm common spaces, signs reminded us to wipe counters, lower window shades to keep rooms cool and sweep floors before leaving. While most of this signage was aimed at younger students, the message felt universal — shared spaces require shared care. As guests, we were reminded to look after this place, whether in the dorms or on the trails of Grand Teton National Park.
This spirit of community carried into our shared breakfasts and dinners in the communal dining hall (lunch was often eaten on the trail). Meals included vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, along with a salad bar. Afterward, small groups took turns sweeping, folding tablecloths and resetting the space for the next meal. It only took a few minutes, but it was another reminder of what it means to care for a shared environment.
Set in the heart of Jackson Hole, the campus has a rustic feel that suited our days of hiking and canoeing. This wasn’t a vacation-style resort, but a place rooted in the local community. Teton Science Schools staff modeled that connection in their easy, friendly interactions with park rangers and others we met at trailheads and boat launches, often sharing a smile or a helpful recommendation along the way. Their deep familiarity with Grand Teton National Park made them invaluable leaders throughout the program.
The Teton Science Schools community extends beyond the main campus into Grand Teton National Park. There, Murie Ranch became a highlight of our program for many participants. We learned not only about the rich history of preservation led by conservation pioneers Mardy and Olaus Murie, but also about the use of the ranch today as a place of study for students including Road Scholars. Though we didn’t meet up with any fellow Road Scholars on their own program at the Murie Ranch, we wandered among the historic cabins and down to the nearby Snake River, drinking in the peaceful surroundings at the foot of the Tetons.
This sense of community, paired with well-designed facilities, shaped a distinctive learning experience. Many participants made use of the gear-lending program, trading for more comfortable backpacks or borrowing hiking poles. Others appreciated the dorm-style accommodations, which sparked a sense of shared experience. Common rooms and wide porches became natural gathering spaces in the evenings, where Road Scholars swapped stories, shared a glass of wine and took in the canyon views. Some even spotted moose!
By the end of the program, many were already talking about returning in another season or exploring a different Teton Science Schools campus. The partnership between Road Scholar and Teton Science Schools makes it possible to experience this remarkable landscape through learning, shared discovery and a strong sense of place.
Road Scholar and Teton Science Schools partner to run five total programs, including one in the winter months.
