The Roots Behind The Knowledge Tree
Where Education Meets Compassion, Experience, and Innovation.
Why We Built This School
The Knowledge Tree wasn’t built from a business plan, it was built from love, necessity, and lived experience.
Co-founders Ariel Teffeteller and Krystal Moea’i didn’t just envision a better school; they needed one for their own children.
Rather than accept that the system wasn’t built for their children, Ariel and Krystal built something better.
The Problems & Our Solutions
Rigid school structures leave little room for movement-based or hands-on learning.
Our curriculum is designed for flexible, multi-sensory learning, allowing children to engage in ways that best suit their needs.
Neurodivergent and disabled children are often isolated rather than integrated.
We foster an inclusive, multi-age classroom where all children learn together and are valued for their unique strengths.
Parents are left navigating broken systems with little flexibility or personalized support.
We partner with families, offering open communication and customized learning plans tailored to each child.
Traditional education focuses on rigid academic benchmarks, often neglecting emotional well-being.
We integrate Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) into the curriculum to build confidence, self-awareness, and resilience.
Learn more about our mission & teaching philosophy
Meet The Founders
I built this school because I couldn’t find what Hunter needed. No child should ever feel like they don’t belong.”
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CO-FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Ariel Teffeteller
Ariel’s passion for education, advocacy, and mental health support stems from both her personal and professional experience.
Her Journey & Expertise:
✔ Licensed Master of Social Work (LMSW) – Specializing in inclusive education & social-emotional learning (SEL).
✔ 10+ years in case management & education reform – Helping families navigate complex educational and healthcare systems.
✔ 900-hour practicum in advanced care life services – Focused on individualized support & care planning.
✔ Certified in Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) – Leads weekly SEL sessions at The Knowledge Tree.
✔ Current healthcare advocate – Worked in Medicare, senior care, palliative care coordination, and disability services.
I knew from my own experience in public school that I wanted something better for my children—an education that supports their unique learning styles. So I created it.”
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CO-FOUNDER, DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS, & LEAD TEACHER
Krystal Moea’i
Krystal's passion for child-led education was sparked when she saw how much her son thrived in a flexible learning environment that honored a child's natural need for movement and exploration. She realized that this shouldn't be the exception—it should be the norm.
Her Journey & Expertise:
✔ Experienced homeschool educator – Specializing in literacy, mathematics, art, and adaptive learning
✔ Former Teacher at Raindrop Academy & Bridge House Collective – Focused on multi-age, child-led learning.
✔ Advocates for adaptable education that meets individual children's needs, believing they shouldn’t be forced to sit at desks for hours a day.
✔ Mom to Maverick & Marley – Inspired by their education journey & the need for flexible, student-led learning.
Our Teaching Approach
We believe education should adapt to the child—not the other way around. That’s why we integrate proven, child-centered teaching methodologies into our curriculum:
Child-Led Learning
Cognitive development through exploration and fun.
STEM
Problem-solving and real-world skills.
Montessori
Hands-on, self directed learning.
Social-Emotional Learning
Emotional intelligence, confidence, and resilience.
Waldorf
Creativity, storytelling, and movement.
See how our teaching model works
Nonprofit Transparency & Compliance
Official Nonprofit Information
Employer ID: 33-2508635
Meeting Minutes & Compliance (Coming Soon)
As part of our transparency commitment, we will make all Board of Directors meeting minutes available to the public.
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