Programs

Elementary School Programs

Helping Your Child Reach Their Full Potential

Our curriculum is based on the belief that children learn best through movement and work with their hands, and provides cognitive, social, and emotional support to help them reach their full potential.
Elementary at MSR consists of a LOWER ELEMENTARY PROGRAM (ages 6 through 9, grades 1 through 3) and an UPPER ELEMENTARY PROGRAM (ages 9 to 12, grades 4 through 6). Our elementary programs are characterized by multiage classrooms and an individually paced curriculum that challenges children academically and safeguards their well-being and sense of self. Children are engaged as members of a respectful community where they learn to question, think critically, and take responsibility for their own learning—skills that will support them in later education and in life.

List of 2 items.

  • Daily Schedule

    7:30a.m. to 7:50a.m. - Early Care
    7:50a.m. to 8:05a.m. - Car Line Drop Off
    8:05a.m. to 8:30a.m. - Morning Meeting
    8:30a.m. to 11:30a.m. - Work Cycle
    11:30a.m. to 12:00p.m. - Recess
    12:00p.m. to 12:30p.m. - Lunch
    12:30p.m. to 1:00p.m. - Quiet reading/journaling/mindfulness
    1:00p.m. to 3:00p.m. - Integrated Curriculum and Culture
    3:00p.m. to 3:10p.m. - Car Line Pick Up
    3:00p.m. to 5:30p.m. - Aftercare

  • Extended Day Care

    Our school day begins at 8:05p.m. and ends at 3:00p.m. Extended day care is available beginning at 7:30a.m. before school and after school until 5:30p.m. Parents of current MSR students can enroll their child in extended care programs here.

A New Period of Development

    • Abstract Thinking

      A transition from concrete to abstract thinking

    • Socialization

      Growing interest in socialization

    • Thinking & Memory

      Thinking and memory that is enhanced by creativity and imagination

    • Fairness, Social Justice, & Compassion

      An interest in fairness, social justice, and compassion

Our Elementary Classrooms

The elementary classrooms are set up to be conducive to learning which means we want children to feel comfortable. Natural lighting, soft colors, and uncluttered spaces set the stage for activity that is focused and calm. Students work individually or in small groups, at tables or on mats on the floor.Learning materials are arranged on accessible shelves according to curricular area, fostering independence as students go about their work. Everything is where it is supposed to be, conveying a sense of harmony and order that both comforts and inspires.

The classroom is a happy community. Students are focused. They take joy in their work. They invent, explore, experiment, confer, create, prepare snacks, and curl up with books; sometimes they might even reflect in a peaceful, meditative corner. Meanwhile, teachers circulate throughout the room, observing the students and making notes about their progress, ever ready to offer support or introduce new material, as appropriate.

Multi-age groupings of children ages 6 – 9 and 9 –12 provide a heterogeneous mix in which children can collaborate and socialize. These inter-age relationships strengthen the entire community. Older children are seen as role models within the community. Younger children follow the example set by the older students, and have peers to work with in areas of the curriculum in which they may be more advanced. This multi-age community provides opportunities for all individuals to learn from each other, at times leading, sharing, or serving as role models. It also develops an appreciation of differences. Within this supportive, inclusive community, children work through the curriculum at their own pace, accelerating during some tasks or taking additional time with others.

What Your Child Will Learn

For returning Montessori students, the Montessori Elementary program expands upon the learning fostered in an Early Childhood program. For students new to Montessori, it orients them to the joys of responsible participation. Teachers guide children through a rigorous curriculum individually tailored to their own interests, needs, and abilities. Teachers are trained to monitor progress against established benchmarks and expectations for student learning, including: academic preparedness, independence, confidence, autonomy, intrinsic motivation, social responsibility, and global citizenship.

*Adapted from American Montessori Society Website

List of 5 items.

  • Practical Life

    Within the Elementary program, the Practical Life curriculum expands from the foundation laid in Early Childhood. Practical Life at the Elementary level shifts from a focus on self-care and fine motor skills, to skills that help children connect with their interests in the outside world, organize their time, and take part in their community.

    While self-care and appropriate social interactions continue to be supported, lessons that teach responsibility are the focus. Use of tools, such as work plans, to support organization and time management skills, are incorporated into the daily routine.

    Teachers and students often work together to post reminders about assignments, projects, and ideas. Using these, children make independent work choices, prioritize activities, and meet deadlines.

  • Math

    The ideas of number concepts, place value, numerals, and related quantities are reinforced and expanded upon within the Elementary program. Newfound purposes for familiar math materials provide children with the means to consider number concepts, mathematical operations, and more complex functions, helping to expand advanced mathematical knowledge and understanding.

  • Language

    Reading and writing are integral to all subjects in Montessori Elementary, as children express their interests and satisfy their curiosity. Students master conventions with thorough studies of grammar, spelling, and mechanics. They produce final copies with careful penmanship and keyboarding. They read, analyze, think critically, and compare and contrast literature to support personal opinion and perspective. Using these reading and writing skills, they present ideas through formal and informal presentations.

  • Cultural Studies

    Cultural studies are interdisciplinary and integrate zoology, botany, anthropology, geography, geology, physical and life sciences, and anthropology. Through these lessons, children explore the interconnectedness of all living things. Additionally, in-depth studies of history, physical and political world geography, civics, economics, peace and justice, the arts, world language, and physical education are introduced.

  • Science and Social Studies

    Interdisciplinary and integrated studies of geology, geography, physical and life sciences, anthropology, and history are built around “Great Lessons,” a series of dramatic stories that explore the origins of the universe, our planet, and the continuous development of human advancement. The laws of physics and chemistry reveal the interdependency of all living things. Beginning with a study of civilization, students explore the contributions of history and what it means to be a responsible citizen and to seek ways to make the world a better, more peaceful place.
Students in the Elementary programs attend school from 8:00am to 3:00pm. Please complete our inquiry form and a member of our admissions team will contact you to schedule a tour. Questions? Contact us by phone at 318.251.1590 or email at schoolofficemsr@gmail.com.
Montessori School of Ruston is an accredited Montessori school serving children from toddler through 8th grade and has a 34-year track record of inspiring amazing work.

Montessori School of Ruston

700 Woodward Avenue | Ruston, LA 71270
318.251.1590 | 318.608.4545 (fax)
Director: awalker@rustonmontessori.org
Main Office: msroffice@rustonmontessori.org