Frequently Asked Questions

What is the youngest that a student may enroll at LRMS?

Infants and toddlers are able to participate in our playgroups at Forest Campus. Early Childhood Program studensts must be 3 years old by August 15th of the enrolling year. Rare exceptions may apply. 

What if my child has special educational needs?

Little River Montessori School strives to be a neurodiverse environment that celebrates students just as they are and helps them become all they can be.

The Montessori Method of education provides a nurturing, supportive environment for children of all abilities and learning styles. Click here to learn more.

What if our family is not-so-traditional?

That’s great! You are welcome here. We celebrate people of all races, abilities, religions, ages, orientations, and gender identities.

Do you hold parent conferences?
Yes, we hold Parent Conferences twice a year, in the fall and spring. However, your teacher is always available to field any question that may arise. Communicate early and often!
Are adults allowed to observe?
Observation of the classroom is welcomed and encouraged. This is especially true before conferences. You may set up an appointment to observe your child’s classroom just about any day.
When can my child enroll? Do we have to start at the beginning of the school year?

Not necessarily. There are advantages to starting students in the fall, but we offer rolling admissions throughout the year on a case-by-case basis.

What is a typical day like?

EARLY CHILDHOOD SCHEDULE

  • 7:30 – 8:00 — Arrivals (Children should be in the classroom by 8:00 am*)
  • 8:00 – 11:00 — Individual lessons during the uninterrupted work cycle
  • 11:05 – 11:25 — Group
  • 11:30 – 11:55 — Outdoor Recreation
  • 12:00 – 12:35 — Lunch, Cleanup & Rest Time Prep
  • 12:35 – 12:45 — Dismissals
  • 12:45 – 2:30 — Rest Time (children under five years*)
  • 12:45 – 2:30 — Kindergarten Students Extended Day work
  • 2:30 – 2:55 — Group & Classroom Cleanup
  • 3:00 – 3:15 — Dismissal
  • 3:00 – 5:30 — Free time: Lessons, Art, & Outdoor Activities

*Kindergarten students will be marked tardy after 8:00 am
*Any child under five years of age staying past lunch is required by TN law to have a period of rest.

ELEMENTARY SCHEDULE

  • 7:30 – 8:00 — Arrivals (Children should be in the classroom by 8:00 am*)
  • 8:00 – 11:30 — Individual lessons during the uninterrupted work cycle
  • 11:30 – 12:00 — Silent Reading & Lunch Preparation
  • 12:00 – 12:45 — Lunch & Cleanup
  • 12:45 – 1:50 — Afternoon Work Cycle
  • 1:50 – 2:10 — Oral Reading
  • 2:10 – 2:30 — Classroom Clean-up & Student Sharing
  • 2:30 – 2:55 — Outside Recreation
  • 3:00 – 3:15 — Dismissal
  • 3:00 – 5:30 — Free time: Special projects, Art & Outdoor activities

*Elementary students will be marked tardy after 8:00 am

How much is tuition?

A non-refundable $250.00 registration fee is due at the time of enrollment. Tuition depends on the age of your child, your child’s schedule, how you choose to pay (monthly vs. yearly), and a number of discounts are available. We are a proud participant in the Tennessee Child Care Certificate Program. Give us a call or come in for a tour for more details.

Can younger students attend fewer than five days a week?

Early Childhood students may attend on a half-day basis (until 12:45). We encourage parents to bring children all five days of the week because it helps them to develop and maintain meaningful relationships at school and promotes a consistent routine.

Must my child be fully immunized to attend LRMS?
We encourage parents to immunize their children; however, students may obtain medical or religious exemptions. Let us know if you have any specific questions about this.
Where do LRMS students typically go after 8th grade?
Everywhere! We will work with you and your child during their sixth-grade year to develop a “transition plan” that includes tips and encouragement to help them prepare for whatever their next step may be.
How do you handle discipline issues?
We like to think of Montessori as “education for peace,” and we offer students robust curriculum of effective, assertive, non-violent communication strategies at each stage of their development. Montessori is education for the whole life of the child. Helping your child to meet their social and emotional needs is just as important to us as academic excellence. Whenever a child demonstrates an unacceptable behavior, we first ask the question, “What need is the child trying to meet?” From there, we work with the child (and parents) to help them find an acceptable way to meet their needs.
Do your elementary students have to take standardized tests?
Beginning in third grade, the State of Tennessee requires students to take an achievement test each year. We do not “teach to the test” nor do we discuss the results of those tests with students. Parents will receive the results by mail. During testing week we take the opportunity to help students learn test taking strategies in a low-stakes environment. Typically, our students perform very well and enjoy the experience.
Will my child have homework?
No. Montessori children maintain an active curiosity and will come at you with a hundred questions a day! We encourage you to follow the lead of your child, providing the resources and experiences they need to explore whatever is fascinating them at the moment. Children need unstructured time, nature time, play time, creative time, family time, alone time, time with friends, and time to just be bored!

Why Montessori?

Overall, what makes this method of learning so different compared to the conventional form of education we have today is that the teacher does not stand in front of the class and teach each child the same lesson all at once. Each child is allowed to learn at his/her own rhythm in a way where they feel as though they are in fact not learning or being taught.

Montessori called this way of teaching “preparing the child for success”. The teacher is there to guide your child through small Exercises in which your child will succeed. Through time, the Exercises rise in difficulty but because the progression is so well thought out, the child never feels as though learning is a struggle.