Programs
Our Programs
The vision of Montessori Educational Center is to develop a community of creative, independent, socially responsible children. Our mission is to educate and nurture the whole child and instill a lifelong love of learning in a caring, authentic Montessori environment. We offer programs for children 18 months through 14 years of age.
Toddler
We offer two toddler classrooms. Each room is small, with a maximum of 13 students, led by two Montessori certified teachers. These environments are designed for children ages 18 - 36 months old. The classrooms are set up to encourage independence, build confidence, and offer freedom for children to safely explore and learn through discovery.
PRIMARY
MEC offers three primary classrooms designed for ages 3 - 6 years old. Mixed age groups allow younger students to aspire to work toward more difficult academic content engaging the older students, while older children are able to practice their emerging leadership skills and act as models for the younger students.
Lower Elementary
The lower elementary classrooms are designed for children ages 6 - 9 years old (first - third grades). As children move “across the hall” at MEC, there are changes in the structure of the classroom. Individual lesson plans are crafted for each student by a Montessori trained teacher. The teachers present lessons, assign follow up work, and observe each student, watching for mastery.
Upper Elementary
Children of the upper elementary age group (fourth, fifth, and sixth graders) have a strong Montessori foundation. They are seekers of knowledge who know how to find information and apply what they have discovered. As they work through the academic curriculum, they are gaining computer skills, learning to collaborate with peers, formally present projects orally, and to manage their time.
Middle School
The middle school design is an integration of the current research in human development, the trends and issues in education, and the Montessori philosophy. Designed for seventh and eighth graders, the mission of the program is to empower early adolescents.
AFter School
MEC offers after school child care until 5:30 p.m. Children who stay after school have the opportunity for supervised indoor and outdoor play, time to complete homework, or options to participate in a variety of extracurricular activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
MEC is accredited by the Louisiana Montessori Association and the Louisiana Department of Education. We are members of the International Montessori Council.
Toddler: 18 months through 3 years of age
Primary: 3 years old by September 30 through age 6 (Pre-K3, Pre-K4, and Kindergarten)
Lower Elementary: 6 – 9 years of age (first, second, and third grades)
Upper Elementary: 9-12 years of age (fourth, fifth, and sixth grades)
Middle School: 12 – 14 years of age (seventh and eighth grades)
MEC is not a daycare center. We are an accredited school and follow a traditional school calendar with vacation days for major holidays. We do offer a year-round program for toddler and primary students.
Parents are invited to observe in the classrooms, volunteer to help with gardening, drive for field trips, serves as guest speakers, listen to readers, join the Montessori Parents Association, or serve on the Board of Directors. MPA and the school also try to plan various activities throughout to help families connect with one another.
Mixed age groups allow children to work at their own pace in a natural way. Older students are able to emerge as mentors and practice leadership skills. Younger students are enthralled with watching older students accomplish work slightly above their own skill level. Older students serves as models to motivate younger students to proceed through the curriculum and to master more challenging work.
Through observation and evaluation, teachers watch for mastery before presenting new lessons. Progress reports are shared with parents three times a year. Upper elementary and middle school students participate in the TerraNova standardized testing each spring.
Graduates leave MEC with good study habits and reasoning skills. They know how to research and find information. They are organized, have good time management skills, and a sense of personal responsibility. MEC students have a hunger for knowledge and love learning.
Regardless of which path they choose, our students are well equipped to succeed in high school and beyond.
Registration fees cover all school supplies, snacks, and a rest mat for siesta time if your child is toddler or primary age.
Children may be dropped off for early morning arrival at 7:15 a.m. Parents are billed $15.00 per month for early morning arrival fees. Regular drop off is between 7:30 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. Children are marked tardy after 8:00 a.m.
MEC has three dismissal times:
- Half Day dismissal is between 11:20 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
- Full Day dismissal is between 2:35 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
- Extended Day dismissal is between 3:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.