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Welcome to the Pod! Join our wait pool, today.
Below are some frequently asked questions:
Below are some frequently asked questions:
What is the focus of the Montessori Homeschool Pod?
The focus of the Montessori Homeschool Pod is to support homeschooling families by offering an enrichment environment for students and their peers, supported by the Montessori methods, philosophy and curriculum. The Montessori Homeschool Pod program is a supplement to your current homeschooling routine by offering small student-teacher ratio guided lessons and activities in a peer group setting. Lessons aim to spark interest and support curiosity. Montessori education does not focus on or take standardized tests, nor do we teach to them.
We teach and support:
a love of learning,
critical thinking,
life skills,
time management,
executive functioning skills,
emotional regulation techniques,
conflict resolution.
We follow a curriculum that integrates core subject areas, practical life skills, and social-emotional learning to make sure each student meets their developmental marks. Though this curriculum is followed, each day students choose what order and at what pace they will work with the help of a trained and certified Montessori teacher.
What is a Pod?
Homeschool pods are best described as a small group of students of similar age ranges who group together and plan to study in one specific home/setting, using a chosen curriculum, method and/or philosophy. A pod is typically run by a teacher and/or parent that is able to stay home and facilitate lessons and/or project learning. These small learning environments can be structured either:
more traditionally (8 hour days, 5 days a week) which qualifies them to register as a private school,
or more freely structured (meeting part time, anywhere from once to up to 4 days per week).
The Montessori Homeschool Pod is more freely structured, currently utilizing meeting times of 1/2 days, two days per week.
Is a Pod the same as a Co-op?
Homeschool pods differ from traditional homeschool co-ops in significant ways. Co-ops are typically parent-led, with each parent taking turns presenting lessons, thus keeping costs minimal or non-existent. In contrast, pods generally involve hiring a teacher to facilitate learning, resulting in associated tuition fees.
Is the Montessori Homeschool Pod a private school setting?
The Montessori Homeschool Pod is a homeschool enrichment environment, not a private school. This means that each family enrolled in the Pod will annually register their own child(ren) as "Nonpublic School Not Seeking State Approval" (naming your own school). This means each family maintains the rights and responsibilities for homeschooling. The Montessori Homeschool Pod is viewed as a support service, i.e. enrichment courses, tutoring. The excerpt below is taken from https://www.louisianabelieves.com/schools/nonpublic-schools.
"Nonpublic Schools Not Seeking State Approval must annually submit enrollment information for their school by using the online attendance submission form. Persons entering their email address on the form will receive an Attendance Submission Confirmation letter via email immediately upon completion of the form. The attendance submission confirmation is valid for one year from the date of the letter. In hardship situations, attendance submissions may be submitted by mail. For more information, see the Nonpublic Schools Not Seeking State Approval page. "
What age range(s) can enroll in the Pod?
Currently for the 2026 Fall Semester, we are enrolling elementary students ages 9-12.
We have a growing group of interested families with students ages 6-9. However, we are currently seeking a teacher to support this age group. Alternatively, the option of creating a Co-op model for the 6-9 year old age group is being offered.
What days/hours are available for enrollment/attendance?
Currently, the Pod services one class group on Wednesdays & Thursdays. Current Pod hours are from 9:00am - 2:00pm.
Two new add-on options:
3D Art and Music Course through Chappapeela Crafts. - Tuesdays
ASL Classes - Wednesdays and Fridays
What is Montessori?
Montessori is an education philosophy, developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, that can apply to children of any age. Using specialized learning materials and a unique classroom environment, Montessori education helps develop all aspects of the child (all areas of their development—cognitive, emotional, social, and physical).
Unique components include:
emphasis on practice of respect for self, others and environment;
includes three-hour time blocks for activities;
mixed-age classrooms;
didactic and self correcting learning materials and activities;
freedom for the student to choose to work with any lessons or activities they have had lessons on until their curiosity and understanding have been satisfied and met.
Benefits of the Montessori method include:
the emphasis on fostering independence at a young age,
more social interaction for the students,
an inclusive environment that incorporates multiple ages and is conducive to various learning styles and developmental pathways.
*** To learn more about the Montessori method both in general and in homeschooling, checkout our resource links at the bottom of our homepage.
What will I see in the Pod classroom?
Various activity stations for children to choose from throughout the day.
Learners working independently or collaboratively, each on varying topics; many different activities and lessons going on at the same time based on specific child's interests and/or needs.
Teachers moving from group to group instead of standing at the front of the classroom.
Teachers guiding and supporting learners by engaging in a constant cycle of observation and reflection of students' interests and needs, leading to the preparation and presentation of the teacher, environment, materials and lessons.
A nontraditional grading system focused on progress monitoring of: Skills Introduced, Practiced, Mastered.
A focus on the whole student—social, emotional, intellectual and physical development are all considered.
What is Montessori "work" for the Elementary Child?
In a Montessori classroom, "work" refers to purposeful and meaningful activities that engage the child’s curiosity, intellect, and sense of responsibility. For the elementary child, work is not just about completing tasks but about exploring and understanding the world through hands-on experiences, independent discovery, and collaboration with others.
Key Aspects of Work for the Elementary Child:
Developmentally Appropriate Learning
Elementary-aged children are naturally curious about big questions—how things work, why things happen, and the interconnectedness of the world. Their "work" often involves exploring these ideas through research, projects, and activities that are self-chosen and meaningful to them.Freedom Within Limits
Children are given choices in their work, allowing them to follow their interests and take ownership of their learning. At the same time, the teacher provides structure to ensure they develop essential skills and meet developmental milestones.Intrinsic Motivation
Montessori work is designed to ignite intrinsic motivation. Instead of working for grades or external rewards, children find satisfaction in the process of learning and the joy of discovery.Collaboration and Social Learning
Elementary children thrive on social interaction and often work in groups. Through collaboration, they learn teamwork, conflict resolution, and the importance of contributing to a shared goal.Holistic Development
Work in the Montessori environment addresses intellectual, emotional, social, and practical skills. Activities might range from mathematical problem-solving to creative writing, scientific experiments, or community service projects.
What does "work" look like?
In practice, work might look like:
A group of children building a timeline of life to explore concepts of biology and Earth's geological history.
A child researching a topic like ancient Egypt and creating a presentation.
A team of children conducting a science experiment or solving a challenging puzzle together.
Practical life activities like gardening, cooking, or organizing materials.
Engaging in Socratic discussions to seek understanding of the moral lessons in fables or analyzing the causes of historical events.
A group of children applying and practicing real-world relevance of math and other core subject concepts to entrepreneurial interests/passion projects.
Work at this stage nurtures the child’s love of learning, critical thinking, and a sense of purpose. It is not a chore but an opportunity for growth and joy. Dr. Montessori observed and believed that work is the key to the child’s self-construction.
"I have observed that the child, on condition that he is granted the freedom to work, learns, becomes cultured, absorbs knowledge and gains experiences that become embedded in his spirit. Like seeds planted in fertile ground, they soon germinate and bear fruit."
Maria Montessori
Citizen of the World, p. 96
What curriculum is used in the Montessori Pod? Are we able to mix/match our own curriculums and still participate in and benefit from the Pod?
The short answer is, yes! Montessori is a method ... more than a "curriculum of lessons."
The Montessori Homeschool Pod uses the methods, materials and philosophy developed by Dr. Maria Montessori. The lessons presented and experienced in this environment will be taken from the curriculum manuals for all subject areas (Grammar, Word Studies, Spelling, Reading, Writing, Math (Operations, Arithmetic, Money & Time, Fractions), Geometry (Measurement, Plane), History, Geography (Economic, Political, Physical), Sciences (Biology, Earth Sciences), Art, Life Skills. We will also utilize other Montessori supplemental resources such as Mainly Montessori, Backpack Sciences, LearnLibre and Handwriting Without Tears.
If a student or family has found a particular subject curriculum that works for them, they are welcome to bring work from that curriculum into the classroom. Students will have the freedom to utilize any of the Montessori materials or lessons as aids to completing work in other curriculums. The teacher will also help support the child in any way needed. The mantra followed in this environment is "Follow the Child," meaning each child is unique, with different interests and requiring or benefiting from different approaches and supports. Therefore, the teacher will aim to support the child according to their varying needs.
Where is the Pod's learning environment located?
The Montessori Homeschool Pod's classroom is located in Robert, Louisiana.
What are the current enrollment fees?
For the 2025-2026 year:
There is an initial application/interview fee of $25.00.
If accepted, Registration fee is $120.00 per student (non-refundable).
Tuition Options:
Fall Semester (2 days per week, Sept. - Dec.) is $880
Spring Semester (2 days per week, Jan. - May) is $1100
Monthly Option (2 days per week) is $248
*Sibling discounts offered.
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