About Us
With many tireless years invested in the public education system it has become more and more clear that our children need a solid and firm foundation, an anchor, to their faith that will guide them through not only their education but their lives as a whole. We at Anchor believe that a strong faith and relationship with the Lord is the first piece to educating the whole child. For from a happy, full heart knowledge is well received.
Our Mission
At Anchor, our goal is to offer a hybrid type of education where kids and parents have the best of a more traditional school, and learning from home models! Our students and parents are free to have the flexibility that a home school model offers, and at the same time offering a customized curriculum that will ensure academic success at every level of education.
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Anchor is committed to giving children a unique experience with focus on small classes (no more than 15 per class), individualized instruction, Montessori style learning, extracurricular activities, and socialization that goes beyond the traditional school experience.
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Classroom Descriptions
We understand that parents need options. We offer programs for Pre-K, elementary, middle school, and high school ages. Options include two day a week and four day a week enrollment opportunities.
Middle School Classroom
Primary Classroom
Our primary classrooms are composed of children ages 4-6 years old. We limit our class size to 15 students per day with a lead teacher and assistant. We strive through Montessori philosophy to offer our students freedom of movement, hands-on, engaging, and rigorous work in all content areas including; Reading, Math, Science, Culture, Practical Life, and Sensorial. Each child is met at their own independent learning level and encouraged forward from that point with individualized instruction.
Lower Elementary Classroom
Our Lower Elementary classrooms are composed of children ages 6-9 years old. We limit our class size to 15 students per day with a lead teacher and assistant. We strive through Montessori philosophy to offer our students freedom of movement, hands-on, engaging, and rigorous work in all content areas including; Reading, Math, Science, Culture. Each child is met at their own independent learning level and encouraged forward from that point with individualized instruction.
Upper Elementary Classroom
Our Upper Elementary classrooms are composed of children ages 9-12 years old. We limit our class size to 15 students per day with a lead teacher and a floating assistant. We strive through a blend of Montessori philosophies and other curricula to offer our students freedom of movement, hands-on, engaging, and rigorous work in all content areas including; Reading, Math, Science, Culture. Each child is met at their own independent learning level and encouraged forward from that point with individualized instruction while incorporating small/whole group instruction as our students make their way down the path to abstraction.
Our Middle School classrooms are composed of children ages 12-15 years old. We limit our class size to 15 students per day with a lead teacher and a floating interventionist. Our middle school students continue to enjoy freedom of movement and have completed their path to abstraction. Their learning will consist of more small group instruction focused on abstract work and critical thinking in the areas of ELA, Math, Science, and Social Studies.
High School Classroom
High School classes at Anchor are composed of children ages 14-18 years old. We limit our class size to 15 students per day with a lead teacher. Our high school students enjoy their work in a college / post secondary focused classroom where they receive individualized instruction catered to each individual student’s goals and aspirations.
Meet the Teachers
Our staff of highly qualified and educated teachers are all dedicated to our mission of teaching our students to learn, love, and live like Jesus.
At Anchor Academy we promise you that every teacher who teaches your child will hold a degree in education. All teachers will also be provided Montessori training to ensure that they are adequately prepared for Montessori teaching and learning.
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Brandi Craig
Director of Anchor Academy & Montessori Teacher Trainer
Brandi Craig has 14 years of experience in education. She has taught in a public Montessori school for the entirety of her career and is passionate about the Montessori philosophy. Her experience has been comprised of teaching grades PS3, PK4, and Kindergarten in a multi-age classroom where independence, leadership, and hands-on learning were a focus.
She believes in educating the whole child, beginning with the heart. Building relationships with students is one of the primary ways to achieve learning within the classroom environment. Brandi is passionate about creating an atmosphere of trust and kindness that facilitates academic learning and a strong faith beginning in the early years.
The Montessori Philosophy was first introduced to her by a neighbor whom she babysat for many years. After visiting the child’s Montessori school and falling in love with the philosophy, God led her to Belmont University where she obtained her Master’s Degree in Education and her AMS Montessori Certification under Dr. Merrie King.
Brandi lives in Lebanon, TN and in her free time enjoys spending time with her husband and 2 children, drinking coffee, and exercising.
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Dr. Tori Ruis
Director of Anchor Academy & High School Facilitator
Dr. Tori Ruis has eighteen years of experience in education. During her time in public education, she was a middle school teacher, an assistant principal, and a principal. She has a Bachelors and Masters degree from Tennessee Technological University, and an Educational Specialist degree from University of the Cumberlands. In October 2018, Dr. Ruis earned her Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction.
During Dr. Ruis’ time in education, she has spent an enormous amount of time focused on building a positive and successful school culture. Dr. Ruis is passionate about creating a school environment that is compassionate, hardworking, and driven by a philosophy of educating the whole child.
Dr. Ruis is a strong academic leader who believes educating children in an environment where the student’s social, emotional, and spiritual needs are met in addition to their academics. Creating a school that opens the door for students to continue being inspired to learn and grow as they begin their journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth.
When Dr. Ruis is not teaching children she enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter at their home in Lebanon, Tennessee. She loves to read and exercise and find new ways to give back to her local community.
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