Responsive Classroom at St. Luke’s Episcopal School: Building a Strong Foundation

At St. Luke’s Episcopal School in Baton Rouge, we believe that a truly exceptional education nurtures the whole child—academically, socially, and emotionally. One of the ways we bring that philosophy to life is through the Responsive Classroom approach. This research-backed method is used in private schools across the country, and at St. Luke’s it is woven into the daily experience of every student in our Lower School.

What Is Responsive Classroom?

Responsive Classroom is built on four guiding principles that shape how teachers support children’s learning and growth:

1. Social and emotional learning is just as important as academics.

2. How children learn is as important as what they learn.

3. Children learn best through positive social interactions.

4. Knowing each child individually—culturally, developmentally, and personally—is essential to effective teaching.

At St. Luke’s, these principles guide everything from classroom routines to teacher-student relationships, creating an environment where children thrive.

Our Teachers Are Fully Trained

To ensure the Responsive Classroom approach is applied consistently and with care, all St. Luke’s Lower School teachers completed a three-day, on-campus training with a certified Responsive Classroom expert. This training equips our teachers with proven strategies to build a caring classroom community, foster intrinsic motivation, and integrate social-emotional learning into every day.

How It Looks in the Lower School

Students begin each day with Morning Meeting, a cherished part of the Responsive Classroom approach that sets a positive tone for learning and connection. During Morning Meeting, students and teachers gather as a community to greet one another, share personal stories or news, and engage in activities designed to build trust and cooperation. This consistent daily routine helps students feel seen, heard, and valued from the very start of their day.

Teachers use encouraging, respectful language throughout the day, modeling empathy and collaboration. Discipline focuses on logical consequences rather than rewards or punishments, helping students develop self-regulation and personal responsibility.

Why It Matters

By fostering social-emotional skills alongside academic growth, St. Luke’s prepares students for lifelong success. Parents searching for a private elementary school in Baton Rouge often choose St. Luke’s because of our commitment to student support and the warm, inclusive community we cultivate.

At St. Luke’s Episcopal School, Responsive Classroom helps every child feel safe, respected, and motivated to learn—because when children feel supported, they truly thrive.