Beyond the fun of playing and competing, our student athletes learn every time they step into the game - they learn how to set and work toward long-term goals, take smart risks, and handle both wins and losses with grace and good sportsmanship. We ensure this by:

HOLDING HIGH EXPECTATIONS

All members of an MSR team are held accountable for their actions both on the court/field and in the classroom environment. They’re also expected to represent the school in ways that positively reinforce our community’s values, contributing their best effort in practice and performance while treating opponents with respect and integrity.

REINFORCING ACADEMIC LEARNING

Participation in athletics helps to strengthen physical, mental, and social skills by exercising teamwork, endurance, and other skills and qualities that have a positive affect on students’ classroom performance. Our student-athletes commit to reaching the highest level of academic standards—as do all MSR students.

BUILDING STRONG BODIES & STRONG CHARACTER

As we help students to develop physically as athletes, we also teach them healthy habits of character—this includes pride, respect, humility, and self-discipline. Being a member of an MSR athletic team is a privilege. And our players’ behaviors and attitudes show respect for their school, teachers, parents, coaches, opponents, officials, and themselves.

PRACTICING

Like all learning at MSR, our students advance by putting forth their best effort—through practice. Prior to each season, players and parents receive a practice schedule according to each sport. Regular and punctual attendance is respected by all team members, because each one knows that he/she is equally important for the success of the Miners Athletic Program. Playing for an MSR team is a season-long commitment.

MAXIMIZING PLAYING TIME FOR EACH TEAM MEMBER

The student’s effort, attendance, participation at practice, teamwork, and off-court behavior will be some of the factors considered by the coach when determining playing time.  Every effort shall be made to maximize each participant’s playing time.

VALUING GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP (for players and fans)

Sportsmanship is one of the goals MSR values as part of the athletic program.
What does Sportsmanship look like at MSR?
*Demonstrate humility in victory and defeat by showing respect to teammates and opponents
*Show maximum effort through fair play, honesty and within the rules of the game or activity
*Strive to make others better through cooperation and recognizes the problems that good sportsmanship solves.

Parents, guardians, students and other fans can assist our athletes by honoring and modeling the rules of good sportsmanship. Coaches are expected to be role models for their players. This means their sportsmanship will always be exemplary.

HIRING & CULTIVATING DEDICATED COACHES

The coaches for all Miners Athletic teams view coaching as a calling, looking to create innovative student athletes. Our coaches believe in focusing on skill development and effort over the score. Having this broad vision with a focus on strong student athletic character often leads to success.

MSR has a "no-cuts" policy and all interested students in grades four through eight are invited to practices. Students in grades six through eight comprise the majority of our teams, while fifth graders, per conference rules, will participate in games as needed to form a team.

Our fourth graders spend their inaugural year of athletics to practice their skills and observe game situations, preparing to participate in actual game play within the conference.

Upper Elementary (Developmental 4-6 years): The objectives of the Upper Elementary program are improvement through participation and the introduction of basic skills. Coaches will teach basic rules and principles of the game.

In sports when MSR does not field a UE team, 4th, 5th and 6th year students are eligible to participate on a middle school team. It is important to note that playing time on a middle school team will be based on a player’s ability to make a significant contribution to a middle school team.

Middle School (Practiced 7-8 years): The objectives of the middle-school program are improvement through participation and the continued development of basic skills. Middle school athletics will allow each student the opportunity to participate and grow in sportsmanship and character through higher-level competitive experiences.  Playing time will be maximized based on  readiness and participation in practice. Coaches will continue to partner with parents in the skill development of student athletes.

Upper School (Mastery 9-12 years): The objective of this level is to exhibit impeccable sportsmanship and excellence. High School athletics is highly competitive and advanced. At this level, the athlete will be scrutinized more thoroughly in his character, ability, readiness, and skills.

The Athletic Program at The Montessori School of Raleigh is an important part of the school’s educational program, and students are encouraged to participate in interscholastic sports.  MSR has a “no-cuts” policy and our Upper Elementary, Middle, and Upper School sports programs are open to all students that want to enjoy athletics and team camaraderie.

Information regarding registration is sent out to current families of eligible students (grades 4 - 6) prior to each season.

Families can use the TeamSnap app to view practice schedules for individual teams.