Principal's Message
Welcome to Peabody Montessori Elementary School!
Hi, I’m Kelly Fields, and I’m proud to serve as the principal of Peabody Montessori Magnet Elementary. My journey in education began in 1987 when I graduated from Louisiana State University with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. Later, I earned a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Northwestern State University in 2008, further deepening my passion for helping students and educators achieve their best.
For over 36 years, I’ve dedicated my career to the students of Rapides Parish. I began teaching fourth grade at Ball Elementary in January 1988 and spent nine wonderful years there before transitioning to Phoenix Magnet Elementary, where I taught until 2012. That year, I stepped into the role of assistant principal at Peabody Montessori Magnet Elementary under the guidance of Rena O. Linzay, serving in that capacity for eight years. Now, as I enter my fifth year as principal, I am honored to lead such a vibrant and dedicated school community.
At Peabody Montessori, we are committed to creating a supportive and stimulating environment where all students can reach their full potential. I believe our focus should always be on preparing students to become productive citizens who make a positive impact in the world. Through the Montessori Method, we instill a love of learning and teach students to respect themselves, others, and the environment. Our gradual release model encourages self-directed learning, while teachers and paraprofessionals provide daily academic feedback to help students meet their goals.
Our school family works tirelessly to close achievement gaps and ensure that every child receives the support they need. We also celebrate successes big and small, with the help of parents and stakeholders, creating lasting memories for everyone involved in the journey.
Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to contribute to education in meaningful ways. I’ve been a faculty member in a Spalding Method Pilot Program, taught at two of the district’s highest-achieving elementary schools, and in 2024, I was honored to be nominated for Elementary Principal of the Year. These experiences have reinforced my belief that, together, we can achieve incredible things for our students and our community.