Welcome to Rib Mountain Elementary School

A mom and her two daughters pose for a photo during Donuts with Grownups.

Rib Mountain Elementary School, on the city's west side, is part of the Wausau School District. We serve students in grades kindergarten through 5. Our close-knit veteran staff is committed to providing a healthy, positive, and safe learning environment to our students. Rib Mountain’s active PTO and amazing parental/family support system provide a strong foundation from which to build upon. Learning is our top priority, and we are committed to providing the best educational experience possible for each and every one of our 200+ Mustangs.

Our motto, which defines who we are and how we conduct business every day at Rib Mountain Elementary School, is:

Work Hard
Be Respectful
Be There/Be Ready and
Be Safe

Rib Mountain's Belief

Our Belief at Rib Mountain Elementary School: The purpose of our school is to see to it that all our students learn at high levels, and the future of our students depends on our success. We must work collaboratively to achieve that purpose, because it is impossible to accomplish if we work in isolation. And we must continually assess our effectiveness in achieving our purpose on the basis of results--tangible evidence that our students are acquiring the knowledge, skills, and dispositions we feel are essential to their future success.

Students learn best when they are actively engaged in learning processes which are an appropriate match to their instructional level. A successful student links new information with existing knowledge and uses a variety of thinking and reasoning strategies. Exceptional students (Special Ed., LEP, GT, etc.) need special services and resources to improve learning.

Effective School Leaders, including teacher leaders and administration, engage in practices that support the ongoing improvement of teaching and learning performance – allowing adequate time for effective implementation. Students learn more when provided with a variety of instructional approaches and a variety of assessments to demonstrate achievement and progress.

Curriculum needs to incorporate a variety of learning activities using a variety of instructional approaches to accommodate differences in student learning. A safe and physically comfortable environment promotes student learning. Teachers, Administrators, parents and the community share the responsibility for helping students learn. A student’s performance is enhanced by mutual respect among students and staff.

Our Vision

It is the philosophy of Rib Mountain School to help each child achieve his/her fullest potential as a student and as a person. In a positive atmosphere, we will work to develop self-confidence in students, to promote a love of learning, a sense of responsibility, and a feeling of satisfaction for work accomplished to the best of one’s ability. To reach this outcome, all significant individuals must work together in a professional and caring manner to help each child realize his/her potential including students, teachers, administrators, parents and the community.

Contact us to learn more about our school today

Address:

150801 Robin Lane
Wausau, WI. 54401

Phone Number:

715-261-0220
Fax: 715-261-2752

Principal:

Rachel Jean

Administrative Assistant:

Amanda Shuda

Meet our Principal:

I am truly grateful to be in my second year as principal of Rib Mountain Elementary. Growing up in Wausau, this community shaped who I am, and it is an incredible honor to now give back to the place that first nurtured my love for learning.

For me, education is more than a career. It’s a passion and a purpose. I believe every child has unique gifts, value, and potential, and my greatest joy is helping students discover just how capable they are. My hope is that every child at Rib feels seen, supported, and celebrated. I treasure the small, everyday moments... greeting students at the door, laughing with them in the hallways, or celebrating their growth... because those moments build confidence, belonging, and joy.

I also know that kids thrive when home, school, and community work hand in hand. Building strong, open partnerships with families is at the heart of what I do, and I am just as committed to supporting our incredible staff as they guide and inspire students each day. Together, we are shaping a culture of collaboration, connection, and high expectations where children can grow not only academically, but also as kind, confident, and capable individuals.

The phrase better together is more than just a theme at Rib Mountain. It’s a belief that guides my leadership. When students, families, and staff join together with a shared purpose, amazing things happen. I could not be more excited to continue this journey with the Rib Mountain community as we make every day meaningful for our kids.

With excitement and gratitude,
Rachel Jean

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