Montessori Middle School

      In the Montessori Middle School Program we believe learning should be rooted in work of the hands and heart, as well as work of the head. Especially for 12 to 14-year-olds, a Montessori curriculum is based on a hands-on educational experience. As important as intellectual work is at this level, the inclusion of activities in nature (botany, gardening, physical work) help adolescents to connect to the real world.

     As children grow older they go through a natural stage of debate, especially between 12-15. They are no longer satisfied with the "how;" they want to know the "why" and understand "why" it is either right or wrong.  So we aid in this navigation by teaching children how things relate to each other – cause and effect.  

 

     A spiral curriculum is implemented to expose students to many interrelated topics,

growing and enhancing over time.

          We believe individualized learning should be open and exploration limitless.                 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Montessori Secondary program expands upon learning fostered in our Elementary programs and includes State Standard curricular courses of:

• Language arts                           

• Mathematics                             

• Sciences                                       

• Social Studies                           

 

In addition, students take specialized courses including but not limited to:

• Astronomy                                    

• Visual and Performing Arts

• Botany                                             

• Economics                                   

• Life Skills.                                        

• LEGO Robotics                                     

 

Students also participate in field studies linked to themes like Academic Work, and Service Learning.

 

Life Skills at the Secondary level include:

• Student use of Checklists

• Work Plans                                

• Planning Calendars            

• Classroom Economy         

• Money Management         

 

Students also use study guides that promote executive functioning skills like time management, organization, and decision-making.    

     Montessori Secondary students engage in independent, interest-based research projects that integrate core curricular areas and electives. The scope of these projects matches the developmental level of the students, The Montessori Secondary curriculum emphasizes the nobility of work—that is, meaningful work done with humanity and purpose. The curriculum allows for differentiation and choice, supports engagement and focus on all work tasks, and promotes mastery learning. Lessons and activities encourage active engagement, questioning and dialogue. Students use self-evaluations and rubrics to reflect on and self-assess their learning.

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