Middle School Curriculum
Montessori philosophy recognizes that children have a natural drive that inspires them to reach their potential. The plan of studies and work at the middle school level precisely actualizes what the students have explored at the preschool and elementary levels. The whole purpose of the adolescent program is to lead to the “valorization of the personality” of each individual. As John Long describes it in “Toward Key Experiences for the Adolescent,” “a young person needs to feel capable and effective. He needs to feel that he can contribute to society, that he knows how to help humanity in many ways. She needs to feel useful and capable of effort. This is a much more solid basis for self-esteem.” Maria Montessori felt that an adolescent whose personality is valorized displays:
- Joy
- Selflessness
- Optimism
- Confidence
- Dignity
- Self-discipline
- Initiative
- Independence
- Cooperation
- Helpfulness
- The ability to work with others
- Good judgement
All of these components culminate in children who are exceptionally qualified to contribute to the future. We strive to achieve these traits through community involvement and experiencing nature through outdoor trips and ‘working on the land’ projects. Ultimately, the student is allowed to grow within himself and see how he fits in the greater scheme of society.
The Montessori Middle School uses direct instruction as well as an integrated, experiential, project-based syllabus to engage and challenge students in these instructional areas:
- Fine Arts
- Foreign Language
- Language Arts
- Life and Character Skills
- Math
- Science
- Sexuality Education
- Social Studies
- Technology
Exceeding the State standards, in and out of class projects provide opportunity through integrated curriculum to directly apply acquired knowledge. Projects will be planned and implemented according to the curriculum being taught and initiated by the students.