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Middle School (7/8)

Confluence Class -Ms. Bri (Natural World) 

Estuary Class - Ms. Jossilin (Social World)

Cascade Class - Ms. Amelia (Language Arts)

Teacher Assistants - Ms. Kali, Mr. Peter, Ms. Quiahna

Please click here to download the Middle School Tri-fold Brochure.

Please click here to download a Sample Middle School Study Guide.

The Adolescent

In the spirit of Montessori philosophy, the theory of looking to developmental stages as a guide is crucial. The notion of respecting people for where they are in their development and utilizing support the unfolding process of growth is a basic foundation of Montessori educational design. Some characteristics of adolescents include:

  • Changes in appearance, self-image, reactions from others and behaviors;
  • Egocentric;
  • Prefer active learning experiences with peers;
  • Developing and using abstract thinking;
  • Want to learn things they consider to be useful or real;
  • Interest in social order and fairness;
  • Need to be needed, need for routine, need for physical activity, need for stillness, need for belonging.

Some Things Change, Others Stay the Same

CMP’s lower and upper elementary Montessori programs serve as a bridge to our middle school program. Many aspects of the Montessori classroom follow students into the middle school model along with some new components.

Familiar:

  • Multi-age classrooms;
  • Manage your own time;
  • Responsible for your own education;
  • 3 period lessons.

New:

  • Cycles of learning;
  • 3 teachers;
  • Rotate classrooms;
  • Textbooks;
  • Letter grades and online gradebook;
  • Study guides;
  • Weekly quizzes and final exams;
  • Immersion trips.

The Montessori Difference

The Montessori middle school design is an integration of the current research in human development, the trends and issues in education, and the Montessori philosophy. The mission of the program is to provide opportunities for adolescents to be self-confident and gain self-knowledge, to belong to a community, to learn and be adaptable, to be academically competent and challenged, and to create a vision for their personal future; thus, to empower early adolescents.

  • Continued Montessori philosophy;
  • Integrated curriculum;
  • Low teacher/student ratio;
  • Personal reflection;
  • Classroom environment allows for movement and collaboration;
  • Community of learners.

“My dear young people: I see the light in your eyes, the energy in your bodies and the hope that is in your spirit. I know that it is you, not I, who will make the future. It is you, not I, who will fix our wrongs and carry forward all that is right in the world.” –Nelson Mandela

Middle School Community Roles

The success of our Montessori middle school program is directly related to the commitment from the student, teacher and the family.

Role of the Student

  • Contribute as a community member;
  • Learn to manage your own behavior;
  • Attend school every day and be on time;
  • Attend immersion trips;
  • Live a healthy lifestyle;
  • Maintain a positive attitude;
  • Work independently and collaboratively;
  • Use your resources.

Role of the Teacher

  • Facilitates and guides learning;
  • Provide and direct students toward resources;
  • Models continuous learning;
  • Evaluates progress and mastery of learning.

Role of the Family

  • Encourage adequate sleep and proper nutrition;
  • Help your student with time management and organization;
  • Provide opportunities for real-life activities;
  • Establish routines;
  • Communicate regularly with the teachers;
  • Check your student’s grades regularly;
  • Know your resources;
  • Honor the CMP handbook and guidelines.

COMMUNITY

Adolescents need opportunities to work and live in a trusting community that fosters deep connections with others.

CURRICULUM

Adolescents need a curriculum that demonstrates the interdisciplinary nature of the world and prepares them to understand and solve current and future challenges.

CHARACTER

Adolescents need activities that foster self-construction for exploring oneself and discovering their place in the world.

Recommended Resources for Middle School Parents

Books:

  • Unleashing the Potential of the Teenage Brain by Barry Corbin
  • 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families by Stephen Covey
  • Parenting the Teenage Brain by Sheryl Feinstein, Ed.D.
  • The Primal Teen: What the New Discoveries About the Teenage Brain Tell Us About Our Kids by Barbara Strauch
  • All Grown Up and No Place to Go by David Elkind

Other Publications: