Adolescent

12 - 15 Years Old

Core Program Areas

• Science/Occupations: A unique way of approaching scientific studies, through purposeful real-word activities.  Concepts are presented and followed by project time where students engage in research, lab experiences, engineering projects, and weekly seminar challenges.  Students don’t just learn science, they do science. 
• Language Arts: Our curriculum guides the development of reading, writing & presentation skills through literature circles, seminars, and interdisciplinary projects and research.
• Mathematics: Small group work and lessons in pre-Algebra, Algebra, and Geometry are combined with weekly seminars that emphasize applied math and problem-solving.
• Humanities: The study of world cultures examines commonalities and their effect on our present day.  Humanities incorporates history, the arts, government, psychology, and more.
• Spanish: Experiential language learning through verbal and written activities and the inclusion of music, storytelling, and cultural studies.
• Self-Expression & Physical Expression: Guided explorations in music, performance, art, and writing provide avenues for self expression and discovery.  Physical expression includes health and wellness topics and opportunities for expanding athletic interests and skills.       
• Micro-Economy: Participation in running a small business develops entrepreneurship and  economic literacy.  Profits are reinvested into current (or future) business endeavors.
  

Occupations (Micro-Economy)

Dr. Montessori envisioned adolescents participating in classroom-based small business endeavours, gaining hands-on experiences with product development, production, marketing, and other business skills.  We partner with community members and local organizations to provide opportunities outside the classroom as well. 

Socratic Seminars

Adolescents have great passion and sensitivity to issues of social justice and current world events. Critical thinking and presentation skills are developed through seminars where students research topics and present a point of view. 

Self Expression/Social Emotional Learning

Students in our CMS Adolescent program develop social emotional skills, conflict resolution, respectful collaboration, and effective communication strategies.  Through self-expression in art, theatre, creative writing and music they are encouraged to develop their individual passions. 

Going Outs & Learning Beyond the Classroom

Adolescent students participate in overnight trips twice per year with an emphasis on community building and developing self-confidence.  Overnight trips, along with local outings, enrich subject areas like biodiversity, ecology, history, and more. 

CMS encourages Adolescent students to participate in United Nations based programs, such as the Montessori Model UN and the Sustainable Development Games, with annual trips abroad to join Montessori students around the world in cultural exchange.  These incredible programs challenge students to think as future stewards of our planet.

Transition to High School

Students in the CMS Adolescent program are well prepared for their transition to high school.  Daily activities are structured in subject blocks, with additional open work blocks for individual projects . Students continue, Montessori-style, to work at their own pace but within a structured schedule.  They have assignments to complete outside of class and learn time management, task prioritizing, and other life skills that prepare them for the challenges of high school and college. Check out what our CMS Alumni have to say.