The Adolescent Program

MCS opened its adolescent program in the fall of 2005. Its students are 12 to 14 years old, in the traditional grades 7 and 8. Adolescents arrive between 8:00 and 8:15; their school day lasts until 3:30. An optional study-hall is available until 5pm.

Just as the elementary student entered a new plane of development at age 6, the adolescent is beginning a new developmental phase around the age of 12. This new stage requires a new educational setting to meet the needs of adolescent students. We provide our young people with a developmentally appropriate environment in which to grow and learn. The Montessori Adolescent Community environment provides a more structured weekly schedule than a Montessori Upper Elementary environment, including both scheduled meetings for some classes and large work blocks of time where students can both work together in groups and, just as easily, choose to do follow up assignments.

This age child will have academic, physical, and social challenges. Each student is called upon to contribute large and small acts of leadership. Each student is called upon to progress at his or her own pace in Math. Each student is called upon to identify meaningful research projects that spin off from the two Cultural areas - History and Science. Students also participate in weekly reading, writing, Spanish, research skills, and other lessons. Weekly options in the arts and PE are also a part of the schedule. Because the Montessori Adolescent Community believes in the central importance of social and emotional development, there is also time for meaningful reflection, creative self-expression, debate and hands-on connections to the land, the surrounding community and the world.

Adolescent students begin their year with a two-week Odyssey visiting historical sites that will set the stage for their studies during the year. In addition to increasing students' academic understanding, this journey will provide a community building experience for the group and allow each student to magnify his or her own independence as well as realize meaningful interdependence on friends, family, thegreater community, and the natural world.

Click here to view the Parent Handbook for the Adolescent Program that includes policies, curriculum, schedules, and other information.

Click here to see the Adolescent Program Overview document that is included as part of an admissions packet of information.

Adolescent Community Portal