The Middle School environment at MMS consists of students age 12-14.

“Help me think for myself.” That is the motto of Montessori adolescent environments – commonly called “middle school” in traditional American school systems. 

Middle school environments are increasingly rare in Montessori schools across the country, but Dr. Maria Montessori placed careful thought and consideration around the development of a classroom to meet the broad biological needs of children in this stage of development.

Dr. Montessori felt the environment should reflect all aspects of adult life and provide opportunities to pursue academic interests and complete real-life tasks in a social setting. Through daily experiences and responsibilities within the middle school environment, adolescents practice what it means to become a contributing member of society.

Developing a classroom environment for students in this stage of development requires a thorough understanding of the facets that comprise the adolescent mind. When creating her vision for this environment, Dr. Montessori outlined characteristics of the adolescent as follows:

Social creatures
The need to identify is important for adolescents. Peer relationships and the peer group are the adolescent’s first priority, and camaraderie, fellowship, companionship and teammates are the adolescent’s focus.

Critical thinkers
The mind turns from elementary thoughts of the universe toward thoughts of themselves and their group. Adolescents need to know how they feel and what they want by drawing conclusions, listening and synthesizing. They need to be heard and want adults to listen to their reasoning, to be empowered to seek solutions and discuss their conclusions.

Energetic
At this age, the adolescent has a special intensity that can burn out of control but, if channeled, can move mountains. The adolescent has a large capacity for work and a yearning for adventure and self-discovery.

Intellectual
At Maria Montessori School, our curriculum grants students with a base for lifelong learning by developing skills in mathematics, reading, writing and other key subjects.

Sexually maturing
The adolescent feels challenged to understand what is expected of them as an adult.

Humanistic
The adolescent confronts and deals with human nature in a unique way by confronting powerful dilemmas, mysterious forces and contradictions of life.

These are the major “needs” of Montessori adolescents:

  • They need to work.
  • They need to be challenged.
  • They need the earth (land).
  • They need to build community.
Curriculum

Maria Montessori School’s curriculum is the result of a three-year research and development project involving site visits to three major Montessori middle and high schools in San Antonio, Chicago and Portland. The project included an exhaustive local and national study of major content curriculums, including performance standards and life-long learning objectives. The Maria Montessori School staff believes that the middle school curriculum meets and/or surpasses those of local private and public schools while embracing the Montessori methodology.

If you would like more information about MMS’s middle school environment, feel free to email mms1986@bellsouth.net.