Middle School

Age Range: Ages 12 to 14 Years (Grades 7 & 8)
Time: 8:00 AM– 2:30 PM
Class Days: Monday through Friday
Where: Lancaster City

Our Montessori Middle School Program, building on the collaborative foundation established in earlier years, supports students as they begin the transition from childhood to adulthood. Teachers introduce new information and new ways to process that information. Field trips become a weekly part of the curriculum. Direct experiences are included whenever possible. Student work is graded in all subject areas. Day-to-day logistics of the classroom appear similar to those in traditional middle school settings. The differences are inherent in the nature of the conversations, the relationships among students and teachers, and the degree of “ownership” students take of their learning process and time-management.

Students read extensively for information in science, history, literature, and math. Textbooks, other print media, and online resources are used daily along with lecture, discussion, and research. Writing instruction focuses on writing for different audiences, for different purposes, and using different media. Students prepare and perform skits that are based on topics of instruction as well as on their own writing. They develop mini-lessons to reinforce or preview material in science, history, and civics. Preparing to teach a concept enhances learning for both the “teachers” and their “students,” who learn more deeply when they are asked to teach and appreciate the process in new ways when their peers present information. Math instruction includes Pre-Algebra, formal Algebra, and topics in Geometry. Students practice Math Counts problems and work to learn test-taking strategies. Teachers develop activities to guide students as they learn to take notes and develop formal study habits.

Students become active, self-motivated participants in their classrooms, families, and communities. They follow a challenging academic program…read, write, create and perform in both English and a foreign language… respect others… learn to be problem-solvers… utilize effective research strategies… cultivate a positive self-image… determine their own community involvement… keep commitments…plan and execute community events… become critical thinkers… prepare for the transition to high school.