The Montessori Adolescent Program
Middle School
Our adolescent program at the Montessori School at Holy Rosary is a challenging academic program. It combines the didactic lessons of the core subject areas with the Montessori ideals and "pedagogy of place" curriculum.
Students in 7th and 8th grades develop a sense of self from their work, their contributions, their philanthropy and their care for each other. This small community has continued to grow since the first middle school class began in 2007. As is fitting for adolescents seeking their own place in the world, our middle school has its own separate facility, in a renovated artist’s studio in the Murray Hill School building. Just a 5-minute walk from our main campus building on Mayfield Road, this allows students to "flow" back and forth.
Studies and work done in the early Montessori years culminate in a curriculum designed to meet the needs and personality of the adolescent in an expanded "prepared environment." This new and broader community includes the school, its immediate neighborhood, and the myriad of resources of both University Circle and the greater Cleveland area.
Middle School Core Subjects
- Language Arts & Writing
- Humanities – Literature, History, Geography, Philosophy
- Mathematics – Pre-Algebra, Algebra, Geometry
- Science – Biology, Chemistry, Physics
- Religion– two part optional programs including continuation of Good Shepherd curruculum and Formal Catholic Theology Class
- Music – collaborations with the Cleveland Institute of Music
- Art/Occupations – utilizing area institutions and parent expertise
- Physical Education/Experiences - including weight training and Yoga
- Health
- Foreign Language
"Pedagogy of Place"
Experiential education provides the practical work component of the adolescent program. Students work with local businesses and experts in various fields to take the knowledge gained in the core subject areas beyond the classroom. These inter-disciplinary projects emphasize the integration of work with academic studies.
The connection of the adolescent with the land is of great importance, for it is in this connection that lessons of interdependence, stewardship, and humility are absorbed, as well as our link with history.
Occupations / Micro-economy
Middle School students have opportunities to experience and discover a variety of disciplines that lead to self-expression, responsibility, problem solving and community building. They are able to choose from a rotating selection of activities throughout the year (arts, chores, cooking, crafts, drama, music, sewing, etc.)
Participation in the creation of micro-economies helps to develop a sense of economic responsibility and business skills; including product development, marketing, advertising, budgeting, etc. Real, substantive work supports the ability to manage time, solve problems, set goals, and see the intrinsic rewards of meeting a common goal.
Key Experiences for the Adolescent:
- WorkingPhysical labor integrated with academic work
- Expressing Oneself
Art, music, creative arts, crafts, drama, public performance, writing & speaking - Relating to AdultsMaintaining respectful positive, relationships with adults
- Building Community and Relating to PeersAssuming a participatory and responsible role within the community, group problem solving, cooperative activities, conflict resolution
- Developing Personal IdentityDeveloping positive and separate identity, time spent away from parents and urban areas, time to reflect, journal writing, clarification of values
- Developing the IntellectAcademic challenge, exploration of skills, reading excellent literature, seminars, science experiments and projects, applied mathematics, research
- Developing Business SkillsReal work experience in the community, entrepreneurial activities
- Participating in the Adult WorldExploring natural and man-made environment, camping, land activities, gardening, real world field experiences
- Assuming ResponsibilityCreating and maintaining the environment, student planning of activities
- Serving Others
Caring and sharing with older people, giving service to others in the community, working with younger children
Admission:
Admission to the adolescent program from within the Montessori School at Holy Rosary will be through re-enrollment invitation. Staff will review student progress in all areas and signal any concerns about the student’s appropriateness for the adolescent program.
Students from outside of the MSHR will be considered after review of school transcripts, teacher recommendations, a day visit, writing sample and an interview. These students will be considered for admission based on available space.
