Middle School Program  12 - 14 years old & High School Program 15 - 18 years old

 

The whole life of the adolescent should be organized in such a way that it will enable him or her, when the time comes, to make a triumphal entry into social life, not entering it debilitated, isolated, or humiliated, but with the head high, sure of himself or herself.

- Dr. Maria Montessori

 

The International Montessori Academy is currently developing Middle and High School Program and soon will offer an authorized IB Middle Years Program (MYP) which takes place during grades six, seven, and eight. Students enrolled in the IMA will experience challenging academic studies, community service, entrepreneurial experiences, a global perspective, and more.

Young adolescence is a period of tremendous metamorphic growth and challenge. However, the process of growth is extremely individual, varied, and normal. Growth occurs rapidly for some and more gradually for others. In accordance with Montessori pedagogy, the program and the prepared environment for young adolescents differ remarkably from the Toddler Community, Children’s House and Elementary programs. Simply, young adolescents work to accomplish different developmental and academic needs.

If there is one compelling need for students in grades six through eight it is to belong and contribute to a community. This is a central preoccupation. Dr. Maria Montessori (1870-1954) described children of this age as “social newborns” seeking to take their place as contributing members of today’s global society. Montessori wrote, Success in life depends in every case on self-confidence and the knowledge of one’s own capacity. The consciousness of knowing how to make one-self useful, how to help mankind in many ways, fills the soul with noble confidence. The feeling of interdependence must be bound to the power to be self-sufficient.

It is essential for young adolescents to be immersed in rigorous academic study that also engages them with real world decision making. We believe that students learn best when their learning experiences meaningfully connect to their lives. We do this by preparing environments in which students have access to the resources they need to inquire into the human identity, global challenges, and what it means to be internationally minded.

 

The IB Learner Profile

A Montessori/IB education begins with respect for the whole person, for their learning styles, strengths, challenges, knowledge, and experiences. Our program addresses each student’s cognitive development and social, emotional, and physical well-being. We guide students to become active and caring members of their communities as well as internationally minded learners.