Preparing for Middle School
Preparing for Middle School in Free Horizon Montessori
The Free Horizon Montessori middle school is a progressive, holistic program founded upon a developmental response to the needs and abilities of the whole adolescent (physical, emotional, social, cognitive and spiritual). The curriculum – which is thorough, challenging, diverse and integrated – fosters student growth in all areas and prepares them for the challenges they will face as leaders of tomorrow's world.
Education at this level continues the Montessori tradition of fully engaging, experiential learning with an emphasis on leadership development, personal responsibility, and rigorous preparation with 21st-century skills. Whether in the classroom or out in the world in any number of internships and off-campus trips, students immerse themselves in meaningful, relevant real-life learning. They graduate with the skills to flourish in a variety of high school, college and professional arenas.
Extended Learning Opportunities
Dr. Montessori believed children gain knowledge through experiences in the real world that are unable to be developed in the classroom. Through "going out," students connect with their community and broaden their personal and cultural understanding. Middle school students take an average of one monthly field trip related to curricular studies in addition to a monthly excursion focused on community service.
Our sixth-grade students also participate in Outdoor Education Week, a week-long resident camp experience where students engage in a variety of activities designed to enhance scientific studies. All of our middle school students take two curricular-related overnight trips annually.
Starting middle school can be an exciting time for students transitioning from elementary school. By definition, transition means the change from one place, state of being, or condition to another place, state of being, or condition. This transition is often complex.
As young adolescents are changing school buildings they are also changing hormonally, mentally, and physically. This transition affects young adolescents’ academic experiences, motivation, self-perception, and self-regulation. This process also affects parents and teachers.
Effective transition programs help students move to a new school and become a part of the new school. With the implementation of transition programs and the support of parents, teachers, administrators, and mental health professionals, this transition can positively impact students both socially and academically.