Children at this age develop and seek to understand their social selves, relationships with others and the environment. They are better able to reason, to ask and search for answers to the questions how and why. The Montessori curriculum and classroom materials give children the tools and methods to explore and discover the world. Children enjoy group work and they learn to structure their individual work schedules in conjunction with the teacher. The environment is designed to maximize independent learning and exploration. Areas of study include mathematics, geometry, language, history, geography, biology, botany and science.

Students in the 9to12 class participate in two one-week overnight experiences at Nature's Classroom in Wisconsin.

Ages: 6 to14 years (age 6 by September 1)
Times: Monday to Friday: 8:25 a.m. 3:00 p.m.
Note: Child must bring own snack and lunch.

Middle School: Ages 12-14

The Adolescent Program is the newest program to be added to RPMS. The program reflects Montessori principles, as they relate to this age group, and as such the curriculum is designed to ensure academic excellence and developmentally appropriate practices. The program is designed to be integrated, holistic and is reflective of the needs of the adolescent. As with all our programs Montessori psychology, methodology and philosophy are the cornerstone to our practices. The curriculum format takes into consideration the cognitive, physical, psychosocial and moral aspects of this age group.

The Center for Education Policy has identified what they believe constitutes a well-rounded middle school education breaking down the proportion of content areas to time spent during the school day:

• Academics (content) 32%

• Skills (critical thinking, problem-solving, team work, listening, organization, leadership, computer knowledge and writing) 33%

• Character building (emotional well-being and ethical behavior) 20%

• Hands on experience (real experiences, service to the community, peer teaching and internship) 15%

We believe the above is an approximate reflection of how we see the Montessori Adolescent program and time spent being divided. 

The Montessori curriculum is set up in “cycles” and designed so that the child understands the interrelationship of subjects studied and in the broader sense the interconnectedness of life.  There are 10 cycles for the 2-year curriculum, with students doing 5 cycles each year.  Traditionally, schools plan trips tied to the curriculum for the end of each cycle.  The cycle themes include:  Connections, Exploration, Identity, Systems, Interdependence, Structure, Forces, Power, Changes, and Balance. 

The following is a summary of the major curriculum areas and the content of each area.  This is a sample of one school’s approach to the curriculum established in the Montessori training centers.

Life Skills Focus: Goal setting, problem solving, organization of time, communication skills, Conflict resolution, Global perspective and Teamwork.

Self-Knowledge: Adolescent characteristics, 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens, Gardener's Types of Intelligences, self assessment of strengths and learning styles, balance and personal reflection.

Natural World: Physical Science (nature of science, structure of matter, motion, 4 fundamental forces, power, energy, waves, work, machines, chemistry, future technology.) Life Science (cells, virus, monera, protista, fungi, genetics, animal systems, ecosystems, future vision)

Social World: Geography (locations, regions, movement, environment). History (US Government, revolutions, human rights movement, industrial revolution, native Americans, immigration, economics, economic systems, ecology, peace education).

Language Arts: Vocabulary (vocabulary workshop, word roots, social-natural, world vocabulary). Literature (anthologies, theme novels, personal novel). Writing (Daily responses, daily oral language, vocabulary sentences, book reports, independent study, research papers, various assignments - short stories, poetry, news articles, persuasive writings). Speech (discussions: articulation of ideas, presentations, leadership, communication skills).

Math: Pre-algebra and Algebra               

The Arts
In addition to the academic curriculum, students enjoy a variety of classes including art, music, drama, physical education and Spanish. All classes are taught by specialist teachers on a weekly and bi-weekly basis. Each student is offered an opportunity to explore a range of subjects that challenge and broaden their creativity.

Explorers
This program offers 6 to 12-year-old students a chance to relax after school, socialize with friends and participate in both indoor and outdoor activities. Art, cooking, sports, homework and extracurricular activities offer an extension to the school day.
Ages: 6 to 12 years (age 6 by September 1)
Times: Monday Friday: 3:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m.

Early Arrival
Times: Monday Friday: 7:30 a.m. 8:30 a.m.

After School Activities:We offer a broad variety of after school activities for our elementary age students.  These include: Tae Kwon Do, Guitar Lessons, Circusteem, Girls on the Run, Chess Club, Knitting, Soccer and more!

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