Middle School

Middle School is a pivotal time when students begin to explore who they are, test boundaries, and engage more deeply with the world around them. At Montessori Academy, our program is carefully designed to support students academically, socially, and emotionally during this period of growth. We foster an environment where students feel safe to take intellectual risks, reflect on their values, and build lasting relationships with peers and mentors.

Our two-year Middle School curriculum prepares students for high school by helping them develop strong academic foundations, effective communication skills, and a sense of responsibility for their learning. The year is organized into four thematic cycles such as Connections, Systems, Exploration, and Identity, which change each year to keep the curriculum fresh and engaging. These themes serve as a framework for integrating subjects like social studies, science, math, literature, and foreign language, allowing students to make meaningful connections across disciplines.

In mathematics, students build on foundational concepts through a curriculum that includes pre-algebra, algebra, and geometry. Lessons are tailored to each student’s level of mastery, and teachers provide individualized support to ensure comprehension and progress. Students complete daily assignments and participate in regular assessments to track growth and prepare for high school-level work.

Language arts instruction emphasizes both creative and academic writing. Students read and analyze a variety of literary texts, complete nightly literature and vocabulary work, and undertake multiple writing projects each cycle. The curriculum includes instruction in grammar, essay structure, and the study of Greek and Latin roots to strengthen spelling and language comprehension. By the end of the program, students will have completed at least four novel studies, each requiring thoughtful reflection and critical analysis.

Students are also supported in developing executive functioning skills such as time management, organization, and collaboration. Group work is a key part of the program, as students learn how to share ideas, resolve conflicts, and contribute to shared goals.

Land Lab Trips
Students participate in three Land Lab trips each year, each lasting three to four days and held in natural or educational locations outside the city. These trips extend classroom learning into real-world contexts and are designed to foster resilience, teamwork, and a connection to the environment. Whether they’re hiking through forests, collecting water samples from a stream, or engaging in team-building challenges, students learn by doing. They take on active roles in cooking, camp setup, and group leadership, gaining independence and discovering strengths they may not see in the classroom.

SNAPS Café
Through SNAPS Café, our student-run business, Middle School students learn practical skills in entrepreneurship, finance, planning, and customer service. Held on Friday afternoons, SNAPS Café typically sells treats such as ice cream, but the project goes far beyond the product. Students are responsible for managing inventory, setting prices, marketing the café, and handling transactions. This hands-on experience helps them understand the basics of business operations while working together as a team. Profits from SNAPS Café support student activities, including the annual Middle School Big Trip, giving students a tangible reward for their efforts and a deeper understanding of financial responsibility.

The Middle School Big Trip
A highlight of the Middle School experience is the Big Trip, a five- to seven-day educational adventure to an out-of-state destination. Past trips have taken students to vibrant cities and cultural landmarks such as New York City, where they visit museums, attend performances, explore historical sites, and navigate public transportation as a group. These trips are carefully planned to align with curricular themes and offer students opportunities to apply what they've learned in a new environment.

Equally important is the personal growth that happens during the trip. Students practice independence, teamwork, and self-regulation while away from home. They participate in guided reflections, keep journals, and take part in meaningful discussions that deepen their understanding of the world and their place in it. Faculty members are present to support and guide the group, but students are encouraged to take ownership of the experience, reinforcing the confidence and maturity they've built throughout the year.