Adolescent Program

Project-based curriculum

The Adolescent Program differs from traditional schools in its emphasis on learning through meaningful projects where work and challenges occur naturally.

High academic performance is achieved through active learning, and by cultivating students’ natural desire to learn and be creative. Students acquire knowledge and skills to solve complex problems through interactions in the classroom, on the school grounds and in the community.

The Montessori Adolescent teacher is a generalist, and is trained by AMI to guide students’ learning and exploration in a number of subjects, while establishing a feeling of support and safety for all individuals in the environment. Additional specialists are brought in to supplement the teacher in their specific subjects of expertise. The course of study includes algebra, geometry, sciences including biology and chemistry; humanities including history, literature and a second language.

Because the students are now able to understand and visualize ideas in the abstract, the program focuses on the development of a successful process and innovative approach, rather than rewarding an expected answer.

Socratic seminars

The program is designed specifically to take advantage of the adolescent’s proclivity toward dialogue within a social context.

Rather than learning through textbooks and lecture alone, the “art of the seminar” allows for the development of clear, thoughtful verbal communication and critical thinking through student-led discussions based on assigned reading.

Seminars provide a far-reaching platform for academic studies, and they help students make connections between their studies and the world around them.  When adolescents are able to share their understanding of a concept while staying open to different perspectives, they are able to think more flexibly and develop adaptability, which will help them to move forward into an uncertain future with confidence.

Micro-economy

 There are regular opportunities for explorations in the greater community that lead to the development of self-confidence and communication skills.

Students develop and run their own businesses, marketing and selling products that they manufacture themselves. Students develop a real, viable business as a vehicle for learning about business development, planning, marketing, finances, banking, customer service, product development and the manufacturing of a product for sale. Supporting lessons are given on the scientific, historical, economic, practical and organizational aspects of their products.

When the collective group takes on important tasks such as running a business, a service projects, or planning a larger going out excursion, the students feel connected to who they are as individuals, to others around them, and to the world as a whole because they are discovering how they fit into a larger structure.

Creative and physical expression

To support our students’ evolving need to understand who they are and where they fit in, we foster creative expression through art, music, drama, physical education and reflective writing.

Activities such as rock climbing, canoeing, tennis, running, hiking bicycling and other group games help develop agility and strength, as well as a sense of fun and confidence in the meeting of physical challenges.

Another important aspect of the program is that it puts students in close contact with nature in order to instill an appreciation and understanding of the responsibility of our planet. The school has acquired the use of a beautiful and natural seven-acre property near Dr. Edmund A. Babler State Park in Wildwood, Missouri. Students visit the land regularly and use it as a resource for their studies (a “Land Lab”).

Community

Beyond intellectual development, the Adolescent Program guides students to become active, global citizens and fully informed problem solvers within the local community and beyond.

The benefit of practical and common-sense knowledge learned in real-life situations gives students the ability to make connections in a very profound way, and also provides the satisfaction of accomplishment and making a difference.

The constructive peer group and our supportive school community at CMS help to celebrate the challenges and opportunities of the “magical time of adolescence.” When students work in a multi-age classroom, competition is reduced and collaboration increases. This valorizes each learner because they can focus on a personal educational journey with the support of their community. 

Our alumni excel in school — and in life

CMS students leave exceptionally well prepared for high school: they have acquired a deep understanding of the material they've studied and a positive, collaborative approach to education and learning, coupled with beautiful social skills.

Years of watching our students matriculate to high school, college and beyond confirms that an authentic Montessori education at CMS is an excellent education for life. They flourish in school and careers of choice but, more importantly, emerge as confident, well adjusted, happy adults.