MIDDLE SCHOOL

Middle School students are entering the THIRD PLANE OF DEVELOPMENT. This is a stage characterized by a need for a tremendous amount of physical activity and meaningful physical work, increased autonomy, opportunities to develop a personal vision, an environment that helps the student develop positive and durable self-esteem, involvement with social issues, and a stimulating and thoughtful curriculum.

Characteristics of White Rock Montessori Middle School

• One middle school classroom consisting of twenty to twenty-four students, ages 12-15 (roughly 7th and 8th grades)
• Classroom directed by two teachers
• The student/teacher ratio is 10:1
• Weekly classes with specialists in visual arts, environmental science and Spanish
• Physical Education daily (two classes per week with specialist)
• All students attend five days per week from 8:30 A.M. - 3:30 P.M.
• Students remain in the same classroom with the same teachers throughout their middle school years.
• Curriculum integrated and organized into five-week thematic cycles. Includes:
  • Math
  • Geometry
  • Pre-algebra and Algebra
  • Language Arts
  • Research and Creative Writing
  • Foreign Language (Spanish)
  • Everyday Living Skills, Personal Understanding and Development
  • Geography
  • History
  • Civics
  • Visual Arts
  • Drama
  • Music
  • Science
  • Computer Science
  • Environmental Science/Gardening
  • Physical Education/ROPES Course/Week-long Adventure Trip
  • Business Internship (served in the community)
  • Community Service
  • Student-owned and operated, for-profit business, MS Garden Gifts. Students are shareholders.

Goal-setting and Time-management skills and personal accountability stressed.