The Downtown Montessori Academy Adolescent Program is an academically challenging program designed to meet the social, academic and emotional needs of adolescents in grades 7 and 8. The course of study includes math, language, science, social studies, geography and physical education. The Adolescent students also participate in outside-of-the-classroom experiences and other experiential learning opportunities such as participation with Growing Power and the St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care.
The Adolescent Program at Downtown Montessori is based on the work of Dr. Elisabeth Coe, a Montessori educator and researcher specializing in early adolescence, and was designed to address these issues:
Developmentally Responsive
In keeping with the Montessori philosophy, the Adolescent Program looks to the various stages of the child’s growth as a guide to instruction. It uses these developmental stages as the foundation of its educational design.
Holistic
The Adolescent Program is holistic in its approach to educating the whole child, not only the child’s cognitive potential, but also his or her physical, social/emotional, and moral growth. The courses are interrelated so that the student realizes the interconnections of life. It is also holistic in that the school, family and child form a partnership which promotes an optimal learning environment.
Empowering
Adolescents are in the process of defining themselves and need a learning environment that can provide opportunities for students to use and confirm their personal power to benefit themselves and others.
Academics
The Adolescent Program course work is designed as a two-year program and includes classes in math, language, science, social studies and geography. There is on-going instruction in speech, outdoor education, service learning and the arts.
Each year there are 4-5 cycles of work, each featuring a common theme that is reflected in literature, science and social study work. Each cycle includes class work on organization, time management and test taking.
At the end of each cycle, there is an opportunity to engage in work of a distinctly different nature outside the class. We have established a relationship with Growing Power, where students work alongside the staff to learn the fundamentals of gardening and ecology.
Classwork
There are two kinds of class work: individual and group. Individual work is designed to match the interests, skills and abilities of the student. There is a variety of work choices, each designed to be done alone or in self-chosen small groups. Group work is done in randomly chosen groups, encouraging students to learn to work together. Students are expected to keep up with all class work in school and at home.
Personal Reflection
As part of the health curriculum, students spend 30 minutes each day in personal reflection. It is time to reflect on goals, to reduce stress and to create a personal vision. During this time, students work by themselves on guided self-knowledge activities.
Adolescent School Day
All Lower Elementary programs are five days per week. School day hours are:
| Before School Care (optional) | 7:00 AM – 8:45 AM |
| Classes Begin | 8:45 AM |
| Dismissal | 3:30 PM |
| After School Care (optional) | 3:30 PM – 6:00 PM |
| After School Programs (optional) | 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM |
Adolescent Enrichment
- Growing Power
- St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care
- Guitar Lessons
- After School Programs (Volleyball, Chess Club, Girl Scouts, Piano Lessons)