Levels 7 & 8

But, above all it is the education of adolescents that is important, because adolescence is the time when the child enters on the state of manhood and becomes a member of society.  -Maria Montessori

Structure of the Program

The GSCM Montessori Adolescent Program serves children ages 12-14. Two full-time Montessori guides and one full-time assistant make up the core Adolescent team. Curriculum specialists include:  art, music, Spanish and PE teachers, as well as an Intervention Specialist and Algebra teacher. A certified religion teacher coordinates the adolescent religion curriculum. The GSCM Adolescent program is designed to continue the beauty of the Montessori experience while introducing some more traditional aspects as students prepare to enter high school. 

Prepared Environment

The prepared environment for the Adolescent program is in the Holy Family House. This environment includes a STEM room, Math room, Humanities room, sunroom, tutor room, and working kitchen. Students also have access to a patio and deck for outdoor learning and working opportunities. The school’s Our Lady of Victory garden and workshop are utilized and maintained by the Adolescent community. 

Who is the Adolescent?

The young adolescent (ages 12-14) is at the beginning of the third plane of development. This marks the end of childhood and the transition into maturity or adulthood. Maria Montessori believed that the young adolescent is in a period of rapid growth and development, very similar to the period of infancy. The child in this phase is changing physically with the onset of puberty, as well as changing psychologically and emotionally as he/she comes to know the self in a deeper way and how he/she fits into greater society. 

The young adolescent is seeking social independence as he/she prepares for the adult world and is continually asking the question, “Who am I?”  This child on the verge of adulthood is highly emotional and sensitive, yet intellectually mature and socially aware. The young adolescent needs an environment of strong, positive community, real-world experiences, and the opportunity to self-reflect and discuss relevant social, political, and moral topics. 

Elements of GSCM Adolescent Program

Academic Excellence

Integrated Humanities curriculum

History (Secular and Biblical)

Literature

Logic and critical thinking

Seminar experiences 

Expanded Language Arts

Creative and expository writing (MLA format)

Grammar and Word Etymology 

Mathematics

Algebra I offered 

Preparation for HSPT

Science

Reverse Engineering

Labs and STEM components

Erdkinder–”Earth-child” 

Workshop

Microeconomy

Gardening

Student-focused

Solo 

Open work periods

Goal-setting and Student-led Conferences

Student Committees 

Faith Formation 

Weekly religion class

Yearly NET retreat

Service requirement

Virtues Curriculum

Curriculum Specialties

Trimester rotation of art, music, PE 

Self-expression project each year

Spanish 3x per week 

Class Trips

Fall–Hocking Hills (team-building, nature)

Spring–Washington DC or Virginia

Connected to Humanities curriculum 

The chief symptom of adolescence is a state of expectation, a tendency towards creative work and a need for the strengthening of self-confidence.  -Maria Montessori