763-323-0741 1333 5th Ave S. • Anoka, MN 55303
After a solid Montessori primary education, middle school students at Montessori Renaissance Academy start using textbooks and the curriculum begins a convergence with a more traditional educational methodology. Challenging students to perform to their potential, providing hands-on learning opportunities and emphasizing independence are important Montessori concepts which are maintained at the middle school level.
Students take on more responsibilities in caring for their environment, extending their role beyond their classroom and into the entirety of school as well as their community. Students also expand their entrepreneurial skills by participating in fundraisers and hosting Parents Night Out events. They get to design their own opportunities to raise funds for their End of the Year trip, which they plan, budget, and pay for themselves.
“Our care of the child should be governed, not by the desire ‘to make him learn things’, but by the endeavor always to keep burning within him that light which is called intelligence.”
— Dr. Maria Montessori
Our middle school curriculum is designed to prepare students for high school through challenging academics, hands-on learning, and individualized instruction. Students strengthen their skills in language arts, mathematics, history, and science while learning to analyze information, conduct research, solve problems, and communicate their ideas effectively. Every subject builds upon concepts introduced in earlier Montessori classrooms, helping students develop a deeper understanding as they prepare for the next stage of their education. Below are some of the objectives and skills students work toward in each curriculum area.
Learn to read novels, short stories and poems analytically. Students are introduced to literary analysis/criticism and terms used for this purpose. (e.g. foreshadowing, climax, point of view, etc.)
New vocabulary is introduced and practiced. Students also participate in vocabulary exercises, puzzles and games. Students learn how to figure out what words mean through analyzing their context.
Students learn to write a literary essay analyzing a novel, short story or poem. Included is the introduction for outlining ideas for an essay and how to effectively plan an essay based on a thesis. Students also practice proofreading and rewriting essays.
Students become comfortable with writing through daily practice in journals and/or assignments.
Students learn grammar concepts important to good writing and practice them in writing assignments and grammar exercises.
Students enter into algebra during the middle school years. Emphasis is on practicing and strengthening the math concepts which students have already learned while introducing new material. Math lessons are interactive and students are encouraged to learn from each other as well as from the teacher. Students advance only after mastering the math concepts being studied. The goal of our math course at this level is to give students a strong basis for further study in advanced mathematics, which may include advanced algebra and calculus.
Pre-algebra is a transitional math course, moving from the concrete concepts of arithmetic that are mastered initially, to the abstract concepts of algebra. In algebra the student continues on a course of algebraic study, including geometry and the fundamental aspects of problem solving.
History lessons include exploring the methods of studying history and the different types of sources used in historical study. Students evaluate the different perspectives on history and complete many independent research assignments. Students then present these assignments to their classmates. Interactive lectures are also given in history and students learn about note taking. In addition to reading and research assignments, students are tested on each historical unit of study.
Our science program begins with providing a foundation in Physical Science, which provides the necessary tools to continue with a thorough regimen covering both Life Science and Earth Science that is important for further study during the high school years.
A vital component of our science courses are to engage, explore, explain and extend with hands-on activities. This method is consistent with Montessori philosophy of integration utilizing multi-sensory input and discovery.
f there is one thing that stands out above all else, it is the massive changes that happen for the kids in those middle school years. Emotionally, physically, & mentally! I firmly believe staying at [the school] through the middle school years helped my son be prepared in each of those areas for the next steps in life. He was much more confident in his own abilities, and he knew he was mentally on board and ready for the challenge of high school.
– Leslie S., parent of two former graduates of our middle school program
Our music program is based on the Orff/Kodaly method, which includes a combination of movement, learning the recorder, use of percussion instruments, and vocal music.
For foreign language students study Spanish.
Field trips are considered a useful tool in helping to connect the student’s studies to the real world and are scheduled when the opportunity arises.
The middle school years are about much more than academics. They are a time when students develop confidence, independence, leadership, and the skills they’ll carry into high school and adulthood. At Montessori Renaissance Academy, our Middle School Program combines the best of Montessori and traditional education, challenging students academically while encouraging them to think critically, take responsibility, and become capable, self-motivated learners.
If you’re looking for a middle school that prepares students not only for success in high school, but for success in life, we’d love to answer your questions and help you determine whether Montessori Renaissance Academy is the right fit for your family.
We would love to share the benefits of a Montessori education with you! Call 763-323-0741 or reach out to learn more.