Middle School
In the Montessori Secondary Program, 6th grade - 8th grade, our students enter their Third Plane of Development. This stage of their lives, 12 years - 18 years, brings a drive for social independence. This follows their previous two Planes of Development:
I. “Teach me to do it for Myself” (3 yrs - 6 yrs);
II. “Teach Me to Learn for Myself” (9 yrs - 12 yrs);
and now,
III. “Teach Me to Understand Myself.” (12 yrs - 18 yrs).
Our certified Montessori teachers understand this drive to understand themselves and where they fit in the world they live. Maria Montessori believed that adolescent children need opportunities to experience self-worth, which she termed “valorization.” This drive for self-worth is webbed throughout all areas of learning, by providing real and meaningful work.
At TRM, our students will receive a Montessori education that is aligned with Florida BEST Standards and the NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards). Our students learn core concepts that fully prepare them for their High School career, and we have over 15 years of successful graduates who volunteer to share their success stories, annually, during our “TRM Alumni Night.”
Their stories outline how they had opportunities to advance through Dr. Montessori’s Middle School design with:
- Mixed Age Groups (grades 6th - 8th)
- Blocks of uninterrupted work time (2+ hours daily)
- Spiral Curriculum (diving deeper each year in core academic concepts)
- Leadership/Mentorship opportunities
Our Middle School program provides daily instruction in Math, ELA, Science, and History/Civics with hands-on learning and real life application. Students are an active part of their learning, by serving as their own advocates through our Advisory Program. During Advisory, there is a three-chord partnership between student/parent/teacher. At the start of the year, students create academic and personal goals, and then reflect on their progress as they conduct their own Parent/Teacher conferences (presenting a portfolio of their own work), and hold student-led daily class meetings.
Each month, students will travel into the “real world” for further studies in foreign language, community service, science field studies, health and wellness (physical activities), and mentorship or apprenticeship opportunities. Our students enjoy exposure to the arts through music, art appreciation, self expression, and creative writing. Elective classes included in tuition are: Cultural Studies, Sports Studies, Mindfulness through Yoga, and Digital Storytelling.
Our program is designed so that learning happens during the school day without the need for endless hours of homework. Any homework projects or assignments are designed with intention, and the student is a part of planning for those assignments.
We offer a math “Fast Track” for those interested in completing Algebra by High School. Using NEWA (Map Growth Assessments) three times per year, our students are prepared test-takers and consistently have strong data to include with their transcripts. Ongoing assessments are more than route tests or multiple choice quizzes, which only require the low-level skill of remembering. Our students perform on the highest level of BloomsTaxonomy’s Academic Pyramid: Using Knowledge to Create. Through group projects, our students have opportunities to show what they have learned in highly rigorous and meaningful demonstrations.
Our year culminates with an end-of-year trip, directly tied to their history studies. Some previous trips include: Washington DC, Florida Keys, New York and international trips to Canada, Mexico, Germany, and Costa Rica. It is the pinnacle of their learning experience and the highlight of their year.
When our students graduate from TRM, they are well-rounded young adults who understand their value, their strengths, and areas for growth. With such a Middle School Experience, it is clear why our students return, year after year, to share their positive experience at TRM and how this type of foundation prepared them as students and to create their own unique path ahead.
The number one question parents ask regarding the Montessori Middle School program is: “What happens when my child goes into the real world?” Our answer: certainly their higher levels of self-awareness, time-management, accountability, work ethic, public speaking, leadership, and ability to work in group projects are all “real world” skills most students do not experience until college. Our students live the real world now, and are fully prepared when they move on to High School.
Call us today to schedule a personal tour and learn how theTRM Middle School can fit the individual needs of your child.