Greensboro
Montessori School
Middle School Curriculum
Sixth through eighth grade.
 The
middle school years are characterized by significant growth and change
cognitively, and also socially, emotionally and physiologically.
At The Greensboro Montessori
School, the
sixth, seventh and eighth grade Middle
School curriculum is based
on Montessori principles,
incorporates state educational guidelines, and reflects current research
being done on adolescent development and learning. A core team of
three teachers plans and implements a rigorous curriculum which is
integrated thematically across all subject areas and provides a culmination
to the early childhood and elementary Montessori classroom
experience. The emphasis on interdisciplinary studies is heightened
through regular
work on small team projects. Students are challenged according to
their unique academic ability and are given the opportunity to advance
at their own pace. On a regular basis, class time is devoted to helping
students develop strong organizational and study
skills.
In addition to the core academic curriculum, GMS offers a full range of Liberal
Arts courses
for Middle
School students,
including
music, visual arts,
and Spanish
language and culture. An exciting aspect of the music program offered to Middle School students
is the exploration of music recording, sound engineering and film making.
The
Spanish language and culture
program involves all Middle
School students in Spanish classes four times per week. By
9th grade students are ready to study advanced level Spanish and subsequently
they may be ready
to study another language.
Additional class time is set aside each week for the
development and application of computer skills culminating in each eighth grade
student taking the NC Computer Competency Exam.
The Middle
School program is designed to support students
academically, personally and socially during their transition into adolescence.
In response to current
research being done on adolescent development, GMS has incorporated some unique
aspects to the program. Practical life skills are central to Montessori education
at each age level. One day each week our Middle School students operate a restaurant
program for approximately 75 people, and participate in every aspect of the process
including menu selection, food preparation, kitchen sanitation, and budgeting.
Special program elements that help our Middle School students
balance self-awareness and community-awareness include a weekly advisory session,
regular community
service, and participation in the “Baby Think It Over” program. The
Heroic Journey course is another important element of the GMS Middle School curriculum
that provides a simulated rite of passage emphasizing self-awareness, ethical
responsibility, and learning skills to make good decisions.
Finally, open participation in a Team Sports League is another vital element
to the Middle School program at GMS.
More emphasis is placed on positive, cooperative team play rather than competition.
Boys and
girls play on the team together and
effort is made to give equal playing time. Typically the school year includes
a season of volleyball, cross country, basketball and soccer, but sports offered
may differ from year to year and are determined jointly by the coaches of the
participating schools.
Click
here to access the Middle School Homework System.
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