Adolescent

“My vision of the future is no longer of people taking exams and proceeding on that verification from that secondary school to the university, but of individuals passing from one stage of independence to a higher [one], by means of their own activity, through their own effort or will, which constitutes the inner evolution of the individual.”

Dr. Maria Montessori

The Montessori School of Rome provides an Adolescent program carefully aligned with the vision of Dr. Maria Montessori.  As Voltaire wrote, “with great power comes great responsibility,” and we want our students to carefully consider the duties of an Adolescent student before committing to this program.  We promise to provide our students with a meaningful Adolescent curriculum.

What makes a great MSOR Adolescent student?

Someone who is a self-directed, active learner, and curious about our world. We want students who do not listen to lectures and repeat the information. Students should be engaged in creative thinking and problem solving.  We see ourselves as engaged facilitators in their learning process. In exchange for the promises we make to them, we invite a reciprocal agreement from the students. They are given responsibility and respect.

What subjects are included in the curriculum?

Our academic program focuses on the humanities (literature, language, critical thinking, creative writing, American and world history, cultural studies, geography, and current events). We offer a complete Math curriculum of Pre-Algebra, Geometry, and Algebra I. Science studies cover Life Sciences, Earth Sciences and Physical Sciences, covering Biology, Chemistry, and Astronomy. We offer a diverse Language Arts and Social Studies curriculum of Georgia Studies, World History, AP Psychology, American History, 7/8 Literature, American Literature, British Literature, Writing, and more! Our Spanish curriculum covers a wide range of grammar, speaking, culture, and writing skills. We also incorporate physical fitness, music, art, internships, microbusiness, and research skills. High school credit may be given for some of our advanced subjects. Our Adolescent Faculty Group includes: Dolores Gargus (Mathematics), Shemi Kumar (Mathematics and Sciences), Karen Mabry (Literature), Angela McRee (Music), Justin Pollard (Social Studies), Gabi Shaw (Spanish), and Ariana Thomas (Literature and Social Studies). 

What makes us different from a traditional middle school?

An important focus of the program is finance, entrepreneurship, and community service. Students are responsible for developing a business to raise funds for a major trip each year, and to give back to the school community.  This year, the students run a number of clubs, such as Art Club, Breakfast Box, Chess Club, Spanish Club, and Dungeons and Dragons Club. They are responsible for the development of a business plan, the implementation of marketing, lesson planning, delivery, and financial statements. In addition to this, Adolescent students are given the opportunity to plan and execute a number of school functions, the largest of them being the Fall Festival. This program also placed community service at the paramount; requiring community service hours to be completed by the students each year. 

Is there any travel?

At MSOR, we find that the most invaluable lessons are ones that allow them to explore first-hand the cultures, history, and wonders of the world. All of the hard work of each school year culminates in a large international trip in the spring! Last school year, students ventured to the outback of Australia, and also beheld the unique culture of Fiji. In 2023, students put their Spanish-speaking skills to the test, and immersed themselves in the language and history of Spain and Portugal. Other recent trips include; Germany, Cuba, Colombia, Hawaii, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, Texas, and more! 

This school year will take the Adolescents to Argentina and Antarctica! 

All funds for these trips are earned by the students, and they are active participants in the travel itinerary and plans.

What does communication with your child’s teacher look like?

We are a small community, and we get to know your children very well. We offer parent/teacher/student conferences two times a year where we all sit down and discuss your child’s progress. We also will call extra conferences throughout the year depending on your student’s needs. Your child receives an exceptional level of personal attention to ensure your child’s academic success. Our teachers are available daily by email or personal contact. We also post all of our grades on Thinkwave.com, whereby students and parents can access their grades at any time. Per our programs coordinator, a separate and specialized weekly newsletter gets sent out to parents in the program on Fridays. 

Do you offer Physical Education?

Our students take private tennis lessons weekly, and they participate in local soccer, baseball, and dance activities.

Is gardening a part of Montessori?

In years past, they have built greenhouses and a chicken coop, and have sold organic eggs. Currently, Adolescent students manage a flower garden and help maintain the school grounds. The garden has since wrapped around the building, and students collectively contribute to the upkeep of the flowers. 

What are the school’s expectations?

We expect our students to:

• Contribute in a meaningful way to experience the responsibilities and leadership possibilities within my class.
• Utilize critical thought and abstract thinking to create interdisciplinary project based approaches to learning.
• Develop a personal connection to the subjects offered.
• Accept the limitations of others and work with classmates to the best of their ability to create a sense of belonging and acceptance.
• Take responsibility for creating a space where people feel welcomed and valued.
• Respect and honor each student’s differences, complexities, and gifts, creating an atmosphere for personal growth without ridicule.
• Participate in seminars, group learning, and hands-on activities.
• Demonstrate mastery of material in the Adolescent curriculum by properly preparing for each class and taking seriously the assessments, whether they be quizzes, tests, book reports, oral presentations, group work, visual projects, demonstrations, and science labs.
• Participate in the performing arts to enhance the community
• Maintain the environment both inside and outside the classroom.