Secondary

“The need that is so keenly felt for a reform of secondary schools is not only an educational but also a human and social problem. This can be summed up in one sentence: Schools as they are today are adapted neither to the needs of adolescence nor to the time in which we live.” — Dr. Maria Montessori

The Montessori School of Rome provides a Secondary 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 a Secondary student before committing to this program.  We promise to provide our students with a meaningful Secondary curriculum.

WHAT IS THE SECONDARY PROGRAM?

By invitation only and available only to select current students, students in 10th through 12th attend classes taught by qualified adjunct instructors. Our Montessori Secondary program includes thematic instruction; discovery-based learning; individual and small-group learning projects; authentic and performance-based assessment; small advisory groups; community service, internships, and Dual Enrollment.

What makes a great MSOR Secondary student?

Someone who is a self-directed, active learner, and curious about our world. We want students who do not simply 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 have a team of certified Advanced Placement instructors who challenge the minds of our Secondary students with courses on a rotating schedule, including AP Biology, AP Government,  AP Human Geography, AP Language, AP Literature, AP Macroeconomics, AP Microeconomics, AP Psychology,  AP Spanish, AP World History, and many more! We offer a complete math curriculum of Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, and Pre-Calculus. Science studies cover Life Sciences, Earth Sciences and Physical Sciences, covering Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Astronomy. We offer Southern Literature, American Literature, and British Literature. We offer a Junior Entrepreneurship class with focus on Finance and Accounting as well as an Internship course that allows students to experience their career interests firsthand. Along with ample Dual-Enrollment opportunities, we also incorporate Spanish, physical fitness, music, art, and research skills into our program. Our Secondary Faculty Group includes: Shemi Kumar (Sciences), Angela McRee (Music), Justin Pollard (Social Studies), Gabi Shaw (Spanish), and Ariana Thomas (Language Arts). 

 What makes us different from a traditional high 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. Additionally, Secondary students implement a project prior to graduation which focuses on bringing awareness to and fundraising for a cause that is important to them.

IS MY SECONDARY STUDENT ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE COLLEGE CREDITS? 

Our Dual Enrollment program partners with Georgia Northwestern Technical College, Georgia Highlands College, and Kennesaw State University. Our students may take up to 3 college courses per semester in the Dual Enrollment program. Through our Dual Enrollment program, students have the opportunity to graduate from the Secondary program with up to two years of college credits completed.

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 domestic or 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! 

Secondary students are responsible for managing the finances of the trip. They are the most active participants in the travel itinerary and plans. These kinds of “Practical Life” activities are essential. They provide direct learning experiences that involve the secondary student with meaningful learning activities and practices.

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. They also participate in local tennis, soccer, mountain biking, and basketball teams through the Georgia Association of Private & Parochial Schools (GAPPS).

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.