Why Montessori Middle School?

by Students at the NewGate School, Sarasota, FL

More and more Montessori schools are building their programs by adding a middle school. Why consider a Montessori school for the early adolescent years?

Age twelve begins a new plane of development, and those years of middle school encompass big physical changes, independence from the family, and figuring out their social influence. Dr. Montessori recommended a movement away from academics at this time with a focus on activity involving the land, called an Erdkinder. There are few Erdkinder programs now, yet all adolescent Montessori programs will encourage physical labor, work for the group, the development of community, and the ability to participate in learning skills of care for the community and further development of their own interests.

We asked students at the NewGate School what they felt were the benefits of having chosen a Montessori adolescent program. Two recurring themes from the students were freedom and kindness, opportunities we all want for our own children. Here are some responses.

It teaches you a lot more and gives freedom to students that I think they deserve. It is a kinder community. Also, it is really fun. — Luis

We get a good amount of work done, but we also have the freedom to make our own choices. — Viktoria

We aren’t forced to sit in a classroom all day; we have activities like pickleball. — Thomas

There is a better sense of community. We learn to get along with the people next to us. — Luca

We get a lot of freedom. — Griffin

Having more freedom allows me to put my own twist on my learning. — Jacob

The teachers are nice and give us a lot of time to work. We can enjoy our school life. — Eli

It is nice to be able to choose where and how you work and the pace you work. We have freedom of work. — Finn

We get to move from chairs freely. — Nathan

This is a sensitive community. I have plenty of friends here. You can find your community and fit in at this school. We work together on projects and can guide each other. My friend helps keep me on time track in our group and is very kind. We are starting some home ec, today (we are making pillows). The teachers are great here. — Katherine