Middle School

Please note that we give priority admission to our current families moving into middle school. After current families, students with consistent previous Montessori experience and those who are willing to commit to the duration of the middle school program will be given priority admission. Tours for the Middle School campus are set up on an individual basis. Please submit a general inquiry on our website to learn more if your student fits the requirements above.

In her research, Dr. Maria Montessori observed that children in the first two planes of development (ages 0-6 and ages 6-12), are self-focused. They are absorbing everything they can from their environment, developing their sense of self, gaining a sense of right and wrong and always asking “why?”

During the third plane of development, adolescents become oriented towards society and where they fit in this broader context. They need to understand and experience what it means to live as adult members of society beyond the comforts of home and the classroom.

What is Middle School in Montessori all about?

Stepping Stones Montessori's Middle School opened in the Fall of 2018 on a 100-Acre property in Ada, Michigan. The program provides students with an intellectually rigorous and rewarding experience rooted in the belief that motivation for learning is an end in itself as well as a means to other achievements.

In addition to studying traditional subject areas like math, science, history, and language, students will engage in interdisciplinary projects on our 100-acre property in Ada, MI, bringing abstract concepts to life. Our students collaborate by running their own business, while becoming stewards of their community and the environment.

What you will see in your student?

Graduates of our program are adaptable young adults, equipped to solve the problems they will encounter in our constantly evolving socioeconomic environment, with a deep appreciation for the interdependency of life on earth.

Here’s a closer look at developmental needs of students during this time:

Middle School beyond

the classroom

Dr. Montessori’s philosophy of education describes a farm community as being the ideal educational environment for adolescents preparing for adult life. While we do not offer a program on a working farm, the property we use offers limitless learning opportunities that touch on all areas of study. It brings abstract concepts to life—allowing students to more deeply experience how humans live and work together.

Here, our students broaden their studies in areas like math, science, language, and history through purposeful work on the land. They learn about economic empowerment by running their own business. They also gain first-hand experience of the interdependency of humanity and nature. The environment allows for self-expression, socialization, collaboration, and a sense of responsibility.

Project-based curriculum

Classroom subjects are explored in an integrated manner, where students grapple with real-world issues while honing their skills in math, economics, science, humanities, language and writing. The manipulative materials of the elementary are rarely used, as these students are now able to work, understand and visualize ideas in the abstract. The focus is upon the development of a successful process and innovative approach, rather than rewarding an expected answer. 

Socratic seminars

Middle School students are sensitive to issues of social justice and personal dignity. Critical thinking and public speaking skills are learned through socratic seminars as students grapple with real world issues. Through this process an appreciation of multiple perspectives on a given topic develops. 

Micro-economy

Students develop and run their own real business, marketing and selling products that they manufacture themselves. Supporting lessons are given on the scientific, historical, economic, practical and organizational aspects of their products. Student work includes bookkeeping, budgeting and purchasing, design, advertising, surveys, research, the writing of proposals, interviews of experts, and documentation.

Creative and physical expression

Students pursue the skills that will enable them to express their understanding of the world through art and music. Activities such as rock climbing, canoeing, tennis, running, hiking bicycling, and other group games help develop agility and strength, as well as a sense of fun and confidence in the meeting of physical challenges.

Community

Beyond intellectual development, the Middle School program guides students to become active citizens and fully informed problem solvers within the local community and beyond.

Our alumni excel in school — and in life

Watching our pioneer students move into high school careers confirms that authentic Montessori Middle School is an excellent education for life. They are excelling in school, and, more importantly, demonstrate their confidence, self-understanding, and acceptance of others. We are looking forward to seeing where their Montessori experience takes them!