Middle School (6th, 7th and 8th grades)

Good Shepherd Montessori 2008- 2009 school year marks the first year of offering a Montessori Middle School Program. Good Shepherd Montessori School’s Middle School program is especially tailored to the self-motivated, independent learner from the approximate ages of 12-15. We are very excited about the continued development of the Middle School Program.

The Montessori approach is a continuum from the younger ages into the middle school ages.

Montessori considers the development stages of each student.

Knowing the student and learning of his or her developmental needs is a key component. This age student is going through an explosive and rapid growth change mentally and physically.  Middle School students are constantly testing and responding to new challenges.  They have a need to form active relationships with their peers as well as explore their individual sense of self.

Montessori develops an environment that meets the students’ developmental needs.

Middle school students at Good Shepherd Montessori School are in a self-contained classroom with one teacher and several support and specialty teachers.  The current classroom will house up to ten students.  They are not limited to the classroom. Other private and community based resources are part of the environment.

The interrelated curriculum is constructed around thematic units of communication, community, culture, cooperation and connection The curriculum provides first hand experience and meaningful work that stretches the mind and body. A challenging and individualized curriculum of classic studies such as math, language, history, etc. is integrated along with interesting electives such as culinary arts, drama, music, P.E.,etc.  

Large blocks of uninterrupted time allow the students an opportunity to study things in great depth and expand personal interests.  There is a focus on community building through student government, ROPES team building courses, service projects and community meetings.  A real business is developed and run by the Middle school community.  Personal reflection time is part of every day. Learning goal setting, time management, and personal accountability are an important aspect of the program.  Each student does service work and participates in a business internship. Adventure trips are also a big part of the school year.  These trips are subsidized by the student business.  All of these activities invite a constant focus on Christian values and principles.

Parents are an integral part of each student’s growth and development.

As parents and teachers, our responsibility is to guide and prepare our students.   High school comes all too quickly and preparing our students during the middle school years will make them effective decision makers later. This time is a challenging period  for parents. 

Good Shepherd Montessori School is developing a Parent/Teacher Support Group designed specifically for the Middle School Students’ Parents. This group will discuss, question and learn with experienced teachers, ways to build a solid foundation for each student.

There are many exciting learning opportunities for middle school students at Good Shepherd Montessori School.