Middle School Curriculum
(grades 7 & 8)
Middle School: A Defining Period for Intellectual Diligence
The vision of the IMS Middle School is to address the needs of young adults, and to create a safe community in which they can extend themselves and take risks. The curriculum emphasizes the relevance of its subject matter and provides a framework through which the students will see connections between themselves and the world they will soon enter as adults. This logical extension of the Montessori Elementary curriculum excites children to use their imaginations and burgeoning intellect to investigate facets of the universe and to identify their place within it.
In the Middle School program, students are presented with an integrated curriculum, designed to help them make connections across disciplines and find their place in the world. They do this by building an appreciation for the natural world and all it has provided, as well as by expanding their awareness of human progress, resources, economics, and fundamental needs. Due to adolescents’ unique human consciousness, our Middle School students are made aware of their responsibility for life and conditions on the planet, and they can directly apply concepts from their Elementary education to problem-solving scenarios.
Social sciences, science, and geography
The student integrates history utilizing themes from earlier studies in natural and cultural history, including interdependency, evolution, life cycles, matter and energy, behavior and culture, mental health, physical health, agriculture, government, manufacturing, communication, world systems, earth preservation, and so on, in the context of social responsibility and governance. Primary readings from each historical period are emphasized. The Big History Project is divided into a two-year cycle of study.
Language arts
The student develops confidence in self-expression utilizing the seminar, oral presentation, debates, drama, video, photography, essays, play-writing, poetry, and short stories; explores related accounts of historical and philosophical material through literature utilizing components of style, genre, characterization, interpretation, and the art of discussion. Second language and grammar: The student revisits grammar through the study of a second language and reviews complex sentences and paragraph structure in English.
Mathematics
The student uses higher-order thinking skills to solve problems in relation to a variety of challenges, from practical money transactions to algebraic relationships; explores in-depth numbers, properties, simple equations, higher measurement, computer calculation and graphics, geometric proofs, and algebraic equations.
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Practical management
The student manages reality-based operations in economic enterprises including agriculture, fund-raisers, travel, volunteerism and service, apprenticeship, and mentoring.
Fine arts
The student utilizes a discipline-based arts education plan which presents individual artistic areas of painting, acting, singing, composing, photography, dance, and sculpture, and includes a general education for aesthetic literacy which integrates the arts with other academic endeavors.