Middle School
Middle School Program
(12 to 14 years old)
Adolescence is a time of tremendous change for a child: physically, emotionally, and intellectually. Students in middle school are naturally curious and eager to explore a wide range of subjects and topics by collaborating on projects. Middle school students value their friendships and develop a strong sense of community within the classroom and school as a whole. The adolescent years are a time when students embark on a journey of self-discovery, exploring themselves. They begin to develop a sense of identity and self-awareness, shaping their beliefs, goals, and aspirations for the future. The middle curriculum includes:
Mathematics: Classroom guides work with students in small groups or one-on-one based on their specific needs, offering additional support as necessary. Students engage in problem-solving activities and projects that require them to apply mathematical concepts to real-life scenarios, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills.
Language: Adolescence is a time when students need to discuss and explore ideas with others. In the classroom this happens through literature circles, book talks, Socratic seminars, narrative and expository writing, reading, writing, and performing plays, and through exploring the history of language and written expression.
Science: The science curriculum operates on a two-year cycle. During their first year, students focus on biology, ecology, and earth science. In the second year, students explore the physical sciences, including chemistry and physics.
Social Studies: Over the two years in middle school, students learn about civilizations throughout history. They explore cultures and religions from around the world and develop a deeper understanding of the United States of America.
Erdkinder: Directly translated, Erdkinder means “Children of the Earth.” This component of the curriculum emphasizes real-world experiences, community engagement, and practical life skills, preparing students for adulthood. At MSD, students run a full-service coffee shop called the Bison Cafe. Additionally, students lead construction projects, including woodworking, and actively enhance our school’s green spaces and gardens.
Independent Studies
At MSD, students have the freedom and intrinsic motivation to delve deeply into topics of personal interest. They are curious and motivated to explore subjects deeply, often pursuing projects and research based on their interests. Middle school students are proficient in setting personal goals and reflecting on their progress, demonstrating a strong sense of self-awareness and initiative. They collaborate with peers, contributing to group projects and discussions, but are equally comfortable working alone. Independence in this context also means being able to seek help when needed and knowing how to use available resources to solve problems. Through this approach, students develop essential life skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and resilience.
Bison Café/Micro-Economy
All students in middle school participate in their own micro-economy project: a full-service coffee shop. Students make drinks in the café and take orders, but they are also responsible for everything behind the scenes. This includes paying bills, writing checks, balancing the checkbook, tracking sales and inventory, and holding monthly meetings to discuss sales. The program teaches an understanding of production and exchange, division of labor, organization, management, and financial responsibility while building confidence and self-esteem.
Enrichment Programs
Led by highly trained instructors, we staff individuals with years of expertise teaching preschool to adolescent age youth. All of our classes enrich the mind, body and spirit. We offer the following classes:
Visual Art
We foster creative growth and ability through our deeply intentional focus on the arts at Montessori School of Dayton. We believe that our most valuable skills in life grow in unique ways through exposure to arts.
Chorus
At Montessori School of Dayton, our aim is to share our love of music with all students, which is why our body of students participate in Chorus starting in Upper Elementary! Chorus is an opportunity for students to formally study vocal music, while continuing to strengthen the musical foundation created in their earlier years.
Rock Band
This program is focused on guitar, percussion and keyboards. This class teaches not only instrumental instruction, but also on the evolution of rock and pop music. Rock band is open to all students (ages 9-14) and encouraged for any student desiring to expand their learning in the Fine Arts area.
Concert Band
Focusing on music aids us in all aspects, giving more depth and appreciation for life. We begin musical instrument lessons at age 3 to 4 years old and Our Music Director believes that learning should be met with sincere praise while also making learning enjoyable. Each child learns at his/her own rate, building on the small steps so that each step can be mastered. Children may also participate in yearly concerts for their families.
Spanish
Our vibrant Spanish course uses music, games and various other methods to help students speak Spanish throughout their time at Montessori School of Dayton. All activities in class will relate to Spanish-speaking countries and their cultures.
Physical Education
At MSD, we believe that health is wealth. MSD provides supervised physical education instruction for all Elementary through Middle School students. Activities focus not only on games and physical activities, but team and skill building.