First Day of School is August 19

Arbor Graduation is May 29 at 6pm

Unitarian Universalist Congregation

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Arbor Programs: Adolescent (ages 12-14)

Annie Frazer, Adolescent Program Director

arbor adolescent montessori program

“It is the education of adolescents that is important, because adolescence is the time when the child enters on the state of adulthood and becomes a member of society.” —Maria Montessori

Arbor delights in the unique challenges of educating adolescents. In our adolescent program, adults and students function as a community of learners in an atmosphere of mutual respect and support. Students participate in every facet of a miniature economy, from production and exchange to marketing, advertising, customer service, and more. Driving this “micro-economy” are the practical endeavors of working in the garden, keeping bees, and preserving our watershed, which provide context and meaning for challenging academic work and offer opportunities for leadership and authentic responsibilities within the community. In taking part in real work that benefits society, adolescents have the opportunity to discover their purpose and find their voice.

Characteristics of the Young Adolescent

Wanting Responsibility

Adolescents are anxious to contribute in a meaningful way. In the adolescent program at Arbor, students have many opportunities to experience the responsibilities of leadership and of making choices within a loving, supportive environment.

Seeking Knowledge

With their expanding capacity for abstraction and critical thought, adolescents are highly creative thinkers and learners. Our interdisciplinary project-based approach supports flexible thinking and a personal connection to what students are learning.

Making Connections

Adolescents long to feel a sense of belonging within their peer group. Arbor's adolescent program classroom is a unique place where the concepts of acceptance and belonging are discussed and where each student agrees to take responsibility for creating a place where everyone feels welcome and valued.

Exploring the Self

At Arbor, we seek to bring forth what we call “the noble adolescent.” We believe that by calling to the adolescent’s highest self, by respecting and honoring each student’s differences and complexities, we create fertile ground for his or her individual growth.

Adolescent Program Curriculum

In order to accommodate a wide range of interests and learning styles, teachers vary their techniques in the classroom; lectures, seminars, group learning, and hands-on activities are all employed to target different types of learners. In this way, teachers can expect students to be fully engaged in their learning. In the adolescent program, students demonstrate their mastery of material thorough various methods: quizzes and tests, book reports, oral presentations, group work, visual projects, demonstrations, and labs. Science, mathematics, social studies, Spanish, and language and writing are a natural outcome of the adolescent curriculum. Please consult the Adolescent Program Website for more information on the micro-economy, occupations, and production cycles.

There are opportunities for participation on the debate and sports team, and many chances for creative expression in our art and music classes. Each spring the students direct, choreograph, create sets and lighting, and act in a dramatic production.

Pizza Day Form for Lower Elementary & Primary

Pizza Day Form for Upper Elementary, Adolescent Program & Staff