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

The Arbor adolescent program is a leader in the field of Adolescent Education. In fact we are one of only two adolescent programs in the Atlanta area that base their curriculum on the Montessori philosophy. Arbor’s adolescent program offers a challenging curriculum in an environment that is conducive to the academic, personal, and social needs of 12 to 14 year olds. The program is based on Maria Montessori’s directive to educate the “whole child.” Arbor delights in the special challenge of educating adolescents. We welcome applications from graduates of other Montessori elementary programs and from students with no previous Montessori experience.

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.

what's going on

Schoolicity

The Montessori Wave

2011-2012 General Calendar

Month-By-Month Calendar