Secondary Program (Ages 12-17)
A Montessori Education for Adolescents
Preparing capable, confident, and compassionate young adults through meaningful work, rigorous academics, and real-world experiences.
The Adolescent Journey
Our Secondary Program is inspired by Dr. Maria Montessori's vision of the Erdkinder—a community where adolescents engage in meaningful work, rigorous academics, personal responsibility, and real-world experiences that prepare them for adult life.
Students are challenged academically while developing independence, leadership, practical skills, and a strong sense of purpose within a supportive learning community.
The Erdkinder Vision
Maria Montessori believed adolescence is a unique stage of development—a time when young people seek purpose, contribution, belonging, and greater independence.
The Erdkinder model, meaning "Children of the Earth," provides opportunities for adolescents to participate in meaningful work, care for their environment, contribute to their community, and develop confidence through authentic experiences.
At Montessori Schoolhouse, students learn not only through academic study, but through leadership, stewardship, entrepreneurship, service, agricultural education, and real-world application.
Academic Excellence
At Montessori Schoolhouse, academic excellence is built upon curiosity, purpose, and meaningful engagement. Students are challenged to think critically, communicate effectively, solve complex problems, and take ownership of their learning.
Through individualized academic pathways, students work toward mastery while developing the executive functioning, study habits, and self-management skills necessary for future success.
Our Secondary Program integrates rigorous academics with real-world application, helping students understand not only what they are learning, but why it matters.
Adolescents are naturally driven to question, investigate, and understand the world around them. Through research, discussion, analysis, and interdisciplinary studies, students are encouraged to pursue knowledge deeply, think critically, and develop a lifelong love of learning.
Language Arts & Literature
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Composition and writing
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Literature analysis
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Research and communication
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Public speaking and presentations
Mathematics
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Pre-Algebra
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Algebra
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Geometry
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Advanced mathematical reasoning and problem-solving
Veterinary Studies & Animal Science
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Animal anatomy and physiology
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Animal behavior and observation
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Nutrition and wellness
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Animal husbandry and care
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Veterinary terminology
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Disease prevention and biosecurity
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Livestock and small animal management
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Wildlife and environmental connections
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Careers in veterinary and animal sciences
Humanities
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United States History
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World History
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Geography and cultural studies
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Civics and government
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Economics and financial systems
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Current events and global issues
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Research and historical inquiry
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Leadership and citizenship
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Service and community engagement
Agricultural Engineering & Spanish Immersion
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Botany and plant science
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Entomology and pollinator studies
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Sustainable agriculture
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Gardening systems and food production
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Environmental stewardship
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Agricultural technology and innovation
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Spanish vocabulary related to agriculture and science
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Conversational Spanish through hands-on experiences
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Cultural connections to agriculture and food systems
Financial Literacy & Entrepreneurship
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Personal finance
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Budgeting
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Business concepts
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Marketing
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Micro-enterprise projects
Meaningful Work & Micro-Economy
Maria Montessori envisioned adolescents participating in meaningful occupations that contribute to the community while fostering independence and responsibility.
At Montessori Schoolhouse, students engage in agricultural projects, farm stewardship, animal care, farm-to-table experiences, and entrepreneurial ventures that connect academic learning with real-world application.
Through these experiences, students begin to understand the relationship between work, service, economics, sustainability, and community.
Farm-to-Table Education
As part of our adolescent program, students participate in the study of food systems from cultivation to consumption. Through gardening, harvesting, food preparation, and agricultural projects, students gain a deeper understanding of sustainability, nutrition, environmental stewardship, and the interconnectedness of human communities and the natural world.
Farm-to-table experiences may include:
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Seasonal gardening and crop production
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Soil science and composting
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Harvest planning
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Food preparation and culinary experiences
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Nutrition and wellness education
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Agricultural entrepreneurship
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Sustainable farming practices
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Community meals and shared experiences
Through these authentic experiences, students develop practical life skills, responsibility, collaboration, and an appreciation for the work required to sustain both individuals and communities.
CTE Courses
Career Technical Education
Every student deserves to graduate high school confident in their desired career path. But how can they decide on a career if they don't know what's possible- or what it takes to get there? With Montessori Schoolhouse, you can empower your child to discover their interests and develop job-ready skills.
