Programs

Middle School Classroom

The middle school design integrates current research in human development, trends and issues in education, and the Montessori philosophy. Designed for seventh and eighth graders, the program empowers early adolescents by providing opportunities to build self-confidence and self-knowledge, belong to a community, develop adaptability, achieve academic competence, and create a vision for their personal future.

The middle school curriculum at MEC integrates Louisiana essential elements, research on early adolescent development, Montessori philosophy, current learning theory, and the skills needed for a productive life in the 21st century.

Language, speech, service learning, and fine arts are courses of continuous progress. Science, social studies, geography, health, and math are studied by topic or concept, including pre-algebra and algebra, physical science, life science, physical education, and health.

Monday - Thursday Schedules

8:00 a.m.
8:10 a.m.
8:40 a.m.
9:35 a.m.
11:30 a.m.
12:15 p.m.
12:50 p.m.
2:40 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
3:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Friday Schedules

8:00 a.m.
8:10 a.m.
9:00 a.m.
10:00 a.m.
11:30 a.m.
12:30 p.m.
2:40 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
3:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Curriculum
Work Cycles
Work Cycles
During the academic year, there are five cycles of work followed by an immersion week for assessments and incorporating what they have learned into real life experiences. Each cycle is five weeks. At the end the fifth week, students provide a product presentation and written self-assessment of the thematic project work. The cycle format is designed to help students learn organizational, decision-making, and time management skills.
Individual Work
Individual Work
The school day is divided into two kinds of work: individual work and group work. Individual work is designed to make a match between the skills, abilities, and interests of each student and there are a variety of work choices in every academic area to be done alone or in pairs. There are opportunities to do modified, basic, and advanced work in most areas.
Group Work
Group Work
The school day is divided into two kinds of work: individual work and group work. Group work is designed to teach collaborative work and student leadership while encouraging an appreciation for diversity of perspectives.
Independent Study
Independent Study
Seventh grade students will do one and eighth grade students will do two independent studies a year, focusing on history or science and a personal topic. There are specific guidelines and due dates along the way to help students prepare a research paper and presentation for each project.
Service Learning
Service Learning
Service learning goes beyond community service by including preparation, participation, and reflection. The students participate in all planning and decision-making to develop a project that meets a genuine community need and is organized in collaboration with the school and the community. Service learning is integrated into the academic curriculum and includes time for thinking, talking, or writing about their experiences and provides opportunities to use academic skills in real life situations. It extends student learning beyond the classroom and helps to foster the development of a sense of caring for others.
Personal Reflection
Personal Reflection
As part of the health curriculum, students spend thirty minutes each day after lunch in personal reflection. Maria Montessori felt that early adolescents have a quest for self-knowledge, which in turn helps adolescents develop their identity. Students have the opportunity to learn to spend time reflecting on goals, reducing stress, and creating a personal vision.
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