The NNM Adolescent Program (also known as junior high or seventh and eighth grade) covers the broad spectrum of traditional subjects necessary for success, literacy and cultural understanding in today’s world, including reading, science, mathematics, language arts, social studies, technology, art, Spanish and physical education. Students are also empowered to go far beyond a traditional education as they continue the daily life lessons they began in the 0 – 6 classrooms. During an adolescent’s career at NNM, he or she will take part in several week-long trips out of the city, help operate a student-run business, explore the city of Chicago on weekly off-campus day trips, help tend to garden-plots on an urban farm and participate in meaningful community service both on and off campus.
Teachers in the NNM Adolescent Program act in two main capacities. First, they are instructors, working to ensure their students are academically prepared for the future and to inspire them to expand and master their studies. Second, and just as importantly, they are guides, channeling their students’ own curiosity and lending structure and discipline as they take on the exciting tasks of learning and discovery.
More than anything, the Adolescent Program is designed to fulfill the mission that Maria Montessori set forth over a half-century ago: to act as an “aid to life.” Students should leave NNM not only as students able to complete academic tasks and solve practical problems, but as young adults prepared for the myriad challenges that life will throw their way.
Opportunities for parents to learn about Montessori philosophy and curriculum and your child’s progress abound:
- In the fall the junior high classes hosts Back-to-School Night, a gathering where families socialize and the teacher distributes important information.
- Presentation and Academic Nights are evenings where the student is the teacher and parents watch children demonstrate what they have learned.
- Formal and informal parent teacher conferences. Parent education evenings to familiarize parents with the curriculum and how it can be supported at home. Guest speakers visit to lend outside expertise and focus on topics of specific interest.
- Performances are part of the junior high level and are opportunities to see learning in a non-traditional format.