Middle School
12 – 14 years
Our New Middle School Program
IMS is excited to have its first 7th and 8th grade multi-level middle school cohort for the 2026 - 2027 school year. In the 2025 - 2026 school year, we opened the doors to our brand new Adolescent Community, starting with seventh grade.
The Montessori middle school experience is a truly unique experience that allows young “emerging” adults the opportunity to begin engaging in more advanced experiences in a protected and supportive environment that helps them identify their strengths, understand the changes their brains and bodies are going through, andexplore a large variety of activities that begin to define their purpose and passions.
IMS welcomes applicants from dual language programs, other Montessori programs, homeschool, and those looking for a more developmentally aligned program that allows their middle schooler the opportunity to explore interests, engage in project work, and begin or continue their language learning journey.
No longer children but not yet adults, Maria Montessori recognized adolescence as a time of rapid growth, not unlike the very first years of life. Designed for students ages 12 to 14, the Middle School program provides the ideal setting for students to expand their knowledge and embark on adult-like responsibilities, resulting in a solid, unique foundation for young adulthood.
Project-based curriculum
Classroom subjects are explored in an integrated manner, where students grapple with real-world issues while honing their skills in math, economics, science, humanities, language and writing. The manipulative materials of the elementary are rarely used, as these students are now able to work, understand and visualize ideas in the abstract. The focus is upon the development of a successful process and innovative approach, rather than rewarding an expected answer.
Language Studies
All IMS students will be required to study a foreign language. For rising IMS students, they will continue studies in their target language and have the option to add a third language. For new incoming students without a foreign language background, they will have the opportunity to study a foreign language. If your child is bilingual and bi-literate in one of our three target languages, we will offer an assessment for possible advanced language studies.
Socratic Seminars
Middle School students are sensitive to issues of social justice and personal dignity. Critical thinking and public speaking skills are learned through Socratic seminars as students grapple with real world issues. Through this process an appreciation of multiple perspectives on a given topic develops.
Micro-economy
Students develop and run their own real business, marketing and selling products that they manufacture themselves. Supporting lessons are given on the scientific, historical, economic, practical and organizational aspects of their products. Student work includes bookkeeping, budgeting and purchasing, design, advertising, surveys, research, the writing of proposals, interviews of experts, and documentation.
Creative and Physical Expression
Students pursue the skills that will enable them to express their understanding of the world through art and music. Activities such as rock climbing, small group or individual sports, running, hiking, and other group games help develop agility and strength, as well as a sense of fun and confidence in the meeting of physical challenges.
Community
Beyond intellectual development, the Middle School program guides students to become active citizens and fully informed problem solvers within the local community and beyond.
Students routinely head off campus for experiential learning opportunities outside the classroom and take several overnight trips throughout the year.
Middle School Language Requirements
IMS welcomes middle school students without a language background. Students new to IMS will be required to begin studying a second language
Continuing IMS students
will continue their target
language studies.
Educational Background
IMS welcomes students of all educational backgrounds to apply. Whether an applicant is coming from another Montessori school, an alt-ed model, or a traditional school, our middle school program will offer an environment suitable for all backgrounds.
Applicants will be required to spend a full day on campus to experience a day in the life of a language-focused Montessori school to ensure this is the best fit.
Length of Day
- Regular day: 8:15 AM-3:00PM
Middle Schoolers are able to participate in a variety of after-school enrichment programming throughout the year. Options may include chess club, run club, theater, and/or STEM club.
There is currently no general after-school program available for middle school students.