Montessori Middle School at Home

Want to follow Montessori for your middle schooler? Here's what you need to know.

Here's what you'll learn in this article: 

• Montessori is a method for learning that spans all of childhood, but what it looks like gets fuzzy after elementary school.

• Three insights into following the Montessori method in middle school when you homeschool your child.

• Answers to common questions about continuing Montessori beyond elementary school.

• Key takeaways for applying Montessori at home with your middle schooler.

• Where to learn more about homeschooling upper grade students with the Montessori method. 

Montessori is Most Common in Preschool and Elementary, But it Spans All Grade Levels  

Dr. Maria Montessori designed a way for children to learn from K-12, but we don’t often hear about Montessori in middle and high school. Why is that? The answer is simple: At this level, Montessori is a lot more open-ended, which is what makes it a wonderful approach at this level of education.

Through the elementary grades, children are largely learning the same basic skills. But once they reach middle school (typically 7th grade in Montessori), continuing their education is more about applying and deepening those skills to achieve self-sufficiency, self-identity, and emotional maturity. 

3 Insights Into Using Montessori for Middle School at Home

Since Montessori in middle school is more open ended, there isn’t a widely available curriculum. Instead, it is up to guides to craft a home school experience that makes sense for their children. With this in mind, here are three insights to help you use Montessori in middle-grade years and beyond:

1. The Themes in Montessori Stay the Same in Middle School

Montessori is all about promoting independence, individual growth, mentoring, and respect. All of these themes continue--and even expand--in the middle school years during this next phase of development. 

Middle school becomes a space to flex, within limits, the knowledge and skills, that students acquired in the earlier years of their education to begin preparing for adulthood. 

Having the space and challenges to flex a child's knowledge and skills can be very helpful for staving off the middle school angst that can be common at this age. Take a moment to consider this phase in life, when you are literally in between childhood and adulthood. If you aren’t challenged to test your skills in a safe environment, you may feel drawn to test them in unsafe environments instead. 

2. The Curriculum is More About Depth with Trusted Sources

Before middle school, there are standard curriculums and materials that Dr. Maria Montessori developed and that are largely still in use today. These curriculums and materials were intentionally not developed for the middle and high school years in favor of an immersive learning experience at this stage of a child's development.

This immersive learning experience includes the independent pursuit of knowledge and the application of that knowledge to real-world scenarios. In many cases, this involves building a business around an idea about which the child is passionate. As a guide, your role is to be present and promote depth and growth in your child's knowledge and skills. 

3. Independence is At the Forefront 

Middle school is a time to go deeper into the idea of freedom within limits. This is a core concept of Montessori that includes children being able to select (freedom) from prepared materials (limits). It allows children to exercise preferences and develop strengths. Meanwhile, as a guide, you are there to give lessons around work cycles focused on developing well-rounded skills and strengthening weaker areas. 

In middle school, children's natural drive to grow and learn continues, and it needs to be met with new expectations and challenges. Consider a 7th grader who has selected a place they want to travel to at the end of the year. Over the year, they have to develop a plan to make that happen--from calculating costs to earning money to making reservations. This endeavor is a lot to think about and presents a way to grow. A 7th grader without such a project, but with the same desires to be more engaged with their environment, may turn to less enriching outlets.

FAQs: Answers to Common Questions About Following Montessori in Middle School at Home

How do I put together a curriculum to make sure my child has what they need to keep learning?

Creating a curriculum can feel daunting but it doesn't have to feel that way. Start by incorporating your state requirements to ensure you are covering the core topics. Next do your research to see what materials Montessori middle schools are using. Last gather the resources and start populating a yearly schedule with high-level needs.

What is my role as a caregiver-educator when my children reach adolescence?

A caregiver's role evolves over time. It is key to remain reflective about your role and let it evolve. Your child's needs change. While they will always need you, they won't always need you in the same ways. When you are no longer needed in a way that you enjoyed, then look to your adult social supports to acknowledge the change and associated feelings. Think of what new ways you are needed. Your adolescent might not need you to walk them through each lesson, but they do need you to provide them resources and perspective.

Key Takeaways

• Montessori covers all grade levels. Montessori isn't just for toddlers and elementary students; it spans middle and high school too.

• Keep the Montessori themes. Montessori is all about preparing a child to grow into a thoughtful adult who is capable of exploring the world and being in community.

• The middle school curriculum is open-ended. Montessori in middle school is more open ended (i.e., not a set curriculum) and focused on connecting and applying skills.

• Middle school requires the right challenges. A key tenant of Montessori in middle school is having an overarching project that takes all skills and culminates in a self-directed goal.

Where to Learn More

While the original Montessori texts can be found (and are great) there is also a modern series with helpful summaries and practical tips.

If you would like more information about building home school lessons and experiences, consider becoming a member of Crush Home School. With our membership plan, you get monthly guidance delivered to your inbox with downloadable resources and much more. Learn more about becoming a Crush Home School member.