Middle School

Ages 12 - 14 with Curriculum extending beyond High School

An environment for home-schooled or traditional students not challenged in private or public schools - Riverstone Montessori goes beyond textbook learning with exciting, hands-on field studies and collaborative learning.

Students develop valuable leadership, planning and presentation skills to prepare for college and can accelerate their studies to begin working at a high school level. Our first middle school graduates, all having started Montessori in Primary, scored at college-level in all subject areas on placement tests for high school.

Physically and emotionally, this can be a difficult period for children as they transition from the child of elementary to the adolescent and young adult. Dr. Montessori recognized that it was very important for a child at this stage to have a clear understanding and appreciation of their self-worth and ability to participate in society. The Montessori Middle School combines the advanced study of academics with practical real-life experiences that help children enjoy learning. A student that enjoys school learns to value education which helps propel them to success in future academic environments.

Practical experience is a hallmark of the AMI Middle School program. Students develop and run their own businesses which will incorporate their study of mathematics, language and professional studies. Avoiding the “why do we need to learn this” pitfall of traditional education, Riverstone Middle School students enjoy hands-on experiences in business, science and social studies.

Our students may study our judicial system by following a trial in the courtroom from beginning to end. They explore chemistry, biology and environmental issues be becoming certified by the local government to monitor water quality and reporting the results.

Completely in charge, students experience planning, budgeting and execution of business activities with student managers, student staff and actual customers.

Riverstone students learn by experience. Some of last year’s events include:

• A monthly coffee house, planned, advertised and prepared by students with managers, serving staff and cooks.
• Planning and installing an organic garden after researching the process and working in existing gardens throughout the area.
• Field study travel to Washington, D.C. as a culmination of their United States unit of study.
• Visits to area businesses, utilities and governmental agencies to research and explore our government and market culture.
• Rafting, camping and other outdoor adventures regula
rly throughout the year, and much more...

Middle School visits Cuppy’s Coffee in preparation for their own coffee house.

The social aspect of this program is as important as the academic program in preparing students for high school and college. The Montessori program engages students in a manner that gives them actual responsibility and the tools to be a success. This level of responsibility creates a more engaged student who responds in a more mature and appropriate manner. While they are still adolescents who love to have fun, these busy students focus more on the exciting variety of tasks before them rather than on less appropriate social behaviors. They learn to lead meetings, hold planning sessions, participate in debates and interact with adult consumers in a business setting.

Riverstone Montessori Middle School prides itself on the positive impact it has on our local community. Throughout the year, our students reach out to those in need through fund-raising, food/clothing drives and many other activities. The day after the tornado swept through downtown Atlanta, our students were there assisting in the clean up for needy residents.

Students in the Montessori Middle School program feel connected to the larger community, establish their sense of self-worth and have a meaningful educational experience that helps advance their studies and maintain their love of learning.

Throughout this process, the student’s individual needs and abilities guide their educational plan. Teachers meet with students one-on-one to give lessons, review progress and work to develop their portfolio for high school and college. Students working alone and in groups explore individual interests, provide academic support and help each other move forward academically.

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