Montessori middle and high schools design their educational approach with the developmentally appropriate needs of the student in mind.

• Classrooms promote a sense of community

• Courses interweave subject areas, and students regularly leave the classroom for out-of-the-building field studies

• Students engage in projects that provide a degree of choice so that they can explore personal interests

• Students are coached through the design of their own work plans, and are given extended blocks of focused work time

• There are clear learning objectives and tools for self-evaluation

• Students engage in real-life businesses (such as our on-site farm) to promote entrepreneurship, application of classroom learning, and self-confidence

• Coursework is selected thoughtfully and with the intent of helping students find their place in society. Students are given regular opportunity to impact their D.C. neighborhoods in a positive way, and to foster stewardship of humanity and the Earth

Student ownership of learning

• Rewards are intrinsic

• Expectations are for all students to achieve at high levels, with an emphasis on increased independence and self-regulation

Learning in context

• Students learn by doing, and make meaningful connections between context and their lives

Growth mindset

• Culture emphasizes failing forward, reflection, and self-corrections

Social Emotional Learning embedded throughout

• Peace education focuses on grace, courtesy, and social justice

• Competence breeds confidence when a focus is put on a choice, self development, and freedom to explore passions

• Increased one-on-one interactions with teacher-mentors that deepen relationships and understanding