Plan of Study and Work

Maria Montessori’s educational vision was unlike that of a traditional school curriculum. Rather than following a strict common curriculum that is confined to state standards, Village Montessori School follows a syllabus that fosters the developmental needs of the adolescents. Maria Montessori’s Plan of Study and Work provides opportunities for adolescents that offer a chance to feel a sense of pride and satisfaction in the search for their place in society. Montessori’s plan for education involves the social organization of the prepared environment as well as an educational syllabus that allows adolescents to work towards social and economic independence.

Prepared Environment

The prepared environment for the adolescent has been described as, “a school of experience in the elements of social life” (Montessori, From Childhood to Adolescence, Appendix A). Montessori stressed that to be successful in supporting the development of the adolescent, there is a requirement to fulfill the fundamental needs of human development in the adolescent. The adolescent environment at VMS offers experiences that involve meaningful and purposeful work as well as experiences with social organizations. It is inviting, beautiful, and organized. There are a variety of opportunities to allow adolescents to participate in adult-like activities that encourage them to care for themselves, others, and the environment.

Educational Syllabus

Maria Montessori’s idea of an educational syllabus is implemented into our program by studying the earth and living things, human progress and the building up of civilization, and the history of humanity.

The development of the adolescent mind is cultivated through moral education, the study of mathematics, and language. Providing endless opportunities for self-expression such as art, music, and poetry will aid in the development of the adolescent mind. Montessori stressed that all human beings become moral through being social. Language is required to communicate with one another. Mathematics is required for trading with one another. Moral education involves practice in Microeconomy (math) and social interactions (language). The adolescents at VMS engage in activities that explore moral education; these activities include seminars, community meetings, hosting meals, Microeconomy sales, and managing areas of the community.

Physical Expression

Adolescents are growing at a rapid rate, both physically and mentally. At VMS, students are offered opportunities to participate in soccer, basketball, rock climbing, tennis, etc. We take small walking trips on nice days in Leita Thompson, a park with a 4-mile walking path across the street from VMS. The students are encouraged to use their talents to benefit the community. This means that each year there could be a new club. In the past, the students organized a Mahjong Club. At the beginning of the 2021-2022 school year, the students put together a soccer club for the elementary students. The club met every week to practice basic skills and team building games. These clubs change from year to year based on the students interests.