ADOLESCENT DEVELOPMENT cognitive

SCIENCE

The Middle School curriculum takes a deeper dive into the study of the physical sciences, such as chemistry and physics, with corresponding experiments, research, and guided exploration. Learning is not only informed by its historical context but also how it contributes to human activities today. The real work of scientists is a contribution to the field, and that takes place through investigation. Your child will gain proficiency in the scientific process, mishaps and all, because this is a pivotal time for understanding science. The ultimate goal is to capture their enthusiasm and interest by grade 7 because research shows it's more likely to last a lifetime.
 

HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY

The middle school curriculum broadens your child's historical thinking by setting the stage for the progession of events in the context of the corresponding geography, illuminating the interconnectedness of place and events. European and American history periods is a two-fold study: foundations of society (constitution and political systems) and transformations of society (revolutions, reformations, and wars). Students expand their global literacy by researching, exploring, and discussing issues such as population, inequality, resource scarcity and allocation, poverty, and economic and political systems. They also take on tough topics in culture and ethics, such as the myth of "race" and other divides like language, religion, age, and gender. By engaging in meaningful dialogue about barriers to equality and causes of controversy, they can also take a closer look at the trends, technologies, and tools that promote progress.

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LANGUAGE ARTS

Writing is a learned skill that improves with practice, feedback, edits, and rewrites. Your child will write book reports, essays, research papers, and creative stories with a solid foundation in spelling, vocabulary, and grammar. They will research, brainstorm, form outlines, write rough drafts, and then rework them through the editing process. With an emphasis on quality and just the right amount of support, your child will use feedback to improve each draft of each project until they've created their best work. 
 

LITERATURE

Your child will read timeless, full-length literature with universally relevant conflicts and meaningful themes. They'll meet great characters on their exciting journey and explore moral choices in a fictional context. Literature helps your child reflect on what they read, express and support their point of view with evidence, and communicate their perspective, whether speaking or writing, in a compelling manner. 
 

MATHEMATICS

Middle School mathematics covers pre-algebra, algebra, and parts of geometry. Students cover content in two-week blocks where they have the opportunity to either review a concept that is a little tricky or move ahead with challenging extensions. Wherever your child thrives mathematically, the curriculum supports mastery and also promotes advancement. 
 

HONORING OUR ROOTS

The Lamplighter Middle School curriculum was founded and designed by Dr. Betsy Coe of the Houston Montessori Center. Her passion for this age inspired her to start just like Maria Montessori did, through observation and response, and then more observation and response. We are grateful to her for blazing this trail and then reaching a hand back to show the way for all future Middle School Montessori teachers.