Middle Years Program Leadership and Preparation

Grades 7-8 

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Where students grow into confident, capable young leaders.

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Grades 7 and 8 are transformative years. It's a time when students begin to understand who they are, what they care about, and how they want to show up in the world.

Our Leadership & Preparation stage is thoughtfully designed to guide students through this transition with support, structure, and meaningful challenge.

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Students strengthen their academic foundations, develop advanced writing and communication skills, engage in real-world work, and take on leadership roles within the school. Teachers know each student deeply and help them grow in responsibility, independence, and confidence.

This is where students prepare academically, socially, and personally for high school and beyond.

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What Leadership & Preparation Is All About

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Advanced Academics & Deeper Thinking

Students participate in guided lessons, literature studies, lab-based science, long-term research projects, and higher-level math. They practice analyzing information, forming viewpoints, and articulating ideas clearly.

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Strong Writing & Communication Skills

Students learn MLA formatting in Grade 7 and progress to multi-paragraph essays, persuasive writing, research papers, and presentations. Clear writing = clear thinking, and these skills prepare them for high school expectations.

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Leadership & Responsibility

Students take on roles within the school, mentor younger students, lead group projects, and learn self-advocacy. These experiences help them build identity, character, and confidence.

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Real-World Learning

From outdoor exploration to hands-on labs and authentic projects, students make connections between academic learning and real life. They practice planning, problem solving, and practical application.

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Supportive Relationships

Teachers guide students through academic challenges, social dynamics, planning, and emotional development. Middle schoolers don’t just need content — they need connection and guidance.

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How Montessori Evolves in Grades 7–8

Authentic Montessori naturally increases structure as students grow. In our Leadership & Preparation stage:

• Students have choice within clearly defined expectations

• Independence is paired with planning, deadlines, and accountability

• Work becomes collaborative, discussion-based, and research-heavy

• Teachers guide students more closely through academic sequences

• Leadership and personal responsibility become central

• Writing, organization, and communication are explicitly taught

• Students prepare for traditional high school environments

 

This stage respects the adolescent’s need for purpose, belonging, challenge, and real responsibility.

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What Students Learn in Grades 7–8

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Writing & Communication

• MLA-formatting (introduced in Grade 7)

• Multi-paragraph essays

• Research papers & citations

• Persuasive & analytical writing

• Oral presentations & debate

• Note-taking, outlining, and revision

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Mathematics

• Pre-algebra & algebraic reasoning

• Advanced problem solving

• Real-world math connections

• Data analysis & graphing

• Math discussions & application