MPA Middle School
WELCOME
We are excited to welcome the first students to our middle school program for the Fall 2023 semester!
Please take some time to navigate through the tabs at the top of the page to learn more about the Montessori approach to adolescent education.
You can also check the Blog and Calendar below to get the most up-to-date information on the activities of the program.
According to Dr. Montessori, adolescence is an ‘epoch of inner revelations and of social sensibilities’, characterized by ‘a state of expectation, a tendency towards creative work and a need for strengthening of self confidence’ (Montessori 1976 [1948]: 101).
The sensitive period for the third plane is a heightened sensitivity oriented towards developing ‘the most noble characteristics’ that prepare the individual for social life, specifically, ‘a sense of justice and a sense of personal dignity’ (Montessori 1976 [1948]: 101).
On the other hand Montessori recognized that adolescence is a period of vulnerability, a time during which feelings of rebelliousness can lead the adolescent in directions with negative consequences. The Montessori adolescent program aims to channel the energy and challenge of the adolescent years in positive ways. This is achieved by engaging them in authentic social experiences and the achievement of meaningful social goals.
From the age of twelve, Montessori (1992 [1949]: 69-70) argues, the adolescent should be ‘taking an active part in social life; … producing, selling and working, not [yet] in order to learn a trade, but because working means coming into contact with [adult] life …’. ‘To achieve their full potential as adults, adolescents have to prepare for active participation in society as productive workers.’