Upper Elementary
10–12 years
Adolescents are no longer children but not yet adults. Maria Montessori recognized adolescence as a time of rapid growth, not unlike the very first years of life. Designed for students ages 10 to 12, the Upper Elementary program provides the ideal setting for students to expand their knowledge and embark on adult-like responsibilities, resulting in a solid, unique foundation for young adulthood.
Project-based curriculum
Classroom subjects are explored in an integrated manner, where students grapple with real-world issues while honing their skills in math, economics, science, humanities, language, and writing. The manipulative materials of the elementary are rarely used, as these students are now able to work, understand, and visualize ideas in the abstract. The focus is upon the development of a successful process and innovative approach, rather than rewarding an expected answer.
Socratic seminars
Middle School students are sensitive to issues of social justice and personal dignity. Critical thinking and public speaking skills are learned through Socratic seminars as students grapple with real-world issues. Through this process, adolescents develop an appreciation of multiple perspectives on a given topic.
Micro-economy
Students develop and run their own real business, marketing and selling products that they manufacture themselves. Students also receive supporting lessons on the scientific, historical, economic, practical, and organizational aspects of their products. Student work includes bookkeeping, budgeting and purchasing, design, advertising, surveys, research, the writing of proposals, interviews of experts, and documentation.
Creative and physical expression
Students pursue the skills that will enable them to express their understanding of the world through art and music. Activities such as rock climbing, canoeing, tennis, running, hiking, bicycling, and other group games help develop agility and strength, as well as a sense of fun and confidence in meeting physical challenges.
Community
Beyond intellectual development, the Middle School program guides students to become active citizens and fully informed problem solvers within the local community and beyond.
Our alumni excel in school — and in life
Years of watching our students matriculate to high school, college, and beyond confirms that an authentic Montessori Middle School is an excellent education for life. Our graduates excel in school and careers of choice but, more importantly, emerge as confident, well-adjusted, happy adults.
“I had my daughter at another school and I am so glad a space opened up at Brilliant and Kind. She actually likes being at school and has teachers and classmates that look like her. People always mention how she speaks very well for her age and how she loves to learn. I have a pretty demanding job and I can rest assured that my daughter is cared and is getting a quality education while I am away from her. If you get a change to enroll your child at Brilliant and Kind you will see the quality, you receive vs. others schools."
M. Rhoden
“My nephew attends Brilliant and Kind and his math skills have improved in such a short time. I wasn’t familiar with Montessori schools before and I wasn’t sure how they were learning without a traditional class room setting but every day my nephew proves to me that children can learn through play all the time. I am so glad Brilliant and Kind is not too far from my house but even if it was I would make the drive to make sure he attends this school."