Middle School
The Middle School program is purposefully designed to meet the changing needs of young adolescents.
This plane of development (12 - 15 years) is a complex time during which the child experiences great changes in terms of his or her physical and cognitive development as well as psychosocial development. In order to meet these challenges, the middle school program is specifically designed to foster the growth of young teens by focusing on three areas. Our program is: Developmentally responsive; holistic; and empowering.
Developmentally Responsive
In the spirit of Montessori philosophy, our program is designed to create an environment that respects and supports young adolescents in their stage of development by focusing on the nature and implications of their biological, cognitive, moral and psychosocial development.
Holistic
Our program is designed to meet the needs of the whole child for optimal health and growth. Thus, the learning environment focuses not only on developing students? cognitive potential, but the physical, psychosocial and moral aspects of the young teen as well. Our curriculum is interdisciplinary in order for the child to understand the interdependence of life.
Empowering
Because young adolescents are searching for identity and an avenue through which they can develop personal power, the Middle School program at HVMS facilitates and fosters students in their burgeoning independence. Students participate in activities and lessons which build and enhance personal growth and self-knowledge such as building community through meetings, problem-solving, participating in international study opportunities, and engaging in meaningful work.
The HVMS Middle School curriculum reflects an integration of subjects. In addition to standard courses in math, science and social studies, students participate in course work in Socratic dialogue, health, foreign language, arts and international studies. They utilize technology in order to assist them in developing the skills needed for productive life in the 21st century.
Secondary Program
The secondary design is an integration of the current research in human development, the trends and issues in education, and the Montessori philosophy. The mission of the program is to provide opportunities for adolescents to be self-confident and gain self-knowledge, to belong to a community, to learn to be adaptable, to be academically competent and challenged, and to create a vision for their personal future; thus, to empower early adolescents.