Adolescent

The Heron Class, Ages 12-15

The Adolescent Program provides a safe, engaging environment for our 7th and 8th grade students to navigate the challenging growth years of adolescence. Nestled in its own corner of our campus, the Heron House is a space designed to meet the specific needs of adolescents. Here, students work together with their guides to build and enrich their middle-school experience with a focus on developing independence, fostering intellectual curiosity, and gathering the skills needed to be positive contributors to the global community. The program is intentionally designed to meet adolescents' academic, social, emotional, and developmental needs and is grounded in Maria Montessori's vision for the Third Plane of Development.

The Adolescent Program stives to prepare students for life, not just high school. Our academic programs are supported by a vibrant array of Specials classes and bespoke experiences that let adolescent students explore their interests in depth and sample the many different paths they might choose to follow later in life. Learning in the Heron Program is active, collaborative, and connected to real life, trusting students with responsibility and supporting them as they grow into independent, capable young people. Learning is organized around big ideas and essential questions, with an emphasis on discussion, problem solving, and real-world application.

The Language and Literature program engages adolescents as thoughtful readers, skillful communicators, and purposeful creators of written and spoken language. Students explore diverse literature that reflects both global and adolescent perspectives, using reading to deepen empathy, cultural understanding, and critical thinking. Writing and expression are taught through meaningful, real-world tasks - such as essays, creative writing, research, and public speaking - that develop clarity, voice, and confidence. Grounded in Montessori principles, the program supports independence, collaboration, and intellectual curiosity, guiding students to become discerning readers and articulate, authentic communicators.

Our U.S. History and Civics program inspires adolescents to understand their nation's past and participate thoughtfully in its future. Students explore key events, constitutional principles, and diverse perspectives through inquiry, discussion, and hands-on projects. Grounded in Montessori values of responsibility and community, the program empowers students to think critically, engage respectfully, and become informed, active citizens.

Mathematics in Heron House challenges adolescents to think deeply, solve creatively, and apply math with purpose. Our program emphasizes conceptual understanding, hands-on problem solving, and real-world applications that build confidence and curiosity. Students work at their own level with individualized lessons while also engaging in collaborative challenges that strengthen reasoning and communication.

The Heron Performing Arts program invites adolescents to bring literature and history to life through drama. Students take part in the full creative process - from script work and character development to set design, costumes, and technical production. Collaborative rehearsals build confidence, communication, and artistic expression, while public performances give students a meaningful opportunity to share their work with the wider community. The stage becomes a space for creativity, responsibility, and authentic adolescent voice. Along with official performing arts opportunities, public speaking and presentation are woven into the curriculum. Students develop confidence, creativity, and strong communication skills through meaningful performances and shared work.

Economic Work in the Adolescent Program gives students the opportunity to build and run meaningful micro-businesses that serve their community. Students explore entrepreneurship through real products and services - from design and production to marketing, budgeting, and sales. They learn to manage resources responsibly, work collaboratively, and understand the value of their labor and creativity. By running their own ventures, adolescents develop practical skills, financial literacy, and a sense of purpose, empowerment, and contribution within the community.

Community Meal in the Heron program brings adolescents together through shared work, responsibility, and nourishment. Students plan, prepare, and serve weekly meals using real recipes fresh ingredients, and practical kitchen skills. From budgeting and cooking to setting the table and cleaning up, adolescents take ownership of every step, learning independence and cooperation. Shared meals deepen community bonds, foster gratitude, and cultivate a culture of care - where food becomes a way to connect, contribute, and belong.

The Heron Gardening Program connects adolescents to the land through purposeful, hands-on work. Students plan, cultivate, and care for gardens that support both classroom learning and the community's needs. They learn practical horticulture skills such as planting, composting, harvesting, and seed saving while exploring ecology, sustainability, and food systems in real time. Gardening fosters patience, responsibility, and stewardship, helping adolescents understand their role in caring for the earth and contributing to their community.

The Herons spend one afternoon a week volunteering with our local partner Blueberry Gardens to learn more about farming practices and food production. Visit our partnerships page to learn more!

Adolescent students take ownership of their learning in a supportive environment that looks quite different from a traditional middle school. Students work independently and in small groups while teachers act as guides and mentors, placing an emphasis on self-direction, accountability, and time management. There are no rows of desks or constant lectures, and students participate in meaningful work in both their academic and community life areas. Economic work, community meals, and land stewardship represent the three main areas of community life, supporting students in building responsibility, collaboration, and practical life skills.

The Heron community intentionally supports adolescents as they navigate relationships and identity and continue developing their sense of self. Students learn to communicate respectfully, resolve conflict constructively, reflect and take responsibility, and support one another in a mixed-age community.

Through a combination of academic, practical, and social learning and support, graduates of the Heron program are well prepared for high school and beyond. They move forward with strong academic foundations, self-advocacy and time management skills, confidence in collaboration and problem-solving, and a clear sense of self and purpose.