The Montessori Adolescent Corps (MAC) program is the equivalent of “middle school” in a traditional public school environment. However, our Montessori program is uniquely designed to serve the developmental needs of this “middle school” age. Building upon the work of the Montessori Primary and Elementary levels, the character of the adolescent is actively recognized in a space where the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual environments are designed to support the growth of the emerging adult.
In adolescence, the main need is to learn how one can be part of the society by sharing thoughts and feelings with others, and by contributing to it in real and meaningful ways. As a result, contributions need to be recognized and put into a context where they can see concrete returns for their efforts. Adolescence is a very practical age when gains need to be recognized not just in terms of abstract academic marks on school assignments, but also in forms of recognition that adult society uses every day.
The adolescent is also undergoing major physical and psychological changes as they begin to acquire their adult personality while transitioning from childhood. Opportunities for creativity, risk-taking, intellectual abstraction, and a healthy emotional setting help them understand who they are in the context of their world. This age needs guidance from prudent, well-educated adults with a great love of the adolescent personality and intellect, and appreciation for their unique development.