Our Middle School Program

Montessori Middle School for Ages 12 – 14 Years Old in Williamsburg, VA

The WMS Middle School provides the ideal learning environment for adolescents fostering intellectual, physical, and emotional development (the whole person) and allowing them to pursue their interests while achieving academic and leadership excellence. The Montessori process encourages lifelong learning and an approach to every experience as an opportunity to acquire knowledge, continue personal growth, and positively impact the environment.

The Middle School is housed at 800 Richmond Road and takes advantage of the tremendous resources that both the Watermen’s Museum and York River State Park have to offer. Distinctive features of the program include access to science labs and research-based facilities; partnership with the Waterman’s Museum and other community resources; aquaculture service projects; oyster bed cultivation; and boat building.

The curriculum is designed to equip students with skills, concepts, and habits of mind needed to succeed in high school advanced placement courses and college. All courses of study are hands-on opportunities to engage in meaningful work. Seventh and Eighth graders take high school credit classes depending on their choices and placement. Courses marked with an * indicate a high school credit course.

The Montessori Middle School Curriculum is based on six developmental areas:

Mathematics

Students use higher-order thinking skills to solve problems in relation to a variety of challenges
Students explore in depth numbers, properties, simple equations, higher measurement, computer calculation and graphics, geometric proofs, and algebraic equations.
Math is taught through both traditional and hands-on direct instruction, daily independent practice, and individual and group practice in solving real-life problems such as building oyster floats, designing and building boats, constructing raised gardens and building and maintaining greenhouse structures, analyzing statistics in economics and civics.
Courses include: Pre-Algebra, Algebra* and Geometry*

Language

Through building a strong foundation in and understanding of the English language, the student develops confidence in self-expression and reason and is prepared for the demands of higher education
The Language Arts curriculum utilizes Socratic seminar discussion, oral presentation, debates, drama, video, and photography
Daily lessons include context grammar, journaling, editing, vocabulary, and literary techniques
A rigorous writing program that includes essays, persuasive writing, research papers, journalism, analytical writing and creative writing
Literature studies integrate with history and science themes and center around novels, short stories, poetry and biographies with focus on literary devices and the elements of writing (components of style, genre, characterization, theme, etc.)

Science

Physical and Life Sciences are taught in alternating years in 7^th and 8^thGrades.
Hands-on scientific inquiry activities with an emphasis in critical thinking and data analysis lead students to understanding of subject matter
As part of an integrated curriculum, writing assignments support the need for communication in science

Aquaculture and Bay Studies

Students embark on a journey to learn more about the Chesapeake Bay, the largest estuary in North America, and to teach what they learn to others
Emphasis is placed on stewardship to the environment as students are encouraged to do community service work that promotes the health of the Bay
Partnering with Chesapeake Bay Foundation and Oyster Reef Keepers of Virginia, students grow oysters to be placed on protected reefs
To balance an understanding of Earth’s water force, we also study the land.
Land Lab experiences include colonial and native Virginia gardening at the Watermen’s Museum and participation in a NASA-sponsored GLOBE project at our Riverview Land Lab.

History, Geography, and Civics

Historical study includes the Americas as well as other world civilizations using an evolving timeline and a focus on large questions and patterns in history
Students use geographic themes of location, human-environment interaction, movement, and region to integrate ideas from history and geography
Primary readings from different historical periods, as well as novel studies, are included
Students learn about their government through practical experiences, such as field trips, community involvement, and simulations

Spanish

Lessons include vocabulary, oral language, listening comprehension, and cultural studies
Spanish 1 and 2 will be taught either in one- or two-year cycles according to each student’s goals and abilities

MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAM INFORMATION

MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAM HOURS
Full Day: 8:15 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

LUNCH/SNACKS
Students bring their own nutritious lunch and snacks.

FACULTY
Corinna Ferro – Director
Jonathan Diggs
Cheryl Leu
Laura Hilimire – Spanish
Okie An, Math

Join the WMS Community

Our enrollment process is held year-round! Fill out the enrollment application form today to get started. Financial aid opportunities are available for eligible families.

Apply Today