Alcuin Montessori School
Adolescent Program
For Middle School Students ages 12 – 14
Located at the historic Gale House, the Alcuin Montessori School Adolescent Program (AMSAP) is adjacent to Frank Lloyd Wright's Unity Temple and the main Oak Park Library with easy access to historic and cultural offerings in the village.
Curriculum
The program includes pre-algebra, algebra, literature, philosophy, history, biology, botany, ecology, chemistry, physics, Latin, Spanish, theatre and art. With additional components including a micro-economy, physical and creative expression, humanities and occupations, community service and the advisory program, the Middle School nurtures the young adolescent with Education for Life.
Adolescent ProgramFor Middle School Students ages 12 – 14
Located at the historic Gale House, the Alcuin Montessori School Adolescent Program (AMSAP) is adjacent to Frank Lloyd Wright's Unity Temple and the main Oak Park Library with easy access to historic and cultural offerings in the village.
Curriculum
The program includes pre-algebra, algebra, literature, philosophy, history, biology, botany, ecology, chemistry, physics, Latin, Spanish, theatre and art. With additional components including a micro-economy, physical and creative expression, humanities and occupations, community service and the advisory program, the Middle School nurtures the young adolescent with Education for Life.
The curriculum maintains a strong humanities focus on the fundamentals of and changes in our society. Great literature is used to teach historical events as well as cultural literacy. Language arts lessons and writing assignments grow out of these historical and political explorations. Rigorous programs for math and science as well as Latin and Spanish are included in the daily schedule of academic instruction. State standards guide lesson planning and teachers assess student mastery through projects, papers, tests, and quizzes.
Micro-Economy
Adolescent business endeavors are an ongoing component of this program. Students run a coffee shop and sell community dinners; they use the proceeds to sustain the business. The program teaches an understanding of production and exchange, division of labor, organization, management and financial responsibility while building confidence and self-esteem.
Physical and Creative Expression
This program component is based on developing skills and expertise in areas of personal interest that fuel confidence and passion. The students study creative writing, performance arts, fine arts, computer programming and skills, cooking, tennis, yoga, and more. As part of this program students attend the Oak Park Tennis and Fitness Center twice weekly.
Humanities and Occupations
The humanities works are integrated projects incorporating history, literature, art, philosophy, sociology, and anthropology. Group and individual research projects, seminar discussions, site-visits and examinations of primary sources form the heart of humanities studies. Interviews with local historians, visits to libraries, historical societies, cemeteries, museums, shops, parks, Springfield, Washington D.C. and more offer unique experiences that help provide a framework from which to depart
. Great literature and writing workshops are interwoven to enrich learning. These resources make the study of the human story exciting and experiential.
Needs in the surrounding environment determine many of the scientific lessons. Planting gardens, growing food, caring for area forest preserves, recycling, composting, and cleaning polluted areas are examples of site-based science projects. These studies engage and motivate students while cultivating planning, problem-solving and collaboration skills.
Community Service
Micro-Economy
Adolescent business endeavors are an ongoing component of this program. Students run a coffee shop and sell community dinners; they use the proceeds to sustain the business. The program teaches an understanding of production and exchange, division of labor, organization, management and financial responsibility while building confidence and self-esteem.
Physical and Creative Expression
This program component is based on developing skills and expertise in areas of personal interest that fuel confidence and passion. The students study creative writing, performance arts, fine arts, computer programming and skills, cooking, tennis, yoga, and more. As part of this program students attend the Oak Park Tennis and Fitness Center twice weekly.
Humanities and OccupationsThe humanities works are integrated projects incorporating history, literature, art, philosophy, sociology, and anthropology. Group and individual research projects, seminar discussions, site-visits and examinations of primary sources form the heart of humanities studies. Interviews with local historians, visits to libraries, historical societies, cemeteries, museums, shops, parks, Springfield, Washington D.C. and more offer unique experiences that help provide a framework from which to depart
. Great literature and writing workshops are interwoven to enrich learning. These resources make the study of the human story exciting and experiential.Needs in the surrounding environment determine many of the scientific lessons. Planting gardens, growing food, caring for area forest preserves, recycling, composting, and cleaning polluted areas are examples of site-based science projects. These studies engage and motivate students while cultivating planning, problem-solving and collaboration skills.
Community Service
A sense of connection between the adolescent and the broader community is essential to a student’s perception of belonging. Community service is a regular part of the program. The adolescents mentor younger students and volunteer in area libraries, forest preserves, animal shelters, community gardens, and more.
Advisory
Teachers educate and support adolescents in needs and topics that are particularly important to this age group. The advisory program addresses topics such as transitioning to high school, test-taking, study skills, and health issues. Some of the health topics include physical changes, relationships, addiction and sex education. Emphasis is placed on the development of healthy lifestyles and habits and the components of positive decisionmaking.
AdvisoryTeachers educate and support adolescents in needs and topics that are particularly important to this age group. The advisory program addresses topics such as transitioning to high school, test-taking, study skills, and health issues. Some of the health topics include physical changes, relationships, addiction and sex education. Emphasis is placed on the development of healthy lifestyles and habits and the components of positive decisionmaking.
