Academic Programs
Our classes are multi-age-grouped similarly to the way Montessori classrooms are at the younger levels. This provides a sense of continuity and community, following scientific planes of childhood development throughout adolescence. At Elizabeth Academy Secondary, we have a Middle School Cohort, of 7th-8th grade students, and two High School Cohorts of 9th-10th, and 11th-12th grade students. The curriculum rotates in two-year cycles so that subject matter is fresh each year for each student. Core academic subjects are divided into two main branches: Humanities and STEM, subdivided further into Language Arts, Social Studies, Math, and Science, and branching out even deeper into more specific academic courses and electives.
Our academic courses are rich in content, with lessons favoring the advanced student, but also leveled to enrich and engage all students in the classroom.
Beyond that, students who need further support may see private therapists who engage with them (and the rest of the students) in the classroom to supplement and support their academics. All the areas of study are elevated by arts integration in the core subjects. With small class sizes (15 students or less) and 2-3 teachers in the classroom, we are able to support students in their work and encourage each individual to be an active participant in activities. This collaborative teaching model is an interdisciplinary approach that incorporates integrated therapies (as needed), as well as arts, to expand learning and apply concepts to multiple disciplines.
We value the Montessori “morning work cycle” (when students are most mentally alert) and try to have core academic classes scheduled in the 3-morning blocks (including the daily advisory period) before lunch. This ensures daily language and math instruction with one longer period for more project-based subjects in science and social studies. Most electives are offered during the 2-afternoon blocks.
