VALORIZATION

~INTERNALIZING VALUES, FINDING ONESELF “STRONG AND WORTHY”~

Valorization is a word Maria Montessori uses to describe the phase of development when an adolescent is in search of personal identity, a process the adolescent goes through to find and internalize core values, emerging with integrity and confidence, seeing himself as a strong and worthy person. Montessori philosophy is based on the “Four Planes of Development,” from birth to age 24, with adolescence occupying the fourth and last plane. In this phase, children experience a dissonance in their identity. For the first time, they see themselves outside of their roles of daughter, son, brother, and sister, and begin to see themselves as something beyond that— individuals who must integrate all of their separate identities to move forward in a larger community. 

The awareness of this plane of development is integral to effectively guiding youth to find their sense of purpose in the world. At Elizabeth Academy, we recognize that our students are going through the process of valorization, and need the guidance of parents and teachers more than ever. They seek to find meaning and connection with parents, teachers, the community, and their peers. Our secondary program is designed to guide adolescents through that process.

Self-Identity, Civics & Community

  • COMMUNITY SERVICE

    We strive to provide meaningful experiences for students, engaging them in community service. On Fridays, students have the opportunity to participate in ongoing service projects. Students do volunteer work, partnering with local organizations such as; Idle Free Utah, Tiny Tim Toys, Best Friends, the Humanitarian Center, the Utah Food Bank, and the Department of Natural Resources. Students have organized food drives and adopted storm drains to protect Utah’s water sources. Our students are actively involved in our community and are learning about how they can make a difference. 

  • STUDENT SERVICE

    Students learn by observing the world around them and they also learn through meaningful hands-on experiences. Service learning provides students with an opportunity to feel a sense of belonging and contribution, as well as learn practical skills. All students participate in a week-long “Service Week” in December, in addition to many electives and projects where they can give back to the community alongside their peers. Service gives all students a sense of contribution, as they learn practical skills while building their resumes. This aspect of our program is key to our leadership model, and to creating a sense of responsibility in the community.

  • STUDENT COUNCIL

    Student Council is an important part of providing students with hands-on leadership experience. The Student Council at Elizabeth Academy Secondary focuses on service, promoting unity, supporting school events, and increasing school spirit in collaboration with students, parent leaders, teachers, and administration. The Student Council members meet with a faculty advisor weekly, and they serve as student role models, who lead the community in upholding the values of our school— academics, inclusion, and leadership.

  • COLLEGE & CAREER WEEK

    During College and Career Week, at the end of April, we bring various professionals to our campus to speak about their professions. We also arrange internships to prepare students for future careers. Students develop skills in a variety of areas- from filling out applications and resume writing, to more practical life-skills like budgeting and financial literacy. Students engage with different professionals of their choosing, and are connected with internship opportunities and more! College & Career Week is not an isolated event promoting positive post-secondary outcomes. Instead, it is a culmination of ongoing discussions with students and families throughout the year, focused on supporting students in their individual goals, and a pathway to living a full, meaningful life.