Junior High
Learning How to Thrive.
"I need to understand my place in society"
As adolescents enter the third plane of development, their needs and characteristics evolve dramatically. This is a time when young people seek to understand their role within a group, their community, and the broader world. St. Croix Montessori’s Junior High program is designed to meet these emerging developmental needs, supporting adolescents as they cultivate independence, collaboration, and a sense of purpose.
The Nature and Needs of the Adolescent
At this stage, students move beyond the elementary need for exploration and reasoning into a desire for practical application and real-world experiences. They seek opportunities to develop their identities and unique strengths, work collaboratively on meaningful projects, understand social structures and justice, engage in purposeful work that connects them to society.
Adolescents possess a growing capacity for critical thinking, abstract reasoning, and self-reflection. These characteristics are at the core of our Junior High curriculum, which balances intellectual growth with hands-on experiences to empower students to make meaningful contributions to their communities.
A Holistic, Interdisciplinary Curriculum
Inspired by Dr. Maria Montessori’s vision for adolescent education, our program integrates traditional academic subjects with experiential learning. Subject areas include:
Humanities: Exploring history, literature, and current events to develop cultural awareness and critical thinking.
Mathematics and Science: Applying abstract concepts to real-world scenarios, from algebra to ecological studies.
Creative Expression: Nurturing creativity through art, music, and drama.
Entrepreneurship and Leadership: Encouraging initiative through micro-economy projects and community leadership opportunities.
Connecting Education to Life
The Montessori Junior High goes beyond academics to address the holistic development of each student. Through nature-based learning on our farm, service projects, and internships, adolescents engage in purposeful work that deepens their understanding of their place in society. They learn not only through books but also by doing—working with peers, solving problems, and contributing to their environment in meaningful ways.
Preparing Adolescents for a Peaceful Future
Dr. Montessori emphasized the importance of education as a foundation for peace. Our Junior High program fosters empathy, collaboration, and a deep respect for the interconnectedness of all life. These values, combined with a rigorous and dynamic academic foundation, prepare students to become thoughtful, confident, and compassionate leaders who are ready to contribute to a better world.
Join us in shaping the future by nurturing adolescents to understand and embrace their role in society. Explore the transformative opportunities of Montessori Junior High at St. Croix Montessori School.
Be Part of Something Extraordinary.
St. Croix Montessori School’s Junior High program is where academic rigor meets real-world experiences, providing a unique education designed for adolescents aged 12 to 14. Rooted in Montessori principles, our program nurtures independence, critical thinking, and leadership skills while fostering a strong sense of community.
Through a balance of individualized learning, collaborative projects, and hands-on experiences—including nature-based education and entrepreneurial opportunities—our Junior High prepares students to excel academically and thrive as confident, compassionate future leaders.
Admissions Process
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1
Schedule a School Tour
To begin the admissions process, please schedule a tour of our school. We ask that parents visit the school without children, as this provides an opportunity to fully engage with the program and environment. During the tour, you'll have the chance to observe our classrooms, learn more about the Montessori philosophy, and explore our program offerings, mission statement, and core values.
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Submit Your Application
Once you've decided that St. Croix Montessori School is the right fit for your child, please complete the application form below. A $100 non-refundable fee is required at the time of submission to secure your child’s application.
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Admission Decision
We evaluate each application based on the alignment of the family’s educational goals with our school’s mission. We strive for a balanced classroom environment, considering gender and age diversity, as well as families who are committed to the Montessori program.
Due to high demand, we may implement a waitlist once spaces are filled. If your child is placed on the waitlist, you will be notified as soon as a spot becomes available.
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Commitment to Completion
St. Croix Montessori School values the continuity of the Montessori experience. For Children’s House, this means completing the kindergarten year, and for Elementary, it includes finishing the 6th grade. This continuity ensures a stable learning environment and is essential to maintaining the integrity of our program.
We accept families who are committed to completing the entire Montessori program. If a child does not complete the kindergarten or elementary years, younger siblings may not be accepted for enrollment or re-enrollment.
Acceptance letters are sent out in mid-February. Along with the acceptance, you will receive an Enrollment Contract and instructions to submit a non-refundable $500 tuition deposit. The contract and deposit must be returned within 10 days to secure your child’s place in our program.