Ages 12 through 14 (7th-8th grade)

Middle School is not simply “older elementary.”  The PCMS Middle School is designed for the very specific educational, psychological, and physical needs of the early adolescent. Our program provides opportunities for adolescents to be self-confident and gain self-knowledge as members of a small, safe community.

The Montessori philosophy and method are followed and blended with the teaching of skills needed for high school and their personal future. The Middle School staff is specially trained and experienced at working with students at this level.

CURRICULUM AND PROGRAM ELEMENTS
A rigorous middle school curriculum and high expectations for performance prepare students well for the academic challenges of high school. In-depth Spanish studies and physical education classes are also part of this two-year program.

In addition to their coursework, PCMS Middle School students have many opportunities to use their talents and to gain experience as contributing members of society, both within the school community and in the larger world beyond. These include:

TRAVEL
A week in New York City is the culminating trip of each school year.

AUDIOVISUAL ACTIVITIES
Middle Schoolers provide audiovisual support for school music presentations, plays, and assemblies, by videotaping programs and managing sound and lighting.

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
Environmental education is an important part of the Middle School curriculum.  The class travels to nearby nature centers for both day and overnight programs that include a broad range of activities.  Among these are animal studies, habitats, weather, and classic camping experiences such as campfires and night hikes.

The Middle School classroom opens directly to the outdoors, so the connection to the environment is seamless.  Elective courses include gardening and environmental studies, both of which are hands-on programs that heighten awareness of ecological issues. The school grounds are a certified National Wildlife habitat and registered Monarch Waystation.  Middle School students participate in activities that have resulted in PCMS’ Evergreen status (the highest level) in the Michigan Green School initiative, and they are now leading the school’s progress toward National Wildlife Federation’s Eco-School status.

ELECTIVES
Elective subjects provide additional opportunities for students to explore interests. As part of the elective program, students produce the PCMS yearbook. Other elective courses have included art studio, music appreciation, robotics, web design, forensics, cooking, stock market investing, knitting, environmental science, gardening, and sewing.

SUMMER
Students entering the Middle School program will work on math skills and literature analysis during the summer.  This internet-based summer school helps keep math, reading and writing skills sharp and helps determine placement for the fall semester.  It also introduces incoming students to the Middle School environment.

ON TO HIGH SCHOOL 
Graduates from the PCMS Middle School transition well into area high schools. Recent graduates are attending the following high schools: Academy of the Sacred Heart, Bloomfield Hills Andover, Brother Rice, Canton High School, Catholic Central, Cranbrook Kingswood, Crestwood High School, Dearborn High School, Dearborn Center for Math, Science & Technology, Detroit Country Day, Divine Child, Gabriel Richard Ann Arbor, Gabriel Richard Riverview, Greenhills School, International Academy East, Livonia Stevenson, Mercy High School, Salem High School, University of Detroit Jesuit, and University Liggett. PCMS provides opportunities to visit local high schools, and also provides assistance with applications and admissions.

Class hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

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