• Secondary I is a mixed-age class of middle school grades 7-9

• Secondary II will be a mixed-age class of high school grades 10-12

Marta Weber (she/her) joined CMS this fall as the 12-15 Year Lead Guide for the Ravens.

• Our Secondary guide, Marta Weber, is developing our curriculum with additional support from our consultant, Jonathan Wolff.

• During the adolescent years the Montessori approach focuses on supporting the students’ developing identity of self, building character and their relationships.  Understanding “Who am I?” builds their confidence. This then allows them to open up to academic curiosity within their community where they feel safe to explore, question and learn.

• The curriculum uses the  Montessori framework, which is aligned with NYS standards, and the “Big History” lessons as a foundation to integrate math, science, history, and social justice topics inspired by student interests.

• Integrated STEM in practice
  Integrated STEM occurs organically in Montessori middle school. This is rare in traditional education, where STEM disciplines are often implemented separately.

• Montessori Middle School Students are More Motivated, Happy and Engaged than Traditional Middle School Students The NAMTA Journal: During the middle and high school years, the Montessori method focuses on supporting students as they develop a strong sense of self, build character, and form meaningful relationships. Understanding “Who am I?” helps them build confidence, which empowers them to engage with academic curiosity and explore new ideas. In an environment where they feel safe to question, learn, and grow, our students thrive.

• Students have a 45-minute lesson every morning where math and science are taught with an integrated approach.

• Montessori is based on the concept that students learn through their work. Students have a 2-hour work period with projects and school work to sharpen skills.

Starting in 3rd grade, students take the Iowa Assessments each year. Our K-6 students also take benchmark testing three times a year. Testing is framed as a life skill, ensuring readiness for standardized assessments.

Assessment at CMS 

Montessori outperforms on standardized tests

Dual Accreditation from Middle States Association (NYS Standards Compliance) & International Montessori Council (Montessori Fidelity) is in process and will be fully completed in the 2025-26 school year

Students use age-appropriate technology to develop computer research skills grounded in their individual interests and needs.

Our fully implemented secondary program will include a multimedia media lab for the production of audio and video recording, digital art, and a robotics lab.

• The Montessori method fosters students' independence and research skills as they delve deeply into subjects based on their individual interests. This self-directed approach strengthens the student’s time management and executive functioning skills.

• Montessori students demonstrate stronger executive function and a more positive school experience. Students were, on average, a full school year ahead by sixth grade in language, math, and general academic ability.

• An Association Between Montessori Education in Childhood and Adult Wellbeing, National Library of Medicine:  Attending Montessori for at least two childhood years was associated with significantly higher adult well-being. The more years one attends Montessori, the higher one's well-being as an adult.

• 3 teams to start at CMS 2024-25 - Cross Country, Alpine Ski Racing, and Mountain Biking with local school districts, Catskill & Windham School District.

• Students are already participating in ski/snowboarding club with Catskill High School (Sundays).

• Working to field additional teams and clubs like track and field, golf, tennis, and ultimate frisbee. 

• Jimmy Lawrence, CMS Physical Education Teacher, coaches and guides our sports programs on and off campus.