Our Fairhaven students are...

What do our students say about their Butler Montessori experience?

It's more than school, it's a community and a home. It's a safe space to learn and grow during the adolescent years. It's where school doesn't feel like school and every day is different. The lessons learned here build the foundation for life beyond school.

Not Your "Average" High School or Private School

Our students love their school! From immersive trips to a safe, nurturing environment, everything about this high school program is tailored to our students’ needs and interests.

Science

Fairhaven scientific studies are designed to be highly interdisciplinary with a hands-on approach. Selected topics in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Environmental Science are woven together to create a unique curriculum designed especially for our students. For additional challenge, students are invited to apply their knowledge in Advanced Placement (AP) exams and dual enrollment opportunities through Montgomery College.

Topics in the science program include Energy and Movement, Global Health and Sustainability, and Systems in Balance.

Language Arts 

High school Language Arts courses provide an opportunity for our students to dive into the different varieties of language and expression used in the human experience. There is an emphasis on reading widely to gain cultural knowledge of both Western culture and other cultures, writing for personal expression in the arts, and honing literary and critical analysis skills.

Students write in every project and discipline, including research papers, position papers, interpretive pieces, and creative pieces. There is a strong emphasis on cementing vocabulary and grammar concepts to support clear and effective communication.

Humanities

Like the sciences, studies in Humanities are designed to be highly interdisciplinary with a hands-on approach. Different strands of the Humanities are threaded throughout each course including history, literature, philosophy, art history, religion, government, psychology, and more. For additional challenge, students are invited to apply their knowledge in Advanced Placement (AP) exams and dual enrollment opportunities through Montgomery College.

Humanities courses are designed to look critically at Places, People, and Ideas throughout history, ensuring that our students have a strong understanding of World History, U.S. History, and Government.

Math

Fairhaven High School mathematics courses provide an opportunity to further develop the mathematical mind with an emphasis on discovery and creative-problem solving. Students practice ways of thinking and organizing their minds in a logical manner using materials, activities, projects, and regularly scheduled classes with a highly skilled guide.

During their time in the program, students progress naturally through topics in Geometry, Algebra II, and Precalculus. Students have the opportunity to pursue various levels of Calculus through dual enrollment with Montgomery College, as well as courses in the practical uses of math such as Personal Finance.

World Languages

Spanish - Fairhaven students have the opportunity to continue their Spanish studies at the high school level. Advanced grammar topics include subjunctive, imperative, and figures of speech. Students are asked to write essays, poems, analysis, compare/contrast papers, and discuss cause and effect. There is a special emphasis on South American literature and its social impact on society. By the end of their 12th year, students may earn a Seal of Biliteracy based on an advanced level of proficiency.

American Sign Language (ASL) - Fairhaven students also have the opportunity to take courses in ASL, either in addition to or in lieu of Spanish. There is an emphasis on correct fingerspelling, handshape, eye contact, and visual gesture communication in all lessons. Courses in ASL are taught by deaf or hard of hearing guides who promote deaf etiquette expectations in the classroom and discuss the importance of deaf culture in society today.

Arts 

Creative expression in the arts is a hallmark component of the Montessori curriculum for the adolescent. The goal of this program is to continue to introduce students to a variety of artistic media while simultaneously allowing for deeper creative expression and instruction in areas where students demonstrate high interest. Artists on staff and from the broader community are invited to teach high school-level courses in their areas of expertise.

Courses in the arts include Ceramics, Dance, Music Composition, Choir, Percussion Ensembles, Musical Theater, Costume & Fashion Design, Photography, Visual Art, Textile Art, and Videography.

P.E. & Sports

Students in the Fairhaven Program personalize their experience as they explore new sports while gaining advanced skills in activities of their choice. At this point in their lives, many students have already dedicated their time to pursuing a sport at an advanced level outside of school; this commitment is supported by the Fairhaven Program, as students are given the flexibility to travel for competitions and attend regular practices. Students also have the opportunity to participate in select sports teams through Butler Montessori.

Courses in physical expression include Personal Fitness, Horseback Riding, Yoga, Biking, Climbing, Archery, Disc Golf, and Cross Country Running.

International Travel

Building on their experience in the Intermediate Middle School Program, Fairhaven students now have the opportunity to pursue travel to further destinations and for longer periods of time. Our high school students develop relationships with other Montessori high school students from around the world, tapping into a global network of connection and friendship. The students are fully responsible for all components of planning, fundraising, and budgeting for their trips.

Entrepreneurship 

Fairhaven students build on the financial literacy gained from the Intermediate Middle School Program and expand it in their work in entrepreneurship. Students have the opportunity to oversee an expansion of the Intermediate student-run organic farm to local farmer’s markets. They may also opt to incubate their own business idea and implement it with support from local businesses in the community.

Internships & Career Exploration 

Internships form a key component of the Fairhaven Program as students gain valuable life experience in conducting practical work in the wider community. Through the internship process, students learn the ins and outs of working in an organization and work to create a lasting impact project that benefits the organization in some way.

Students also have the opportunity to connect with professionals in a variety of fields within their interest. Through these informational interviews, our high school students gain an understanding of what professions exist within these fields, as well as receive valuable advice from career veterans that students can apply to their own career paths.

College Preparation

Beginning in a student’s 10th year, families meet regularly with Butler Montessori’s College Admissions Consultant to define a pathway through the college admissions process. Students take standardized tests such as the PSAT, SAT, and ACT, and schedule follow-up sessions to ensure that they are on track. Fairhaven students have an additional opportunity to plan and go on college visits with their classmates as part of their high school experience.

Community Service

Dedication to community service allows our students to contribute their time and talents to organizations that support the wider community. Students see themselves woven in the larger fabric of not only their school, but also their local, state, and national communities, creating a culture of action and service that shape students’ values throughout their lives.