Our Intermediate 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" Middle School or Private School

Never a boring day on our student-run organic farm! Our students learn how to create, market, and sell products through our robust Micro-Economy program.  

Science

Intermediate studies are tied as closely as possible to the student-run organic farm. Students see the practical value of the concepts they learn in class, and are able to apply this knowledge to a smooth and efficient running of the farm.

Topics in the science program may include Chemistry, Evolutionary Biology, Water, Energy, Biodiversity, Genetics & Biotechnology, Simple Machines, Geology & Soil Studies, and more.

Language Arts 

A strong emphasis on reading and writing is particularly important in the adolescent years.

Students learn how to express themselves creatively through poetry, short stories, skits, and speeches. They also practice expository and analytical writing in research essays, position papers, and lab reports. Following the writing process, from brainstorming to editing, is highly emphasized as all forms of writing are integrated across the disciplines.

Students read and analyze a variety of texts, including both fiction and nonfiction. They also cement their grammar and vocabulary skills through studies of Classical Roots.

Humanities

Students immerse themselves in topics such as Government and Civics, Immigration, the Ancient World, Elizabethan England, Trade and Exploration, World Religions, Studies of Race, Sex, & Gender, Studies of Peace, and more.

These topics are brought to life as students are engaged in debates, elections, speeches, field trips, research papers, document-based questions, seminar discussions, presentations, and more.

The program prepares adolescents for further areas of study and fosters lifelong skills of communication, confidence, and a deep passion for learning.

Math

The underlying aim of mathematics is to challenge students in mathematical thinking, understanding, and problem-solving at levels appropriate to individual students.

Student work includes lessons from age-appropriate Montessori materials, textbooks, individual projects, group projects, tests, and note-taking. During their time in the program, students progress naturally through topics in pre-algebra, algebra, and geometry, preparing them well for further studies of mathematics.

Spanish

With the foundation students build during our Spanish program, they are well prepared to continue learning the language throughout their lives. Students learn vocabulary, grammar structures, and reading and oral communication through everyday interactions like cooking Community Lunch using Spanish!

Performing Arts 

Exposure to the Performing Arts is essential in adolescent development, as it enables students to express themselves creatively, enhances their performance skills, and emphasizes collaboration as a team. Intermediate students are involved in every aspect of their annual production, from creating sets, props, and backdrops, to designing costumes, light, and sound. As a result, our students become confident, creative, and collaborative performers and crew members.

Organic Farm & Micro-Economy

Through the Micro-Economy and student-run Organic Farm, our students not only learn to run a small business and develop financial literacy skills, but they also develop a connection with the earth. Students raise chickens, geese, and goats, grow vegetables and herbs, and produce items such as homemade breads, cookies, sauces, and more. These items may be purchased by parents and staff every week at the Intermediate Farm Market.

From planting seeds or tending chickens to researching composting stations and implementing sustainability practices, our students are environmental leaders ready to change the world.

Summer Intermediate

The Intermediate Summer Program offers rising 7th, 8th, and 9th-year students the opportunity to learn the routines of the Intermediate Program, develop leadership skills, and contribute to the student-run Micro-Economy through their work on the Intermediate Farm. During each student's required 2-week rotation, they create strong bonds with their classmates that last throughout the year.

Music 

Intermediate students gain skills in music theory and composition, using both instrumental and digital technology. They learn about how to write a melody, orchestration, harmonies, lyrics, and conducting. Students also practice their musical skills in choirs and percussion ensembles, culminating in performances for both the school and the wider community.

Visual Arts 

While art is integrated into all areas of the curriculum, Intermediate students enjoy a dedicated visual arts class each week. Based on the Elements of Art and Principles of Design, students build the foundational skills needed to excel in more complex and intricate forms of art. Students are also exposed to a variety of diverse artists and will create art based on their works. Examples of visual art projects include printmaking, illuminated manuscripts, paper mache masks, self-portraits, still-life drawings, and more.

Physical Education (PE)

Students in the Intermediate Program enjoy a wide and unique variety of physical outlets. From wilderness survival skills and recreational tree climbing, to dance and traditional sports, there's nothing boring about this PE program!

Travel & Culture

During their time in the Intermediate, students plan and travel to different locations, including New York City, California, Wyoming, and more. These trips are tied to what the students learn in the classroom, ultimately culminating in a weeklong Culture, Science, and Peace Study trip each spring. 9th-year students, the oldest in the class, have a special opportunity to travel to Puerto Rico for a week to study marine biology and to practice Spanish immersion.

Students embark on other trips throughout the year, including camping and backpacking trips, DC museum and embassy visits, local community service opportunities, and more.

Self-Expression Learning

Self-Expressions include a two-hour class each week with a small group of students. In these 5-week intensive courses, students experiment with art, cooking, music, dance and physical activities, each guided by an adult expert. Examples of projects in Self-Expressions include hand-building in Ceramics, editing photos in Photography, preparing a full meal in Community Lunch, playing instruments in Music Composition, experimenting with physical movement in Dance, and woodworking in the Maker Space.