Grand Rapids Montessori High School has a cutting-edge instructional model and strong academic performance. GRPS is proud to offer the only PreK-12 Montessori School in Michigan and one of only a few in the country.
Grand Rapids Montessori is based on a scientific method of education developed by Nobel Peace Prize nominee Dr. Maria Montessori. Her theory is that children go through four planes of development. Each plane is approximately six years long (0-6, 6-12, 12-18, and 18-24). At each plane, children exhibit specific needs and characteristics. The Montessori program is designed to meet these needs, nourish these characteristics and create self-directed, independent thinkers.
The Montessori program provides an experiential hands-on approach with multi-age classrooms, even into the high school grades. This is accomplished via a two-year rotation for English and Social Studies courses which allows for 9th/10th. It is a scholar-paced curriculum that meets state standards and provides a unique learning environment.
THE MONTESSORI HIGH SCHOOL:
- Encourages scholars to be independent thinkers and allows interest and curiosity to lead their learning
- Provides multiple-year courses (English, social studies) that create opportunities for peer teaching
- Encourages project-based learning
- Provides teachers the opportunity to become a facilitator/teacher helping the scholars help themselves
Course Selection Guide
| Requirements | 9th & 10th Grade | 11th & 12th Grade |
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| Required Core Courses All core classes in 9th and 10th grade are offered as multi-grade two year rotation courses. |
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| Electives |
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Scheduling Recommendations and Information
- In 12th grade, all graduation requirements must be met before electives will be scheduled.
- Scholars are required to take a full schedule – the equivalent of 6 courses each semester and take all of the requirements listed above.
- Arts credit may be met through applied arts.
- Full year courses are taken in two consecutive semesters; scheduling may require that two semester elective courses be “linked” together for scheduling purposes.
- Strongly recommended for college bound scholars: minimum two years of the same world language, four years of science and social studies.
- Academic support classes are available, including special education and language supported classes.
- Advancing through the course sequence is dependent upon successful completion of the pre-requisite course.
