Adolescent Community

“The chief symptom of adolescence is a state of expectation,
a tendency toward creative work, and a need for the strengthening of self-confidence.”

-Dr. Maria Montessori

Joyful Scholars Montessori Adolescent Community (JSMAC) is located on our Wenatchee campus and serves ages 12-18, or grades 7th-12th.


Our Adolescent Community…

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Fosters independence.

Builds community.

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Allows exploring of interests.


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

DOES THE ADOLESCENT PROGRAM ADHERE TO LOCAL, STATE AND FEDERAL ACADEMICS STANDARDS?
Yes! Following the Montessori approach to adolescent education we meet or exceed requirements for students aspiring to a Washington State diploma or seeking to enter Running Start.

WHAT KIND OF CURRICULUM IS BEING USED?
Curriculum for core classes, like Language Arts, history, science and math, is integrated, grounded in thematic STEAM based lessons practiced in real world situations and student interest led projects. Students benefit from mixed age cohorts, small class size and rotating thematic electives.

WHAT DOES A DAILY SCHEDULE LOOK LIKE?
Our schedule varies with the seasons, and with the amount of community activity- remember, the community is our classroom! Students continue the Montessori precedent of a morning and afternoon work periods, but with more flexibility than younger classrooms. A typical work period begins with a presentation of new material in a designated subject and then time for students to self-direct work needing to be done.

WHAT ABOUT SOCIALIZATION?
Learning to socialize appropriately in order to transition to the broader community, understand social and economic issues, and foster independence are hallmarks of Montessori Adolescent education. Students are given time to socialize with classmates, younger classrooms, with community members, and through opportunities like visiting Radix Farm, Wenatchee Tech Center, doing community service, or job shadows.

WHAT ARE OUR OPTIONS FOR HIGH SCHOOL?
JSM offers classes through grade 12, and students and families design an educational pathway to best meet their future goals.

  • Students entering 11 th grade may attend Running Start at Wenatchee Valley College. This program allows students to finish their Washington State High School Diploma and their Associate of Arts degree concurrently at no tuition cost to parents!

  • Students in grades 9-12 may attend Wenatchee Valley Tech Center to earn electives, explore career options or earn certifications.

  • Students may transition to traditional high school.

  • Students may graduate from Joyful Scholars

  • All students may enjoy tutoring, mentorships, and internships

WHAT ABOUT GRADES?
Evaluations are given for grades 7-9, credits are given for grades 9-12 with grades being offered for grades 10-12 in order to make transitioning to other opportunities as smooth as possible.

WHAT ABOUT SUBJECTS OUTSIDE OF THE CORE CURRICULUM LIKE ART AND MUSIC?
Students are offered electives that include music, art, photography, physical wellness, cooking, etc. Students may also attend any public school electives not offered by Joyful Scholars.

WHAT ABOUT HOMEWORK?
We typically do not assign homework, however, occasional requests for older students is possible on occasion. We encourage our students to pursue time with family and personal interests in their off school hours.