Junior High
7th & 8th Grades
Gearing up young adolescents for success in high school comes down to incorporating creativity and choice, collaboration , and the social nature of adolescents. Students learn to be independent through organization and time-management skill building.
At this age, their friends are critical to every facet of the student’s happiness. To capitalize on this plane of development, the Montessori program incorporates many options for socializing that are integral to their learning. Students participate in group presentations and group activities during any content area. There are also many opportunities given to provide that much needed positive social interaction.
KJH prepares young people to enter the world of higher education armed with these and many more critical characteristics of successful students. The incoming freshman classes leaving KJH are equipped and ready for the rigor of high school.
Graduates of KJH are often recognized by teachers and administrators as the most strongly capable students in any incoming class.
Mission
We are committed to providing an academically excellent, developmentally responsive, socially equitable and respectful environment which is supportive for all students’ learning and growth. KJH provides a rigorous academic program based on the Montessori philosophy which will enable them to reach their full potential as responsible and effective leaders in our communities, our cities, our country, and the world.
Philosophy
Our philosophy is to ensure a child-centered approach to continuous learning, social development, emotional growth, and physical well-being of preadolescents and adolescents. We strive to help every student be prepared for a world of rapid changes and unforeseeable demands. By creating small learning communities of adults and students, stable, close, and mutually respectful relationships support students’ intellectual, ethical and social growth.
We recognize that early adolescence is characterized by dramatic cognitive growth, which enables students to think in more abstract and complex ways. Our curriculum and extra-curricular programs are challenging and engaging, tapping young adolescents’ boundless energy, interests and curiosity. Students learn to understand important concepts, develop essential skills, and apply what they learn to real-world problems.
The Academic Program
The academic program is designed to prepare students for a rigorous high school education. This is achieved through long–term independent studies, leadership responsibilities, and increasing involvement in the outside community. Seventh and eighth grade students work together in their main subject areas, humanities, science, and language arts in a rotating two year curriculum. Small group math and English instruction is based on students’ levels.
Enrollment Eligibility
All students interested in attending KJH must take a placement test. The placement test is given in January, April and June.
Advisory Time
Advisory time is created to maintain a “family” environment that provides social, emotional, and academic support. Students meet at the beginning of each day for both formal and informal check-in opportunities. In addition to this, book studies are incorporated into the advisory time. Books used include “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens” and “The 6 Most Important Decisions You’ll Ever Make.”
