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As outlined in our Portrait of a Graduate, our goal is to send forth young people who are informed, determined, socially conscious, collaborative and resourceful. When we talk with our alumni, their parents and their high school teachers and administrators, we know this mission is being fulfilled. However, as I thought about this question, I realized who could better reflect on high school preparedness than our soon-to-be graduates class of 2018!
 
As I met with the 8th year students, they shared many Springmont experiences, both in and outside the classroom, that helped them feel comfortable and confident as they approach their high school years. Many students mentioned independence. “Elementary taught me initiative and independence. In Middle School, I learned how to build on that to manage my time. I have a lot of activities to juggle and tests and projects are due on different days. I’m glad I learned this,” said Laine. Edward believes his independence stems from being given the responsibility to be on top of his belongings, behavior, projects and homework. “In high school they expect you to take care of these things yourself. I feel ready to do that.” “I came to [Springmont] in Upper Elementary,” said Jasper. “The student work journal really helped me to be accountable. I could look at my record book throughout the day and ask myself ‘What haven’t I done yet? What is expected of me?’ It would help me to know what I needed to work on next and where to put my attention.” Many students agreed that their Elementary record books allowed them to make the transition to the Middle School planners and that they now have a system in place for high school.

Others credited Springmont experiences such as Landschool trips, the summer eco-trip to Costa Rica, Academic Fair and Montessori Mile as being fun, but also skill-building. “The Montessori Mile is symbolic of determination for me - how you need to persist and compete against yourself. You can’t just drop out when you get tired,” said one student. Another credited the Landschool for teaching her to care for the environment. “You have to be respectful of what is around you and work to take care of it.”

8th years also pointed to their relationships with their Teachers as an important component in their readiness. Rosie said, “It is easy to approach your Teachers and ask questions or find out more. The way your day is structured allows time to follow up with Teachers and find out more information when something interests you.” Delainey agreed, “The Teachers make learning fun. You want to learn more about things, not because you ‘have to’ for a test or project.”

Aidan noted that group work experienced at Springmont will serve him well. “We do a lot of collaborative work here. You need to be able to get work done in an appropriate amount of time with the appropriate amount of effort. You have to take initiative, not just for yourself, but for your work partners.” Molly talked about working cooperatively with Middle School Teachers as well as other students. “I’m encouraged to explain how I came up with a certain answer or conclusion. As a result, I know what I am thinking and why. It’s helped me be more open to hearing other people’s points of view.”

Samory summarized his Middle School experience by saying, “Once you get to Middle School you understand it’s okay to push for more information. I can ask my Teachers if I can go faster and learn more and I know it was okay for me to do that. I’m not limited. I want to learn as much as I possibly can. In Montessori, you can do that.”

As we prepare to say farewell to our 2018 graduates, we see a group of inquisitive, knowledgeable and effective learners, ready and eager to begin the next chapters of their lives. They have curiosity inside themselves, mastery of academic subjects to lean on, and the wisdom to use their time and resources wisely. They are prepared for distinction in high school and beyond!