THE ADOLESCENT PROGRAM
A School of Experience in the Elements of Social Life
A School of Experience in the Elements of Social Life
and "The first reform in education must be to offer a wider environment and to multiply the possibilities of association and of activity. It is during adolescence that interest in the construction and functioning of society presents itself in germinal form in the individual consciousness" (Maria Montessori, From Childhood to Adolescence 84).
Adolescents are experiencing a rebirth. This is the time that the childhood ends and the adolescent is beginning to form himself as an adult. His needs change dramatically; therefore the way his education should proceed also changes dramatically. Our adolescent program at Casa is geared to these necessary educational changes and is housed in a separate building on the Casa Montessori campus. The Adolescent will be taught by several professors and experts in the fields of Mathematics, Science, Humanities, and Language Arts. The Adolescent will also participate in creative expression with courses offered in ceramics, art, and music all of which are taught by local artists and musicians. Maria Montessori proposed that the education of the adolescent take place in the country where he would live; a place where his economic independence can be practiced through work and production. At Casa, the adolescents manage their own micro-economy by raising chickens and selling eggs and produce that is grown on site. The adolescents also sell their pottery and artwork. Our Casa "graduates" go on to do amazing things! Since we offer Dual Enrollment with Daytona State Community College, students have the opportunity to begin work on their associates' degree while under the guidance of their Casa Family. We also prepare students to go on to various advanced placement and international baccalaureate programs within the community. |