W
hy Choose a School that Ends in the Eighth Grade?
1. By eighth grade, you know your child as a learner. In the elementary years, your child's academic strengths, interest, learning styles and gifts become defined. By the time your child is thirteen, the best "match" for high school is easy to determine.
2. As an eighth grader, your child is involved in choosing the high school that is right for them. During the early childhood years you, as parents, make the school decisions for your child. A family choice, involving your eighth grader, strengthens the commitment to achieving success in high school.
3. Children often need a change. Nine years can be a long time to be in one school and children are ready for a change of venue, new friends and new challenges. According to the statistics, few students begin in kindergarten and graduate as seniors from the same school. Because Montgomery ends in eighth grade, all our students leave together and move on to the secondary schools of their choice, and can be of support to one another during this process of change and growth. In ninth grade, children are eager to experience new friendships and a new environment that supports their interests.
4. Your child has early leadership and activity opportunities. Older students at Montgomery School serve in student government, publish their own yearbook, become part of interscholastic athletic teams beginning as early as fifth grade, conduct school-wide service activities, serve as buddies to our younger students, present to the school in a chapel program in eighth grade, and assume the mantle of leadership and act as role models for the entire student body.
5. The Middle School Head, you, your child and the admissions directors at interested high schools will work in partnership to find a high school "match" that recognizes your child's unique gifts and achievements. Beginning in the spring of seventh grade, parents and students meet with the Middle School Head and discuss the secondary school process and timeline, and are invited to attend a secondary school fair with representatives from over 30 secondary schools in attendance. Individualized meetings with families are part of a personalized placement process to support you and your child. Montgomery graduates are pursued by high schools because they are well prepared, self-assured, self-confident and well-rounded students, often becoming leaders in high school and beyond because of the foundations that were laid in their early years at Montgomery.
6. The elementary school familial environment allows students to experience age appropriate activities and events, without the influence and pressure of older students. Seventh and eighth graders are not "caught in the middle" but take on the role of "seniors." At the same time, they can be themselves, often remaining "younger" a bit longer. Our facilities are age appropriate and for the use of all our students. Our experienced faculty are aware of developmental levels and trained for and committed to the elementary years. They nurture students throughout their childhood years, while preparing them for the rigors of secondary school.
7. The Montgomery Connection continues throughout life. Our graduates maintain the close friendships they acquire during their years at Montgomery School.