Education for Peace
Maria Montessori’s vision of education comes from her decades of observing the universal child and her Catholic understanding of the human person. She understood that peace, both personally and socially, begins at birth and is deeply connected to the fulfillment of one’s developmental needs at each stage of growth. The adolescent has a profound need to understand himself or herself as well as a desire to understand the world, its interconnectedness, and ultimately to understand where they fit into this larger whole.
The St. Helena Montessori Adolescent Program has designed its Plan of Work, Study, and Prayer in order that the adolescent grows in self-knowledge and virtue, in due time leading the emerging young adult to discern their vocation and place in the world. A young adult who knows him or herself and is confident that he or she has an invaluable role to play in the world radiates peace.
Pillars of the Adolescent Program
The Adolescent Program Plan of Work, Study and Prayer aims to foster these Pillars in our students in order that they become integrated habits of character.
Students will:
- demonstrate initiative.
- develop a personal attachment to work.
- acquire the skills to work independently.
- complete work and tasks in a timely manner.
- focus on quality of work and strive for excellence.
Students will:
- work in a collaborative and cooperative manner.
- be welcoming, polite, and considerate of others.
- work to resolve conflicts with others peacefully.
- show empathy and understanding towards others.
- recognize and appreciate others’ gifts.
- be positive contributors to the school community, passing on knowledge and expertise to other students.
- serve others in the school and larger community.
Students will:
- demonstrate care and respect for their environment.
- be good stewards of the school resources.
- appreciate the efforts that go into working the land.
- develop an understanding of the interconnectedness of the natural world and our work in it.
Students will:
- develop the habit of self-reflection
- become aware of their gifts and challenges.
- discern their place in the community.
- use feedback to improve.
- learn to self-advocate.
- demonstrate adaptability.
Students will:
- maintain an attitude of wonder and curiosity.
- ask questions and seek answers.
- solve problems in creative ways.
- civilly discuss questions and ideas.
- acquire the habit of going in-depth with work.
- initiate further studies of topics presented.
- see the connections between what we study.
- appreciate the contributions of those who have come before us.
- find joy in meaningful work.
Students will:
- develop a relationship with God.
- show an appreciation for Sacred Scripture.
- demonstrate piety and a knowledge of the faith.
- aspire to acquire virtue and seek wisdom.
- develop and cherish friendships.
- pursue the good, the true, and the beautiful.
