Upper Elementary & Middle School Principles paraphrased from: "From Childhood to Adolescence", Maria Montessori (1948) Hero ProjectFor the purpose of self-expression, there would be all kinds of artistic occupations open to free choice both as to the time and the nature of the work. Some must be for the individual and some would require the cooperation of a group. They would involve artistic and linguistic ability and imagination, including: music, language and art.

The "formative" education that will construct firm foundations for the character consists of three subjects: moral education, mathematics and language. Moral education is the source of the spiritual equilibrium on which everything else depends. Mathematics are necessary because intelligence today is no longer natural but mathematical, and without development and education in mathematics it is impossible to understand or take any part in the special forms of progress characteristic of our time. Nature Walk The development of language is part of the development of the personality, for words are the natural means of expressing thoughts and establishing understanding between people.

General education which serves as a preparation for adult life, may be classified in three groups: a) The study of the earth and of livings things, that is geology, geography (including prehistoric periods), biology & cosmology, b) The study of human progress and the building up of civilization in connection with physics and chemistry, mechanics, engineering, genetics, and c) The study of history of humankind: This should be treated as far as possible as a complete whole from which special periods can be chosen for individual study.

The third level of Montessori education deals with the child of nine to thirteen years. In the prepared environment the children enter and explore the realm of organised society. This child strongly feels the need to belong, to take part and to make a difference. It is during this time that through the study of the great civilizations, great inventions, great people and great philosophies that the child finds his place as a useful member of the family of Man. During this period, the Montessori child acquires a deep sense of gratitude for God's gift of creation and the work of the human mind and hand.