WHMS Blog

A service component has long been an integral part of a Montessori Secondary curriculum, rooted in both the writings of Maria Montessori and the observable characteristics of the young adolescent. Montessori envisioned a world where people engage harmoniously with one another and the environment, and she actively pursued this vision throughout her life, using education as the primary means to achieve it.  Montessori’s call to educate students for world peace is no small task for the Montessori educator.  One way to cultivate peaceful hearts in our students is by creating opportunities for them to serve others.

Montessori referred to adolescents as ‘social newborns’. During this third plane of development, young adolescents engage in a deeper exploration of their surroundings and actively question their emerging identities and how they relate to the broader context of the world around them.  Strong secondary Montessori programs expose students to the complexities of society, both past and present, and offer opportunities for the students to participate actively in the issues of the present day.  When students contribute positively to society through service, they build a greater sense of independence and agency, empowering them to advocate for change and promote justice. As they begin to see themselves as active participants in their communities, they gain confidence in their ability to make a difference and shape the world around them.

During the 18 years that I have been teaching at Woodland Hill, there has always been a service component in our Middle School. This has ranged from tracking and requiring a set number of service hours, special ‘senior service projects,’ and numerous whole group endeavors.  In fact, many best-practice schools around the world incorporate elements of service into their curriculum's.  However, last year, we took a significant step at Woodland Hill Montessori Middle School by making service-learning a dedicated class on our weekly schedule. This means that each student in the Middle School will have the opportunity to participate in a trimester-long service learning class each year.  

By incorporating service learning as a course in our Middle School, we demonstrate our commitment to student-initiated and student-led work, enabling our students to lead with both their hearts and minds while making a meaningful impact on the world around them.  When students initiate a project at our school, they are doing more than just collecting items in a lobby or hanging a poster in the hallway.  Students are researching the issues, contacting organizations, stocking shelves, witnessing inequality or injustice firsthand, and collaborating with others toward a goal.  Our hope is that this work will leave a lasting impact on their ability to see themselves as changemakers and leaders in a more peaceful future. Through these experiences, we aim to inspire and guide our students to embrace Montessori's vision of peace, compassion, and social responsibility, equipping them to become agents of positive change in their communities.