Junior High
"I need to understand my place in society."
Adolescence can be a time of purpose, contribution, and belonging. Our environment respects the unique needs of early adolescence, balancing autonomy with interdependence, freedom with responsibility, and exploration with guidance through
Purposeful, authentic work that has meaning beyond the classroom,
Guided exploration and mentorship with Subject Matter Experts,
A vibrant, respectful, and engagedcommunity life, and
Opportunities for meaningful self-expression.
Our Junior High Students Are…
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Confident Learners
… with strong academic foundations in math, science, humanities, and communication.
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Skilled Collaborators
… and leaders, able to work across diverse communities.
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Independent & Responsible
… young adults with practical skills in problem-solving, stewardship, and resilience.
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Prepared for High School and Beyond
… with a deep understanding of their role in the community and the broader world.
A New Home for
Adolescences
Our inaugural Junior High students begin their journey this fall, and we are excited to share the next chapter of that vision: a purpose-built Junior High campus designed specifically for Montessori adolescents.
Construction on the new building begins in Summer 2026, creating a space that supports independence, collaboration, meaningful work, and connection to the land. While students will begin the year in the farmhouse, the new building reflects our long-term commitment to adolescent education and future growth.
What makes St. Croix Montessori Junior High different?
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Emphasis on independence, identity, and belonging in a supportive and challenging environment.
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Farm-based work, forest and prairie stewardship, meal preparation, and a student-run micro-economy including a market allow students to build responsibility and develop practical life skills.
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State standards are woven into thematic, interdisciplinary studies that connect knowledge to real-world application.
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Adolescents are trusted to make meaningful choices in their learning. They select project topics, book group titles, Forum discussions, and Creative Expressions. With teacher guidance, students set goals, manage time, and design their extension work, building ownership, motivation, and self-discipline.
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Technology in our Montessori Junior High is used with intention—as a creative and practical tool for research, design, and expression—rather than as the primary source of content or instruction.
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Partnerships with experts and local organizations, service opportunities, production of a student-run podcast, travel, and regional field trips allow students to be active participants in the wider community.
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Families are active partners in this journey. Regular updates, events, and our student-run Marketplace connect parents to the community. Students also produce a monthly podcast to share their voices, growth, and reflections, offering families a unique window into classroom life.
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Participation in national programs such as the Montesori Model United Nations and extended travel experiences, studies of peace, and deep exploration into different ways of thinking and knowing build global citizenship.
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Land and farm stewardship in our Montessori Junior High connects students to the natural world through hands-on work on our farm, within our DNR Forest School, and across our native prairie—cultivating responsibility, ecological understanding, and a deep sense of stewardship for the diverse environments that sustain our community.
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Students run their own market, producing goods from the land, entrepreneurial, and creative projects. This hands-on economy teaches financial literacy, responsibility, and the value of meaningful work.
Admissions Process
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1. School Tour
The best way to begin your Montessori journey is with a tour of our school. During your visit, you’ll step into our classrooms, experience the beauty of our campus, and see the Montessori philosophy in action. We ask that parents attend without children so you can fully immerse yourself in the program and picture your child’s future here.
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2. Submit an Application
Excited to take the next step? Complete the application form below to begin your family’s Montessori journey. A $100 non-refundable fee is collected at submission as part of the admissions process.
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3. Admission Decision
Each application is thoughtfully reviewed with your family’s educational goals and our school’s mission in mind. We work to create balanced classrooms that honor diversity in age and gender while welcoming families committed to the Montessori journey.
Because spaces are limited, a waitlist may be implemented once classrooms are full. Families placed on the waitlist will be contacted promptly as openings become available.
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4. Commitment to Completion
The Montessori approach is designed as a multi-year journey, with each stage building on the one before it. This continuity gives children the full benefit of the program and supports a strong, stable classroom community.
Acceptance letters and Enrollment Contracts are sent in mid-February. To confirm your child’s enrollment, families return the signed contract along with a $500 tuition deposit.
