Adolescent Program

Land- and Farm-Based Model

CMS uses a land and farm-based environment to link curricular subjects to real-world applications. Students study the sciences botany, zoology, physics, and chemistry, through four and five week projects that focus on, for example, raising chickens, beekeeping, oyster hatching, organic gardening, food preservation, or creating simple machines. 

The AP utilizes our proximity to the unique eco-system of the Chesapeake Bay region to discover its beauty and understand our responsibility as stewards. Students investigate oyster hatching and recovery, design studies about the life and history of the Bay, and learn how our local economy is impacted by the largest estuary in the US.

Micro-Economy

Dr. Maria Montessori believed that adolescents need to learn about money and its management. We do that here, and it’s a major underpinning of our program. Each year, students manage the micro-economy venture at the AP. They discuss purchasing raw goods, production, marketing, and selling. Students manage accounts, from setting budgets to meeting with bank branch managers. The goods produced depend on the interests of the students and the needs of the community each year and have included honey, fresh eggs, jewelry, soap, greeting cards, charcuterie boards, holiday ornaments, and many others.

A Strong Teacher-to-Student Ratio

We seek a small teacher to student ratio because teens, as apprenticing adults, need to work side by side with well-rounded adults who believe in and cultivate their abilities and potential. In addition, more teachers means that our students will have a variety of classes to choose from, placing them more in control of their educational track. 

This ratio creates space to take students on meaningful and impactful “going outs” that highlight academic discussions. Our Annapolis-Baltimore-DC corridor is rich with opportunities to see history, seek out experts, and engage in deeper study. We take advantage of this on a regular basis with our two school vans.

Areas of Study

Classes are composed of mixed-ages with an emphasis on differentiated assignments (same key concepts but the degree of difficulty and sophistication is specific to the individual student). We incorporate choice, in nearly every class or project, to encourage deeper engagement. Below is a sampling of possible classes that students might take during their two years at the AP.  

• Humanities: an integrated approach to History and Language Arts
• Math: Intro to pre-Algebra, pre-Algebra, Algebra I 
• Science & Occupations: connecting scientific principles directly to tangible tasks
• Foreign Language: Spanish
• Socratic Seminars & Book Group: collaborative discussions that build critical thinking, civil discourse, and analytical skills
• Physical Expression: rotating 6-week classes based on student interest that encourage physical health, sportsmanship, and team-building
• Creative Expression: rotating 6-week classes based on student interest and contributing to the student-led mico-economy
• Workshops: 4-week skill introductions & access to local experts

Community Council

Every Friday morning the students and staff meet to address the health of the community. We do this by sharing answers to the following questions: what went well this week; what issues and resolutions are there; and who are we thanking and complimenting? This meeting keeps us pointed in the right direction from one week to another. There is ownership on the part of staff and students to better ourselves and the community that we support. It’s a time to be proactive and reflect, something that teens need.

Managerial Roles

Taking ownership and responsibility in our community helps adolescents to find a sense of self, to build confidence, and to practice skills for future success. Students apply for specialized, cyclical managerial positions like: Garden Steward, Bee Manager, Chicken Caretaker, Microeconomy, Publications Editor, Hospitality Coordinator, and Performing Arts Director.

Trips & Traditions

Odyssey Trip and Peace Retreat – Annual overnight trips focused on community building & reflection

Coffee House – Students share their various musical, theatrical, comedic, etc. talent with AP families

Theatrical Performance – Annual play for families and friends

Chesapeake Bay Foundation Field trips