Montessori Middle School

At Summit-Questa Middle School, academic achievement is measured through report cards, standardized testing, and STAR testing, helping teachers provide the right level of support and challenge.

Achievement is also celebrated through a range of recognitions, including Summit, Pinnacle, and subject-specific awards, as well as state and national journalism awards. This approach encourages students to take pride in their progress, build confidence and strive for success. 

In Summit-Questa Middle School’s supportive environment, students develop the habits, mindsets, and practical abilities that help them grow into capable, confident young people. Rooted in the Montessori Method, learning is designed to foster independence, responsibility, self-awareness, and meaningful participation in community life. 

Building on the Montessori foundation of Practical Life, students strengthen executive functioning, time management, digital fluency, and collaboration through purposeful daily work. They take ownership of their responsibilities, mentor younger students, and contribute to the school and wider community in authentic, age-appropriate ways.

Learning extends beyond the classroom through experiences such as Montessori Model United Nations, Mock Trial, environmental projects, and weeklong field trips. These opportunities encourage students to think critically, communicate with confidence, and connect their learning to the wider world - helping them become socially aware, self-assured individuals who are ready for life beyond school. 

At Summit-Questa Middle School, students continue to strengthen their Spanish skills as part of a language program that supports growing confidence in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Learning is designed to be engaging and age-appropriate, helping students use language with increasing independence while deepening their cultural awareness.

Progress in Spanish is measured through language assessments and grades, allowing students to build fluency and communication skills over time. 

At Summit-Questa Middle School, students develop a broader global perspective through experiences that encourage international awareness, independence, and active citizenship.  

As part of the ISP community, students may also access International Learning Opportunities for Students (ILOS), including programs such as ISP Virtual Exchange and ISP Cultural Exchange.

This global outlook is further enriched through field experiences and travel. Middle school students take part in journeys to historic and cultural destinations, as well as week-long field trips that may include environmental projects and destinations such as Washington, DC, Boston, or New York. These experiences deepen learning, strengthen teamwork, and help students build independence, resilience, and social confidence beyond the classroom. 

Students at Summit-Questa begin building real-life skills from an early age, learning that responsibility, leadership, and service are part of everyday school life. As they grow, these experiences become more meaningful and hands-on, helping them develop confidence, independence, and a strong sense of community.

In Middle School, students take on active leadership roles by mentoring younger children across campus. They support Elementary students with science fair projects, help younger learners with Reading and Math, and become trusted buddies and role models. They also participate in practical school operations, such as delivering lunches to classrooms through a student-supported program. This gives them experience in teamwork, organization, service, and entrepreneurship, as profits help fund charitable causes or future middle school initiatives.

Through these authentic responsibilities, students do more than learn about leadership and career pathways - they live them.