Crystal Lake Montessori School

Middle School

This is the capstone where it all comes together. Each of our students is an active, vital member of the class, school, city, and global community as they participate in community service opportunities and a variety of off-campus trips taken during the school year.


Our Middle School

Our Middle School Program meets from 7:50 a.m. to 2:50 p.m. daily and covers the traditional grades of seventh through eighth. Along with a strong academic curriculum, there is also an emphasis on the development of valuable personal life skills through independent studies, small group presentations and projects, large group activities, and leadership experiences. Students learn how to be efficient learners and are guided in implementing this knowledge through the use of a personal learning plan.

Montessori student smiling

Global Citizens

Each student is an active, vital member of the class, school, city, and global community. Students learn how to be efficient learners and are guided in implementing this knowledge through the use of a personal learning plan. There are several off-campus trips taken during the school year including: North Carolina, Florida, Springfield, Illinois and other learning experiences as well as community service opportunities. Each student completes several independent studies.


Experience and Exploration

The Middle School students participate in the annual Thanksgiving Feast and Science Fair as well as a week-long Business Internship.


Classes begin at 7:50 a.m. with dismissal at 2:50 p.m. Physical Education classes are taught daily in our gymnasium by a physical education instructor, as well as instruction in Spanish, Art, and Music.

Montessori student climbing indoors

Leadership and Skills for Life

Middle School Students acquire valuable leadership, study and life skills in the CLMS environment. We receive very positive feedback regarding our students' transition to high school.


Beyond intellectual development, the Middle School program guides students to become active citizens and fully informed problem solvers within the local community and beyond.


Our Alumni Excel in School — and in Life

Years of watching our students matriculate to high school, college and beyond confirms that an authentic Montessori Middle School is an excellent education for life. They excel in school and careers of choice but, more importantly, emerge as confident, well adjusted, happy adults.

Montessori graduates

“The only true freedom for an individual is to have the opportunity to act independently … there is no such thing as an individual until a person can act by himself.”

- Dr. Maria Montessori

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