We offer a responsive, student-centered curriculum that nurtures intrinsic motivation and supports the unique developmental needs of adolescents.
Our Core Studies
CMMS follows Montessori's interdisciplinary approach to learning, offering a core curriculum that provides individualized support while fostering engagement, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Language
Students explore language through various styles of essay, steps in the writing process, literature, book groups and seminars. Students also cultivate their creative voice through ample writing opportunities and self-reflective journaling.
Mathematics
Math at CMMS is individualized and builds off their previous mathematical experiences. We introduce the use of integers, ratios, probability, statistics, pre-algebra, and algebra in ways that have real life applications.
Humanities
Humanities classes empower students to make sense of the world around them by examining the social forces that shape our lives. Through subjects like economics, psychology, and Pacific Northwest history, students explore how past events and ideas continue to influence the present—fostering critical thinking, cultural awareness, and a deeper understanding of their communities.
Science
For scientific exploration, we look for opportunities to do hands-on investigations, so students can see that science has a direct impact on their lives. We cover topics from a spectrum of life, Earth, social, and physical sciences.
Our Trips
Extended field trips are a core part of the CMMS experience, offering hands-on learning, fostering independence, and building social skills. Students take part in every aspect of trip planning—from budgeting and fundraising to cooking and packing—gaining real-world life skills along the way.
Trips range from 2 to 5 days and occur several times a year. Beginning and end-of-year excursions explore Washington State's history, ecology, and geology. Eighth graders culminate their time at CMMS with a student-led capstone trip, often traveling across the country.
Our Specialties
Specialties at CMMS integrate meaningful work that promotes creativity, life-skills, and independence.
Creative Expression
Through various forms of self-expression the adolescent is able to form, clarify, and express their inner thoughts. We provide formal instruction in art, music, or drama each week.
Spanish
We offer weekly formal instruction in Spanish for increased cultural understanding and global communication. Spanish instruction is presented in a dynamic and fun way for all levels of Spanish language ability.
Occupations
Occupations are project-based studies which integrate meaningful, real-world work as it applies to the community. Occupational work provides direct experiences that are necessary for the greater good of the classroom.
Land
One of Montessori's key concepts for the adolescent is that building a connection to the land cultivates both a sense of belonging and responsibility. We do purposeful work on the land through gardening and place-based projects.