Mark Twain Middle School
160 Woodlawn Avenue • Yonkers, NY 10704 •
(914) 376-8540
- Grades 6-8
- Montessori Academy
- International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme - Application in process
The Theme/Philosophy
Smaller Learning Communities
Sixth Grade Program
- A personalized learning environment to assist students with the transition to middle school learning and life
- Teams of 120 students each led by four core area teachers
- Interdisciplinary instruction integrates theme experiences within the sixth grade curriculum
The Montessori Academy
- One of the few public middle school Montessori programs in the United States
- Nurturing environment respects the individuality of each student while challenging them to become self-directed, independent learners
- Community building activities support the development of effective and responsible interpersonal and social skills
- Multisensory, interdisciplinary approach to instruction provides opportunities for individual, group work, daily and long term assignments, peer teaching and self-reflection
- Multiage classes in seventh and eighth grade allows for individual pacing of instruction when possible and appropriate
- Seventh and eighth grade students, grouped in teams of two teachers (Social Studies/ELA and Math/Science) remain with their teachers for two years
Ballots from students attending the Montessori Schools 11, 27 and 31 receive priority placement.
International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme
- Traditional school subjects are taught with a focus on global citizenship, inquiry learning and thematic interdisciplinary units
- Students are encouraged to develop intercultural awareness that includes a study of their own traditions and history
- All students take a foreign language to promote effective global communication
- Students’ intellectual and social development is combined with a strong skills program around five common themes that are embedded across academic subjects referred to as the Areas of Interaction: approaches to learning; community service; health and social education; environment; and Homo Faber - the creative genius of Mankind
- Mathematics is accelerated, whenever possible, in preparation for higher level coursework in the high school program
The Partners
This school works closely with the following agencies, institutions and/or colleges:
- Center for Montessori Teacher Education
- Columbia University Teachers College
- Westchester Arts Council
- Brown University
- Junior Achievement
