Whole Child Education
At Camelback Montessori, we believe that education goes beyond the classroom. While a positive classroom experience is essential, true learning happens through both theoretical knowledge and practical experiences that extend into the real world. As Arizona’s first and only public Montessori high school, we aim to prepare students not just for college, but for life.
We focus on intentional, meaningful, and intellectually challenging activities that connect classroom learning to real-life applications. Our curriculum is designed with cross-curricular themes that evolve each year, allowing students to work at different levels within the same subject area. Instruction is tailored to meet the unique needs of each student.
Core Montessori Classes
Our core subjects include humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and mathematics, all of which can be taken at the honors level. In addition, students have access to a wide range of electives offered by the larger Camelback High School community.
Montessori Enrichment
We enrich our curriculum with Montessori structures that foster independent learning and personal growth:
Longer Class Periods: 105-minute sessions allow for uninterrupted work time and deeper engagement.
Weekly Student Checklists: Students learn to manage their time and make choices about their assignments.
Student-Led Community Meetings: Both grade-specific and mixed-grade meetings help build a strong sense of community.
Socratic Seminars: In all subjects, students learn to articulate their thoughts, respect differing opinions, and think critically.
Project-Based Learning: Hands-on projects prepare students for real-world challenges and adulthood.
Mindfulness and Solo Time: Students have space to reflect and build self-awareness in connection with their environment.
Field Experiences: Students explore the larger community, broadening their learning beyond the classroom.
Service Learning: Students engage in meaningful service, learning about communities and reflecting on the value of helping others.
Yearly Erdkinder Experiences: These immersive nature-based activities teach practical skills, self-sufficiency, and the balance between independence and interdependence.
As our program continues to grow, we will adapt and expand to meet the evolving needs of our students. Our goal is for 100% of our graduates to be not only college-ready but also compassionate, productive global citizens.