Third Plane of Development

Our Secondary School students are in their third plane of development, which includes those ages 12-18. Dr. Maria Montessori recognized that adolescents have a new sense of self-awareness and a concern with their societal role in life. They seek independence from their caregivers, instead seeking connections with their peers. They are developmentally ready to broaden their range of experience within a community as passionate, engaged members of society. At the same time, they often experience feelings of low self-esteem or self-doubt as they explore their new identity as an adolescent outside the family and school. Concentration can be difficult and there is a need to fortify the adolescent's self-confidence. Adults are tasked with providing mentorship and empowering adolescents through their belief in their capabilities and having faith in their role in the future.