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Para obtener información en español, llame al (414) 935-1400. |
Academics
Along with the MPS district, MacDowell Montessori adopted the Wisconsin Common Core State Standards in 2010. Aligned with college and career expectations, the standards ensure academic consistency throughout the state. They define the knowledge and skills that students should master during their elementary and secondary school education so that they may compete and succeed in a global economy. The Common Core State Standards were developed in collaboration with teachers, school administrators and experts to provide a clear and consistent framework that prepares American children for college and the workforce.
For more information, please visit the Common Core State Standards Initiative website.
English Language Arts/Writing Mathematics
English Language Arts/Writing
At MacDowell Montessori, the written word is valued as a tool for self-expression.
Reading
At MacDowell Montessori, we are learning to read and reading to learn. The staff recognizes the impact well-developed reading skills have on a student’s education. In order to excel in any subject area, students must have a strong foundation in literacy.
Mathematics
In the early grades, children discuss the concept of mathematics and learn how numbers represent quantities. Next, they practice addition and subtraction while identifying shapes, recognizing patterns and developing ideas in data. As their skills develop, students are able to successfully grasp multiplication, division, fractions and decimals as well as measurements and estimation. In the middle grades, students strengthen their mathematics knowledge by focusing on equations, statistics and geometry.
Science
The Science curriculum at MacDowell provides students with exemplary instruction through hands-on scientific investigations and in-depth concepts taught using scientific methods and vocabulary.
MacDowell’s Environmental Studies and Community Action Program enables learners to develop an appreciation for nature and realize the importance of protecting the Earth’s natural beauty and resources. Our natural environment includes thousands of flower bulbs that were planted by students as well as our student, faculty and parent tended Native Wisconsin Prairie and Woodlands areas. Our adolescent and upper elementary learners attend a five-day camping experience at Nature’s Classroom in Southern Kettle Moraine to further their environmental education.
History/Social Studies
MacDowell students identify themselves as members of a diverse society, exploring family cultures and traditions as well as rights and responsibilities. The Social Studies curriculum also introduces learners to maps and globes, historical artifacts, documents and photographs. Students discuss their community, citizenship and how the larger world connects to their lives in Milwaukee. Educators at MacDowell take time to instruct students on states and regions as well as the United States government and historical events that impacted our nation.
Fine Arts
Media and Technology
In addition to computers in every classroom, MacDowell students have access to a fully-networked computer lab with current software programs that supplement regular classroom activities.
Technology is integrated into the MacDowell curriculum, ensuring that students are prepared to succeed in a globally-connected world. At an early age, students are instructed in technology using SMART Boards and Mimeo Interactive technology. These resources combine the classic whiteboard with digital projection and a computer, creating an interactive system of learning for students. As students develop their technological knowledge, online researching skills are introduced and software applications allow students to reinforce key concepts, practice math calculations, build reading abilities and apply keyboarding skills. As students gain more practice using the Internet as a tool to further their education and locate resources, MacDowell educators make Internet safety a priority. Students are taught to surf the Web responsibly and to use good judgment. |
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MacDowell Montessori's academic program equips students with a strong educational foundation upon which they can build a successful future. The school curriculum promotes critical thinking and engages students in an active learning environment. The dedicated MacDowell staff monitors student achievement throughout the school year and strives to accommodate a variety learning styles, ensuring that individual needs are met. Students master basic skills through innovative instruction integrated with technology to reinforce and enhance their educational experience. 
English Language Arts/Writing instruction at MacDowell begins at an early age with an emphasis on the connection between the spoken and written word. By assigning basic writing assignments, teachers motivate students to expand their vocabulary and express their ideas. Students are expected to apply proper grammar and correct spelling while developing well-organized writing assignments, complete with details, effective word choice and correct sentence structure. Students use revision strategies and learn to judge effective writing and speaking, including that in the media. As their skills develop, students assert and defend claims and convey their personal experiences, thoughts and research through written assignments and verbal presentations. Students also learn the importance of gathering reliable information while evaluating and citing their sources accurately.
Young learners at MacDowell explore the relationships between different letters and sounds while gaining meaning from stories. Reading skills are enhanced as students apply new strategies to different texts, reading aloud with expression and analyzing parts of the story. As students become more fluent readers, they analyze and summarize story elements from a variety of books, discussing main ideas and distinguishing between different genres. Students delve into classic and contemporary literature, stories from around the world, foundational United States documents and more. This wide array of literature enables students to build knowledge, gain insight, explore possibilities and broaden their perspective.
At MacDowell, students explore all strands of mathematics and learn to think critically in order to solve real-world problems. At MacDowell, hands-on learning and engaging lessons help students absorb critical information that is essential to their future success at higher levels of education.
Young learners are introduced to science by exploring and discovering the world around them. They also discuss careers in science, study our world and learn about the life cycles of living things. As students progress, they discuss different scientists and important discoveries throughout history. They also explore sound, properties of earthly materials and the impact of technology on the world. Learners construct sketches and models to explain scientific ideas and concepts. Experiments enable students to participate in hands-on activities that further their understanding.
The History/Social Studies curriculum at MacDowell includes lessons on geography, history, civics, economics and behavioral sciences. Many classrooms plan field trips that supplement lessons. These field trips give students a chance to connect what is learned in the classroom to real life experiences.
MacDowell’s Fine Arts program features yearly resident artists and two art teachers. We are a recipient of Artists Working in Education funding grants and have strong ties to local arts organizations in the community. MacDowell has also become a member of the Danceworks, Inc. family. Students have the opportunity to participate in a Mad Hot Ballroom and Tap Dance residency as well as the Danceworks Intergenerational Multi-arts Program. In addition, the Milwaukee Art Museum’s Junior Docent Program expands students’ knowledge of visual arts and art history as well as their critical thinking skills.
Please click on the MPS logo below to go to the MPS portal.
Webmaster = @milwaukee.k12.wi.us