Applying innovative thinking and systematic school-wide support to student-run, revenue-generating enterprises.

Inly iNterprise seeks to accomplish two goals defined by Maria Montessori as being critical in adolescent education:

1. meet the unique demands of the crucial adolescent stage of development 
2. match the times we live in today in all of their complexity and need for critical thinking

Inly iNterprise ties work to productivity and earning, establishing a rich context for students to develop:

• Motivation that is grounded in purpose and tied to tangible outcomes
• Meaningful connections between their academic studies and the world around them 
• Collaboration and problem-solving skills
• Confidence in themselves, realizing they are valuable and capable of effort

In addition, students get to experience leadership with the weight of real responsibility as they run real businesses that deliver tangible products to various constituencies. Past businesses have included: Pizza (orders and delivery), Tea (growing and making), Screenprinting, Green/Recycling, Yearbook and Gardening.

“Learning by doing” is an approach that actively engages students in relevant, authentic experiences that reinforce academic lessons or teach life skills. In 7th and 8th grade, these experiences include:

Open Ocean Rowing: The Hull Lifesaving Museum’s open water rowing program challenges students to prepare ahead and work together to literally and figuratively pull their own weight.

Internships: In both 7th and 8th grades, students are able to participate in 25-hour internships that provide the opportunity to practice real-world skills. Past locations include: Cradles to Crayons, Protectowire Fire Systems, South Shore Art Center and Cohasset Learning Studio.

Montessori Model UN, NYC: In this three-day United Nations simulation, students participate in writing, presenting, and debating original resolutions that deal with current world problems.

Boston Neighborhood Study: Students head to Boston for five days in the spring to investigate the economic, ecological, social, and political aspects of various Boston neighborhoods.

Student-Run Businesses: Students get to experience leadership with the weight of real responsibility as they deliver tangible products to various constituencies outside of their small community. Past businesses have included: Pizza (orders and delivery), Tea (growing and making), Screenprinting, Green/Recycling, Yearbook and Gardening.

Students read assigned literature selections throughout the year, which are discussed in a group setting. They practice writing responses in the form of short answers, reflections and formal essays. Students are required to read and write a review of one additional novel of their choice each cycle.

Writing skills are introduced in a writing class that meets in small groups. Students learn vocabulary through class discussion, academic reading and independent reading. We supplement these resources with an ongoing independent study of vocabulary during which students self-assess, set goals and work independently through the week to master new vocabulary. Eighth grade students who are preparing for the SSAT may choose to use SSAT vocabulary preparation material in the fall.

Students develop their mathematical skills through solving real-world problems and using mathematical models.

Elementary algebra and geometry are studied over the course of two years. The graphing calculator allows students to investigate relationships in order to discover patterns. The depth of each child’s investigation will depend on their interest in grasping these ideas, but after functions have been introduced they are developed and extended throughout the year.

The Middle School science program is a discovery-based program which integrates mathematics, reading, writing and the social sciences. We aim to help each student develop an appreciation for scientific inquiry. Experiments are performed by the students, and their detailed analyses are kept in a portfolio.

Our science curriculum follows a two-year cycle that focuses one year upon Physical Science, and the next upon Earth Science and Life Science.

We run the Middle School humanities curriculum in a seminar format, based on the Socratic method for in-depth exploration into literature, language, creative writing, history, geography and current events. Our history curriculum cycles between modern American history and world history.

Every Inly Middle School student takes Spanish. The program is designed to enable students to speak and write their basic thoughts and questions in a second language through a combination of speaking, writing and activities that are often based on music, art or digital creations.

Personal reflection, goal-setting and journaling are integral parts of our life skills curriculum. The curriculum follows a two-year rotation. We read the book ‘The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens’ by Sean Covey and do work in the accompanying workbook throughout the year.

Our exploration of the individual’s relationship to society is explored as the students assume leadership roles within the broader Inly School community. They construct and run their class government, create and assign classroom responsibilities, manage the middle school pizza business, and volunteer time outside of the school day in the active learning business fund.

Art lessons use a variety of auditory, kinesthetic and visual components. Students are encouraged to experience the art process. Lessons include drawing, painting, sculpture, collage making, and printmaking.

Middle School students learn to recognize and understand concepts of line, shape, form, color, texture, basic patterns of organization, whole-to-part relationships, and processes of change.

The music curriculum combines individual and group work with work designed to appeal to a variety of learning styles. It also offers significant opportunities to build community through our numerous performances, field trips and assemblies.

Students focus on performance and analysis of popular music, and study the role of music in their lives.

All Inly sports curriculum units include stretching, running, basic movements and games. Students participate in skill-building games focusing on team building. They also learn the fundamentals of soccer, basketball, baseball, and flag football building to the ability to scrimmage and play short games. Our Passport to Adventure program offers opportunities for students to both participate in additional sports skill development and join interscholastics sports teams. 

The library and technology curriculum for middle school continues to build on skills developed in upper elementary, especially as they relate to interpretation of material and evaluation of sources.

Students learn advanced use of software tools including word processing, drawing, presentation, database, spreadsheet, digital image manipulation, and mixed media. The goal is for each graduating student to develop fluency using a variety of digital media to enhance self-expression and demonstrations of learning.

Steeped in a culture of creativity, middle school students expand their understanding of what it means to be an innovative designer. Applying Inly’s i4 process to design challenges, curriculum based projects and service-learning, Middle School students get to practice designing for a purpose. Students build on previous skills learning how to use computer-aided design programs, increasingly sophisticated coding applications and tools like the laser cutter, the 3D printer and vinyl cutter. 

Harnessing the adolescent’s draw to work in concert with peers, innovation challenges and projects are often tackled as a group making them a fertile ground for practicing the skills of collaboration.   

DEIJ principles are integrated across the curriculum for all Inly students. Learn about our approach.