Our Fairhaven students are...

What do our students say about their Butler Montessori experience?

It's more than school, it's a community and a home. It's a safe space to learn and grow during the adolescent years. It's where school doesn't feel like school and every day is different. The lessons learned here build the foundation for life beyond school.

Not Your "Average" High School or Private School

Our students love their school! From immersive trips to a safe, nurturing environment, everything about this high school program is tailored to our students’ needs and interests.

Science

Fairhaven science courses are designed to be interdisciplinary, hands-on, and tailored to the unique interests of our students. The core science courses — physics, chemistry, and biology — are directly integrated with our history and social studies classes, allowing for deeper comprehension and seamless connection between topics.

Social sciences and engineering courses are offered separately and draw heavily on mathematics, history, and ethics to expand students' horizons.  For additional challenge, students are invited to apply their knowledge in Advanced Placement (AP) exams or to lead their own reading group or colloquium series on campus.

Language Arts 

High school Language Arts courses provide an opportunity for students to dive into the different varieties of language and expression used in the human experience. There is an emphasis on reading widely to gain cultural knowledge, writing for personal expression in the arts, and honing literary and critical analysis skills.

Students write in every project and discipline, including research papers, position papers, interpretive pieces, and creative pieces. There is a strong emphasis on cementing vocabulary and grammar concepts to support clear and effective communication. For additional challenge, students are invited to apply their knowledge in Advanced Placement (AP) exams

Humanities

As with all academic disciplines in Fairhaven, the Humanities are deeply integrated with the rest of the curriculum. The core humanities courses — ancient history, modern history, and politics and government — are directly integrated with our science classes, highlighting how every topic covered is applicable in students' lives and can be utilized to make the world a better place.

Philosophy and historical topics courses are offered separately and are often explicitly centered on the intersection of STEM, art, and the humanities. For additional challenge, students are invited to apply their knowledge in Advanced Placement (AP) exams or to lead their own reading group or colloquium series on campus.

Math

Mathematics in Fairhaven is organized around the goal of developing a mathematical mind within our students. Courses focus on problem solving and the development of formal systems as tools for tackling real-world issues while also leaving space for the appreciation of the beauty of pure mathematics.

Math courses are tailored to the developmental phase of the student, extending to calculus and beyond as well as offering courses in formal logical systems and personal finance. Students have opportunities to apply their mathematical skills across their other courses and in the formulation of community projects.  For additional challenge, students are invited to apply their knowledge in Advanced Placement (AP) exams.

World Languages

Spanish: Spanish classes for Fairhaven students continue to provide students with opportunities to study authentic Spanish language and culture development in contemporary contexts and to demonstrate mastery in both. Cultural themes offer a broad range of topics that students investigate through a variety of different contexts.

To enhance the course, research, analysis and discussion about Latin American literature related to history and social issues give a vast overview and comprehension of global relationships. In addition, students have the time and experience to polish and improve advanced grammar and language acquisition skills. By the end of their time in the program, students may opt to take the Seal of Biliteracy Proficiency test and/or the AP Spanish Language and Culture exam.

ASL: Fairhaven students also have the opportunity to take courses in American Sign Language, either in addition to or in lieu of Spanish. There is an emphasis on correct fingerspelling, handshape, eye contact, and visual gesture communication in all lessons.

Courses in ASL promote deaf etiquette expectations in the classroom and discuss the importance of deaf culture in society today.

Music Theory & Composition

Music composition at this level continues to build upon skills in melody and harmony, and to connect both the music we listen to and the music we make to cultural and historical context. Composition also provides ample opportunities for leadership practice, such as conducting or otherwise instructing an ensemble in making the sound in the composer's imagination a reality. Some examples include units focused on songwriting, music in media, choral arranging, and a trip to a recording studio and the opportunity to record original music!

Students who are considering further study in music beyond their time at Butler may opt to deepen their knowledge with AP Music Theory. This course encompasses the more advanced fundamentals of music with a college-level curriculum in advanced harmony, musical form, and the rules of part-writing as they apply to classical and historical music.

Ceramics

Students at this level of Ceramics hone their skills in regards to creating worthwhile ceramic work in the style truest to each artist. They use classic handbuilding techniques (pinch, coil, and slab building) as well as the potter’s wheel to accomplish their goals. Students also underglaze to further personalize their creations and then glaze their work to seal everything and make them usable.

These creations are made available to be sold to the Butler community via a Maker’s Market.

Photography

In this course, students transition from taking "snapshots" to creating intentional art. There is an emphasis on the fundamental principles of photography, covering everything from the mechanics of a camera to the nuances of digital post-processing.

Through a mix of hands-on projects, technical demonstrations, and group critiques, students learn how to use light, composition, and timing to tell compelling stories. As a culminating project, students develop a digital portfolio showcasing their technical growth and unique artistic voice.

Physical Education

Students in the Fairhaven Program personalize their experience as they explore new sports while gaining advanced skills in activities of their choice. At this point in their lives, many students have already dedicated their time to pursuing a sport at an advanced level outside of school; this commitment is supported by the Fairhaven Program, as students are given the flexibility to travel for competitions and attend regular practices.

Fairhaven students also have a chance to learn practical carpentry skills in our Makerspace, creating handmade objects such as candle holders, cutting boards, and keychains. Students learn to safely use power tools, 3D printers, and screenprinters.

Courses in physical expression might include Climbing, Swimming, Racquet Sports, Horseback Riding, Woodworking, and more.

International Travel

From designing research projects in the rainforest of Costa Rica to visiting Mayan ruins in Mexico, our students are world travelers and global citizens! Building on their experience in the Intermediate Middle School Program, Fairhaven High School students have the opportunity to pursue travel to further destinations and for longer periods of time.

Our high school students pursue passion projects in far-reaching destinations, attend international conferences and summits, and develop relationships with other Montessori high school students from around the world, tapping into a global network of connection and friendship.

Entrepreneurship 

Fairhaven students build on the financial literacy gained from the Intermediate Middle School Program and expand it in their work in entrepreneurship. Students have the opportunity to take courses in personal finance and economics, applying these concepts in real life to the student-run organic farm, student-driven Maker’s Market, and other entrepreneurial experiences at the school. For additional challenge, students may also opt to incubate their own business idea and implement it with support from the community.

Career Exploration & Community Service

Career exploration forms a key component of the Fairhaven Program as students gain valuable life experience in conducting practical work. Through a “Work-Study” experience with local businesses, students support various projects that benefit the organization in some way. From setting up and participating in local art classes to transcribing local history documents at museum archives, our students contribute their time and talents to organizations that support the wider community.

These experiences allow our students to see themselves woven in the larger fabric of not only their school, but also their local, state, and national communities, creating a culture of action and service that shape students’ values throughout their lives.

Examples of Organizations We’ve Partnered With