Academics at MMM
Personalized schedules: Students are sent to THEIR level of class across different subjects. This model allows advanced students to forge ahead, and students who used to struggle to begin to flourish in an academic environment.
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Course Design: Introductory courses that are meant to begin a student's understanding of a subject are called exposure courses; intermediate courses that deepen a student's knowledge of and appreciation for a subject are called study courses; and advanced level courses that help students understand the nuances of a subject are called mastery courses.
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Mixed-age groups bring students of similar developmental interests together: ​
Ants (K-2nd grade)
Bees (2nd-4th grade)
Caterpillars (4th-6th grade
Dragonflies (6th-8th grade)
Earthworms (8th-10th grade)
Fireflies (10th-12th grade)
Grasshoppers (11th-12th grade)
Math & Physics
Early algebra and geometry exposure allows students to begin math-based physics classes by mid-elementary school.
Students who are enrolled through elementary and middle school are invited to take the SAT by the end of 8th grade. Students who begin in middle school may take the SAT after they've completed their fundamental math and physics coursework.
High-school level students who have completed the elementary/middle school programs (or by placement test) have access to AP Calculus AB or BC, AP Statistics, AP Physics C, and undergraduate level math and physics courses (upon successful completion of pre-requisites).
Students who join MMM in 9th grade are placed according to their entry placement tests.
English Language Arts
At MMM, English is taught as a language, which means that students are directly taught the rules, methods, and applications of the English language. Students are taught grammar, spelling, word study, reading comprehension, writing, and public speaking; each grade level has a required reading list for the year. Qualified students will have access to AP English Literature, as well other advanced writing courses.
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Every day at MMM starts with Morning Writing, which is a chance for your student to build a daily writing habit.
Computer Science
In grades K to 4, MMM students learn typing, basic hardware, and introduction to programming. As students progress through grades 5-8, they learn a variety of programming languages, uses of office software, and other creative digital skills. Students in grades 9-12 have access to AP Computer Science A, as well as courses in networking, game design, and other computer science-related topics.
Physical & Earth Science
The Ants and Bees groups take exposure courses that are designed to introduce young elementary students to a variety of science topics including sound, light, living things, electricity, and much more.
The Caterpillars and Dragonflies take study courses that are designed to deepen students' understanding of physics, chemistry, biology, and general science topics.
The Earthworms, Fireflies, and Grasshoppers take mastery courses that are designed to prepare students to pursue undergraduate level coursework in physical and earth science. Qualified students have access to AP Biology, AP Chemistry, and AP Physics C: Mechanics/Electromagnetism.
Social Studies
The Ants and Bees groups take exposure courses that are designed to introduce young elementary students to geography topics.
The Caterpillars and Dragonflies take study courses that are designed to deepen students' understanding of history, geography, government, civics, and personal finance.
The Earthworms, Fireflies, and Grasshoppers take mastery courses in U.S. history, world history, economics, accounting & finance, and philosophy. Qualified students have access to AP (U.S./World/European) History, AP (Macro/Micro)Economics, and AP Human Geography courses, as well as other advanced electives. .
Foreign Languages
At MMM, we believe that learning how to learn languages is an essential skill. Students usually start learning Japanese when they are Bees, and they add on French when they become Caterpillars. French is widely used as a second language around the world, and Japanese has a defined alphabet system that makes the language more accessible. MMM draws upon the Japanese education-style influences for many other elements of the program.
Art & Music
Students have weekly art and music classes that are designed to give exposure to a wide variety of methods and experiences.
Art classes include an exploration of drawing, painting, crafting, sculpture, and many other hands-on projects.
Music classes include history and appreciation, studying composers, music theory, and introductory piano lessons. We encourage interested families to sign up for additional music lessons with our friends upstairs at the Farmington Ave Music Academy: https://www.famamusic.org/.
Physical & Outdoor Education
During the fall & spring seasons, our students go on weekly ice-skating and nature walk outings, as well as regular outdoor playtime.
In the winter months, our Parent Organization arranges 16-20 ski days during the week on local EPIC mountains, and our students spend their school day learning to ski and adventuring on the mountain with their school friends.
The MMM Parent Organization also arranges three sleep-away trips (one fall, one winter, and one spring) that are physical or outdoor education-related.
Engineering Lab
Once students have learned some math and computer science fundamentals, they are given opportunities to learn about electrical engineering through Arduino projects. Students who complete the introductory and intermediate projects are invited to complete more sophisticated, multi-component projects.
Professionalism & Leadership
Fireflies and Grasshoppers in their final year at MMM are required to participate in the Student Leadership and Teaching program, which is a class aimed at directly instructing older students in leadership and teaching techniques. SLAT participants are taught how to deliver simple lessons in handwriting or math fundamentals that are then delivered to younger students in a small-group setting.
