Students of Montgomery Academy attend school here because for the most part the traditional public school setting did not meet their special needs. We are equipped to appeal to the more unconventional student by offering a more unconventional format in which to learn. While we do use textbooks and employ the more traditional styles of teaching, these are not the only, nor the primary, means of educating. Whenever and wherever possible hands-on, experiential techniques are used. Building models, dioramas, exploring the campus environment, role playing, field trips, cooking, and other hands on methods are used regularly. Our classrooms and halls reflect what is being studied, drawings, murals, reports and projects are all proudly displayed.

Though we follow New Jersey’s Core Content Curriculum Standards, we are able to remain creative and flexible in our approaches to the subject matter. A study of hieroglyphics, for example, will find an entire cave built outside a tenth grade classroom, complete with corresponding pictures and models. A study of Native American culture will have students building a life size authentic tepee in the surrounding woods. Study of horticulture will allow students the opportunity to work and grow plants in a real green house, constructed on site. Field trips to further reinforce the experiential philosophy are provided as a matter of course.

Life Space Interview techniques are also used to encourage dialogue between staff and students. Montgomery Academy does not use behavioral modification (i.e., no rewards, punishments). This is not to say there are not natural consequences. For example, if a student becomes angry and tears a bulletin board, the student is required to repair the bulletin board. The Life Space Interview technique lets the students use their own words through writings and dictations to increase their skills and knowledge. They develop a functional, purposeful, and meaningful approach to the use of language as an expressive tool. We know that the students we teach are growing up in a world filled with video games, television, and email- and find they are frequently disconnected as a result. At Montgomery Academy students are actively involved in their own learning and urged to connect and communicate with us, their families and each other.