The International Baccalaureate© (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP) emphasizes intellectual challenge. It encourages students aged 11 to 16 to make practical connections between their studies and the real world, preparing them for success in further study and in life.

Montessori Adolescent program:

Traditional Montessori high schools are farm communities where students participate in every level of running an organic farm which supplies the school and it is able to sell any surplus. As students mature they become increasingly involved in running the school, keeping the books, operating the school shop and organising events. This allows them to understand the principles of cash flow, business needs and the importance of co-operation.

We at Lilima endeavour to follow this model. The children learn practical skills, as well as traditional subjects such as mathematics, science, history and languages. Education is thematic and experiential.

The Montessori classroom is designed specifically to meet the needs, interests, abilities and development of each child. The focus is on children learning, and not teachers teaching. The classrooms are designed as large, diverse, multifunctional spaces. Multi-age groupings of children provides an atmosphere of community and allows children to learn from one another. Usually students work on their own or in small, self-selected groups. They learn and progress at their own pace, moving on to the next step when they are ready.

The Montessori philosophy is based on the belief that all children are highly intelligent. Each child learns in their own special and unique way according to her or his strengths, personality, interests, and temperament. Consequently, we personalise instruction because no two children learn in the same way, or in the same time. Children progress when they are ready.

At Lilima Montessori High, we encourage students to become self-reliant, global thinkers who inquire, reflect, are knowledgeable, make decisions, solve problems, communicate and care.

The travelling classroom (intersessions):

Week-long intersessions occur throughout the school year. A variety of subject-related activities take place such as school trips, small business development, community service, and off-campus study. An off-campus site might be a local farm, national park, or environmental learning center.

During intersessions students carry out place-based studies involving humanities, sciences and the arts. They carry out community service in a wide range of real situations. This gives them invaluable insights into society.