1-705-788-3802
Office Hours (Mon-Fri) 8am - 4pm
228 Chub Lake Road
Huntsville, ON
P1H 1S4
Erdkinder
(Grades 7–8)
“Children of the Earth”
The Montessori Erdkinder program is designed to meet the unique developmental needs of early adolescents in Grades 7 and 8. Rooted in Maria Montessori’s philosophy, Erdkinder provides students with an educational environment that fosters personal growth, intellectual exploration, and meaningful engagement with the world around them.
Purpose and Philosophy
Maria Montessori emphasized that adolescence is a time for young people to develop their identity and find their place in the world. The Erdkinder program supports this journey by:
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Providing opportunities for real-world experiences and community involvement.
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Encouraging students to reflect on their roles in both local and global communities.
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Guiding adolescents to develop the skills necessary for self-reliance, personal responsibility, and academic success.
While prioritizing personal growth and expression, the program also maintains a rigorous academic foundation grounded in Montessori principles and enriched by the history, ecology, and culture of Huntsville and Muskoka.
The academic structure of our program allows for easy integration of enrichment activities so learners are always working on the next challenge.
Key Learning Outcomes
Erdkinder students work toward:
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Proficiency in critical thinking and problem solving
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Confident integration into future schools, careers, and civic life
Outdoor Education and Community Involvement
Students spend significant time outdoors and participate in a full day of outdoor education every Friday. Past activities have included:
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Community service (e.g., local soup kitchen, farms)
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Projects around the school (maintenance tasks, garbage & recycling, building a Ga-ga ball pit)
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Skills training (e.g., Red Cross First Aid, Boater's Licence, Babysitting Certification)
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Examples of wilderness and physical activities:
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Hiking, canoeing (technique, portaging, rescues)
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Skiing (alpine and Nordic), skating
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Team-building games and bushcraft (fire-building, tarp shelters, quinzhees)
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Climbing and ropes courses (Climb Muskoka, Camp Pinecrest, Treetop Trekking)
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Team sports and group challenges
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Erdkinder Economy & Student-Run Business
A unique component of the Erdkinder experience is its emphasis on economic independence and entrepreneurial learning. Students are responsible for planning and operating their own small-scale business ventures as part of the curriculum.
Each week, students:
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Plan, shop for, and prepare baked goods to sell at a morning café run at the school.
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Manage a hot lunch program, taking orders, preparing meals, and serving lunch to students and staff every Thursday.
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This experience goes far beyond the kitchen—it is a fully integrated educational opportunity. Students take ownership of:
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Marketing and promotions
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Menu planning and sourcing ingredients
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Budgeting and accounting
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Customer service and time management
These real-life applications of math, communication, teamwork, and responsibility allow students to experience firsthand what it means to run a business, collaborate as a team, and serve their community. It also fosters confidence, initiative, and an understanding of the economic principles tha
Odyssey Trips
Twice per year, Erdkinder students embark on overnight Odyssey trips that provide hands-on, challenging experiences aimed at building resilience, leadership, and connection with others.
Past examples include:
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2-night Ottawa trip (RCMP Musical Ride, Parliament, museums, spelunking, ninja course)
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3-night Climate Change Summit hosted by Strata Montessori with students from across Ontario
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2-night canoe camping in Algonquin Park
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2-night New York City United Nations trip (meetings with UN delegations, cultural tours, global student collaboration)
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1-night Big East River stand-up paddleboard trip
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These experiences are intentionally designed to challenge students emotionally, socially, and physically, helping them grow into confident, compassionate, and capable individuals.
