By Taylor Conley

“Homework? You don’t have any homework?” This was something I heard a lot from kids from other schools while attending a Montessori school. A Montessori school is a school with a three-year range of ages together in one classroom. For example, 9- through 12-year-olds all learn in one class. The basis of Montessori is independence, so throughout the day, one chooses what one would like to work on in class.

Last fall, I entered 6th grade at Tempe Prep from a Montessori school having no idea what to expect. As I walked through the metaphysical doors of Tempe Prep on my first day of middle school, I was ready to start a new year at a school with no halls. I felt confused, excited, and nervous. On this day, I remember being excited to get homework and experience what a new school would bring. Homework was definitely a big difference, but I grasped the responsibility quickly.

I walked into Mrs. Vorst’s class, addled by weird phrases such as “I agree/disagree with ——– because…” and “can you point me to that in the text?” stapled to a bulletin board.

Little did I know, these phrases would be the foundation of many classroom discussions throughout the year.

Between classes, I was confused on whether I should go drop off my books at my locker or just carry them all to each of my classes Everyone has witnessed notorious sixth graders carrying all their books to every class. Time management can be hard at TPA as a sixth grader as one is caught trying to decide whether to take the risk of being late, or carry 30 lbs. of binders all day.

Despite the complete 180-degree turn I took from elementary school to middle school, my NHS buddy helped make my transition easier, as for my classmates.

Recently, seniors announced and signed to their future colleges. That sounds surreal from my point of view. I look forward to the journey of coming to these decisions that I know TPA will help me make.