We spotlight each of our Eighth graders and ask them to reflect on their Middle School experiences and share some of the highlights and what they are most proud of.
Meet Ben Hill
What is one of your favorite highlights from the middle school program?
One of my favorite experiences from my years in Middle School was during our trip to Spain. We were divided into groups of four and tasked with completing a scavenger hunt. While it may not have been the most physically demanding or exciting activity of the trip, I believe it was one of the most valuable in terms of skill development. My group had to work closely as a team and stay together, resisting the urge to split up. The scavenger hunt was a true culmination of everything I had learned throughout the trip, from historical knowledge gathered on hikes and tours to problem-solving and collaboration. Most importantly, it gave me the opportunity to connect with classmates I hadn’t interacted with as much before, helping me feel more like a traveler than a tourist.
What skill(s) did you develop thanks to your Montessori/IB education that are you most proud of?
Even though I developed many skills during my time at PMonts, a few stood out to me, especially my public speaking skills. From an early age, PMonts helped me build a strong foundation in this area through yearly presentations in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade. This early experience became incredibly valuable later on, particularly during the Montessori Model United Nations, where I had to deliver a written speech in front of many other delegates. Both that trip and my Community Project presentation served as important milestones in my public speaking journey. I know these skills will continue to support me throughout high school and beyond.
What will you miss the most after you graduate from PMonts?
Once I graduate from PMonts, what I’ll miss most is the close-knit community. While we haven’t always gotten along perfectly, and things can sometimes feel repetitive with such a small group, you truly get to know everyone here. Whether someone has been at the school since toddler age or just joined recently, they are welcomed and quickly become part of the community.
Even though the high school I’ll be attending is considered small, it still has far more students than PMonts, which will be an adjustment for me. I believe this change will be a positive one and offer me a broader perspective, especially after growing up in the more sheltered environment of a Montessori school. Still, the unique sense of connection and belonging at PMonts is something I’ll always treasure and deeply miss.
