We’re excited to announce the launch of our Adolescent Program at Radmoor, set to begin in the Fall of 2026! We are thrilled to welcome two exceptional individuals who will bring a wealth of experience to our team and help bring our vision of on Adolescent Program to life: Adam Ladd, who will serve as the Adolescent Program Director, and Kelly Ladd, who will join him as an Adolescent Guide.
To ensure a smooth and successful launch, Adam and Kelly will be joining us a year in advance. In the Fall of 2025, Adam will oversee the development of the Adolescent Program, working closely with us to maintain high standards of education and a successful transition for our students.
Kelly will join us as Ms. Danielle’s assistant in the Upper Elementary classroom. This will provide her with a wonderful opportunity to build relationships with students who will be transitioning into the Adolescent Program in the Fall of 2026, while also gaining a deeper understanding of our elementary program.
For both Adam and Kelly, this next year at Radmoor will allow them to immerse themselves in the culture of our school, ensuring the developing program aligns with our values and mission while exploring new opportunities for growth and learning in our surrounding area.
To introduce both Adam and Kelly to you and to share more details about the exciting updates to our Adolescent Program, we will be hosting an informational meeting for parents. This will be an opportunity to meet our new team members, ask questions, and learn about the Adolescent Program.
Details of the Informational Meeting:
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- Date: Thursday, April 17th
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- Time: 6:00 p.m.
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- Location: Radmoor Gymnasium
On April 18th at 8:00 a.m., Adam and Kelly will be joining us for our final Bagel Breakfast of the year. Come help us welcome them to the Radmoor family! We’ll also be hosting two more parent informational meetings next school year.
Montessori Adolescent Program
The Montessori Adolescent Program fosters a purpose-driven community where students thrive by connecting with peers, mentors, and the world around them. Through hands-on, project-based learning, students take ownership of their education and apply knowledge in real-world contexts. Learning extends beyond the classroom through community involvement and travel, helping students develop independence and relationships.
A key element is the student-run business, which nurtures entrepreneurial and leadership skills. Students also engage in creative and collaborative work that aligns with their developmental stage, building critical 21st-century skills like communication, creativity, and problem-solving.
More than a textbook
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A bridge between elementary and high school learning
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Belonging and purpose within a small, dynamic community
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Integrated intellectual and hands-on study for deeper learning
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Real-world context through place-based studies and the student-run business
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Math and language arts programs that emphasize practical skills, critical thinking, and public speaking
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Advisory program supporting social/emotional growth and executive functioning
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Opportunities for self-expression through creative and physical activities
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Focus on time management, responsibility, and organization
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Key Experiences
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Annual long-distance trips linked to the curriculum, fostering independence and peer interdependence
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Interdisciplinary, project-based learning for deeper understanding
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Community involvement as an extended classroom
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Participation in the Microeconomy, a student-run business with leadership and collaboration opportunities
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Exposure to a variety of arts, fitness, and sports
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Presentations to build communication skills
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Writing and delivering a reflective graduation speech
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More about Adam & Kelly Ladd
Adam Ladd is a northeast Ohio native. He has been teaching for nearly 15 years, with the past decade dedicated to Montessori adolescent education. He holds a Master’s Degree in Art History, a diploma in Montessori Adolescent Studies from AMI (Association Montessori Internationale), and recently became a certified AMI consultant. Passionate about guiding students through meaningful, experiential learning experiences, Adam has spent the last several years helping to establish Montessori middle and high school programs.
Kelly Ladd has been an educator for 21 years, beginning her career as a public high school teacher, where she spent 12 years teaching subjects like AP U.S. History, Journalism, and Theater Studies while also leading the Speech and Debate team and school newspaper. In 2016, she transitioned to Montessori education, drawn to its student-centered, hands-on approach to learning and its de-emphasis on standardization and testing. She later joined forces with Adam Ladd as the Humanities and Language Arts Guide at Hudson Montessori School near Cleveland, where she helped foster a dynamic, interdisciplinary learning environment for adolescents. Kelly holds a B.A. in Education and a diploma in Montessori Adolescent Studies from AMI.
Together, Adam and Kelly co-founded a Montessori middle and high school on a small farm in Gilbert, Arizona, where students engaged in unique programming that integrated agricultural studies and engineering design projects. They later launched a new middle school near Cincinnati, Ohio, continuing their mission of providing authentic Montessori education for adolescents. Throughout, they also had the privilege of consulting and leading workshops for educators abroad in Portugal and Taiwan.
Adam and Kelly are committed to fostering an environment where students further develop independence, critical thinking skills, creative problem-solving, and a deep connection to their community. They are excited to plant their roots in the Okemos area!
