By Jill Novak

Prospective juniors and seniors aren’t the only high school students walking UK’s campus.

The newly established Montessori High School of Kentucky, which opened Aug. 18, is located in the basement of the St. Augustine’s Episcopal Chapel on Rose Street.

As the first high school of its kind established in Lexington, Montessori will follow the main philosophy behind other Montessori programs, giving students more freedom in the classroom while also incorporating school rules.

In charge of making those rules, is none other than the students.

“When students have a choice, they are more motivated,” Winni van Gessel, curriculum director, said.

Starting from scratch this year allowed the incoming students to have a voice in the decision process and overall design of their new school.

“We asked them what they wanted their ideal high school to look like, and went from there,” van Gessel said.

With eleven students enrolled, including freshmen and sophomores, Montessori is able to directly focus on student’s needs and allow them to accomplish their academic goals as a team.

By not following a standard curriculum, students are able to learn subjects at their own pace.

“Here, they make sure you actually know what you are learning,” freshman Ashley Hayes said.

The main purpose of the program is to “inspire a love of learning in an environment that nurtures independence, self-respect and responsibility,” according to the school’s website.

Students have the opportunity to make their own decisions, like elect a student council, to help build these skills.

Students are also encouraged to develop necessary skills like cooking, in which they learn to prepare recipes with proper nutrition while learning to manage money by creating budgets.

“We want to build a strong foundation for them,” said Jennifer Pederson, a parent and school faculty member.

The purpose of learning these life skills along with other required skills is to help students with their transitions into college, she said.

“Just because you can make an ‘A’ on a test doesn’t mean you are ready to go out into the world,” Pederson said.

By partnering with UK’s Department of Education, students have access to UK faculty and campus facilities. Students can learn subjects like history and science not only from their classroom instructors, but also UK professors.

“We want to facilitate their interests, by letting them experience one subject through many areas,” van Gessel said.

The curriculum that follows high school requirements, while also catering to students interests, is an important part of the program.

Students are encouraged to explore topics that interest them, even if it is outside the normal curriculum.

Students interested in things like art or photography are given resources that let them to further pursue their interests.

“We are given lots of opportunities to volunteer at places we’re interested in,” freshman Brier Campbell said.

Students at Montessori like being able to play a part in what they are learning.

“It puts more excitement in a student when they have a choice,” she said.