A Seamless Transition from Montessori to JPEC
Rob Campbell is completing his first year as Principal at Jackson Preparatory & Early College (JPEC), the only 6th-13th grade public school academy located on a college campus. Previously Mr. Campbell served as Principal at K-5 JPS Montessori School. The similarities between the Montessori philosophy and JPEC’s core values make for a seamless transition for students completing an elementary Montessori school and entering JPEC’s College Preparatory middle school as Mr. Campbell explains:
How Is the Montessori Philosophy Similar to JPEC’s Education Model?
The Montessori philosophy emphasizes child-centered learning that respects the individual child's natural desire for knowledge and development. It focuses on hands-on learning, independence, and self-directed exploration within a specially prepared environment.
“Both Montessori and JPEC focus on personalized learning and a celebration of the uniqueness of every learner with teachers helping their students thrive through building meaningful relationships. At JPEC our goal is to help students discover who they are meant to be by providing them with the skills and tools they need to achieve their goals.” - Rob Campbell, Principal
What Principles Do JPEC and Montessori Share?
“Many Montessori principles are in action at JPEC:”
We value freedom with responsibility, a cornerstone of Montessori education.
We work to educate and support the whole child through forming meaningful relationships.
We encourage our students to be advocates for themselves.
We value exploration, self-discovery, and learning from our mistakes.
How Easy Is It for Montessori Students to Transition to JPEC?
“The biggest adjustment a Montessori student faces is losing the ability to direct their school day. While this adjustment can take a little time, the fact that we personalize learning, encourage critical thinking and exploration, nurture meaningful relationships, and honor the uniqueness of every individual makes this transition much easier. Our very welcoming environment helps new students feel comfortable and at home quickly so they can focus on what’s important from Day One.”
- Rob Campbell, Principal
JPEC is now enrolling for the 2025-2026 school year. Tour our facilities at Jackson College and meet Mr. Campbell and the JPEC staff at our Open House June 18th, 4:00pm – 6:00pm.
About Jackson Preparatory & Early College
As a public school academy for middle and high school students Jackson Preparatory & Early College (JPEC), Michigan’s only whole school Early College program with a middle school, offers 6th – 13th graders the opportunity to foster independence safely. Founded more than a decade ago and housed at Jackson College, JPEC offers access to world-class facilities which enables us to provide an excellent tuition-free education that includes credit-earning college courses and career-defining certifications. We value competency-based learning -- what you know how to do, not just what you know. Achieve an associate’s degree and a high school diploma simultaneously. Every student can succeed here. Enroll now. Find us at jacksonpec.org. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
