Montessori is more than a name. It’s crucial for parents to ensure the school you are about to entrust with your precious young learner is providing her with an authentic Montessori experience.
Why is it important to look for AMI?
Because the word ‘Montessori’ isn’t trademarked, there is nothing to prevent anyone from using it to name their school.
It’s vital for those who have embraced the child-centred, hands-on learning approach that defines the Montessori experience to look for a school and teachers with proper accreditation.
That’s where The Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) comes in.
What is AMI?
Teachers in the Montessori method must go through years of rigorous training and must be proficient in all the subjects they teach.
While accreditation can vary according to age group, it is often seen in the form of three letters – AMI, which stands for Association Montessori Internationale. Proper accreditation and assurance that teachers have the right training such as AMI will make a world of difference in the quality of education your child will receive.
Montessori and AMI: Maria Montessori founded AMI, the Association Montessori Internationale, to ensure that her methods would retain an original integrity and to ensure that her work would be perpetuated after her death. Her vision that children learn best in a social environment that encourages individual growth is carried forward by this organization. Accreditation and certification in AMI helps ensure that teachers are as close as possible to her original philosophy and ideals.
AMI and the AMS. In 1960, an internal dispute resulted in the formation of the American Montessori Society (AMS). This dispute has not lasted and today the two organizations have a collegial, cooperative relationship. (AMS is a larger organization.)
What to look for in a Montessori school. Every proper Montessori school should have:
• Proper accreditation and teacher training by AMI (this varies according to age group)
• Dedicated teaching areas for practical life activities, sensorial, language and math
• Classes with a three year age mix: Montessori Casa or Primary (2.5-6), Elementary (6-9 and/or 9-12)....
Learn more in our Montessori checklist.
More info for parents: When is the best time to enrol your child in Montessori? How will your child’s development be monitored? How do you extend the Montessori environment to your home? For answers to these and more questions, see our Montessori Q & A. You can also learn more from the Canadian Council of Montessori Administrators (CCMA).
Below is a list of schools with AMI Montessori certified teachers. Find one near you and learn more!
List of AMI Montessori Schools
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