Characteristics of an Authentic Montessori School
Looking for an authentic Montessori School can be a great challenge. Especially because many don't know what to look for. The term “Montessori” is not trademarked and can be used by anyone regardless of adherence to the Montessori philosophy. The largest indicator of an authentic Montessori School is accreditation by the American Montessori Society (AMS) or Association Montessori Internationale (AMI), which discloses that a school implements a high-fidelity Montessori philosophy, follows AMS guidelines, has undergone a rigorous certification process, and that all their teachers are certified and accredited by AMS. Schools should display their AMS credentials for the school and each individual teacher.
Please note that AMS membership and AMS accreditation are not equal. All accredited schools are members but not all member schools are accredited. Accreditation is the highest level of recognition within the Montessori world and guarantees a genuine Montessori environment. Membership, while a good start on the path for new schools, is not as highly regarded.
When visiting schools, ask about their progress in being accredited by either AMS or AMI–the two most reputable Montessori organizations. Additionally, inquire about the training of each lead directress while keeping in mind that not all training centers are authentic. Well-trained directresses will be certified by AMS, AMI, or MACTE-backed training centers. Similarly, all well-trained Montessori directresses have completed hundreds of practicum hours as required by AMS and AMI.
AMS has a search engine on their website that allows you to locate AMS-member Montessori schools in your area. Note that the most authentic Montessori schools, those that are accredited, appear in green. Click here to access the page.
In addition to this, an authentic Montessori School will possess the qualities below as outlined by AMS. We recommend that you use this list as a checklist when visiting Montessori Schools to determine how reliable they are.
The Directress
Is trained by an AMS/AMI/MACTE recognized school (not all ‘Montessori’ training centers are accepted)
Holds at least a Bachelor’s Degree.
Sets a good example in neatness and grooming.
Exemplifies intelligence, patience, gentleness, and kindness for her students.
Uses good grammar.
Has a pleasing tone of voice.
Does not talk excessively when giving lessons.
Observes without appearing to do so.
Is aware of the total classroom situation.
Is aware of each student’s individual progress.
Prevents disturbances.
The Environment
American Montessori Society (AMS) or Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) diploma's and certifications are clearly displayed.
The classroom is beautiful, neat, and orderly.
Is arranged for free movement without disturbing floor or table work.
There is no personal office desk for the teacher.
The furnishings are scaled to the size of the children.
There are a variety of table sizes for group and individual work.
Provides a neutral background for materials and eliminates unnecessary visual distractions.
There are plants and/or animals.
Has adequate shelving for materials.
Has an uncluttered appearance.
Provides free access to materials without involving a teacher.
Provides sufficient Montessori materials for:
sensorial exercises
practical life
math
reading
science (history, culture, geography, botany, etc.)
Has materials which are clean, complete, and in good condition.
Has signs or pictures at child's eye level.
Has free access to outdoor area.
Provides an atmosphere conducive to learning.
The Atmosphere
The learning is self-directed
Montessori children are active participants in their own learning and take ownership over their daily decisions in how to spend their time and structure their activities through the self-selection of work. This method of learning allows for intrinsic motivation and sustained attention.
Montessori teachers guide their students through individual lessons in which they present materials to the child. However, they do not teach in the sense that they are the single point of information in the class. Rather, they guide their students to discovery and the children explore each concept at their own pace. The teacher prepares the classroom environment for their students and allow them the freedom to choose their work. Dr. Maria Montessori believed that children are capable of self-learning. It is that thrill of discovery which leads to creativity and satisfaction.
Observe a classroom and look for children working independently and collaboratively. They should not be sitting at desks simply watching the teacher but actively choose and complete work.A 2-3 hour uninterrupted work cycle
In Montessori classrooms, a crucial element is an extended period of “free time” during the day which is called the “uninterrupted work cycle”. During this time, students are free to select work from the classroom, complete the task at their own pace for as long as they are interested before cleaning up, returning it to the shelf, and choosing another activity. Montessori environments strive to afford children the opportunity to complete this cycle of activity many times without interruption of large-group activities, adults, or other students.
This period of uninterrupted work recognizes and respects individual variations in the learning process. Teachers support and monitor the students’ work and provide individual and small-group lessons. The uninterrupted work period facilitates the development of coordination, concentration, and independence.The school is accredited by the American Montessori Society (AMS) or Association Montessori Internationale (AMI)
It is estimated that less than a quarter of the Montessori schools in the US are AMS members. Out of that, only 15% are accredited by AMS. While AMS membership does not completely guarantee that the education a school offers is genuine, it does hold the school accountable to the Society. There are 10 different levels, or steps, within AMS membership, each proving an increased level of authenticity with level 10 (accreditation) being the highest. Accreditation by AMS is the gold standard of Montessori school excellence—the highest level of recognition a Montessori school can achieve, and a highly visible indicator of a school’s quality. Additionally, it is imperative that teachers are trained through programs credentialed by the AMS or AMI or MACTE.
Trained Montessori Teachers
Even the most beautiful environments cannot function without the guidance of a highly educated and artfully trained Montessori directress (teacher). As the keeper of the environment, she skillfully manages the classroom as a whole while engaging and guiding each student as an individual learner. She possesses broad and in-depth knowledge in each area of the classroom and knows how to masterfully present every single lesson from learning the letter sounds in language to the parts of the flower in botany to long division in math.
Properly trained teachers hold MACTE (Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education) credentials in Montessori education along with a bachelor’s degree or higher. Montessori training is a long-term, in-person experience that includes both the practical aspects of classroom management, the science of human development, the philosophical study of Montessori pedagogy, and all other aspects such as lesson planning and presenting. This training culminates into many reports, projects, and hundreds of hours of in-class praciticuum .Children are active in their learning with authentic Montessori materials
Montessori children don't watch videos or listen to lectures about math or other concepts. Rather, they actively touch, hold, and feel the numbers (or various concepts) through the use of authentic Montessori multi-sensorial materials. The concepts they discover take on life and meaning in the mind of the child. This approach is applied to all parts of the curriculum: language, science, math, culture, practical life, and sensorial.
Montessori materials are a hallmark of the educational method. Each is specially and scientifically designed to be an effective tool for discovery and to beautifully inspire curiosity to enhance student engagement. Further, each is presented in a detailed, systematic way to individually introduce each new concept to a child in a tangible manner.There is a mix of ages in the classroom
Montessori multi-age groupings respect the rhythm of human development and honor the child’s learning needs. Three-year cycles allow for self-paced learning where students master the curriculum at their own (often nonlinear) pace using self-determined rather than imposed deadlines.
The multi-age classroom creates an atmosphere of respect and positive behavior while fostering mentorship and developing leadership skills. Three year groupings allow for younger children learn by following the example of older ones. In contrast, older children serve as role models and have the opportunity to further cement their own learning by helping to guide their younger friends. Multi-age classes also encourage respect for others and collaboration by increasing generosity and helpfulness. They also reduce competition, aggression, and social isolation, as students are able to ask for and offer help to those outside of their immediate peer group.
Further, mixed age groups foster stable classroom communities quickly and naturally as only a third of the class is new each year. Children develop deeper relationships with peers and have greater opportunities for learning how to navigate and sustain friendships.
There is a strong cultural emphasis
Montessori education takes place against the backdrop of the global community. Dr. Montessori believed that children must make the world a better place, her method allowed them to grow into thoughtful and engaged citizens of their country and the globe. Cultural components should be evident such as maps, flags, foreign language exposure, etc. Children discover the world around them and their place within it.
There is peace education
Dr. Montessori was a great proponent of peace education, she believe that establishing world peace was the work of education. As a result, within the Montessori environment a peaceful atmosphere and peaceful relations between the children are greatly emphasized. Children learn conflict resolution skills and are guided through methods to how to speak with each other.
