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. In addition, the word 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 an accreditation by the American Montessori Society (AMS) or Association Montessori Internationale (AMI), which discloses that the school follows AMS guidelines, has undergone a rigorous application process, and 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 recognized school (not all ‘Montessori’ training centers are accepted)
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 whisper
Does not raise voice or yell
Does not talk excessively when giving lessons
Observes without appearing to do so
Is aware of total classroom situation
Prevents disturbances
Note that having a Bachelors in Education is not necessary, in fact, it may impede upon one's ability to fully emerge into the Montessori Philosophy. Unless it is an Elementary Montessori Program, in which case, the teacher is required by the state to hold a teaching degree.
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 visual distraction
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 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. In a Montessori environment, children should not be sitting at desks simply watching the teacher as he or she pours information into their heads.
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”. At 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 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.
Children are active in their learning with authentic Montessori materials
Montessori children don't watch videos or listen to lectures about math. Rather, they actively touch, hold, and feel the numbers through the use of authentic Montessori multi-sensorial. 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.
There is a mix of ages in the classroom
One of key beliefs in Montessori is that 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 encourage respect for others and collaboration. The multi-age classroom creates an atmosphere of respect and positive behavior while fostering mentorship and developing leadership skills.
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. be 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.
