AMS Certification (American Montessori Society)

American Montessori Society, a US-based association for Montessori teachers and schools

About AMS

Nancy McCormick Rambusch founded the American Montessori Society (AMS) in 1960. AMS is a membership organization based in the United States, with members in other countries too. It affiliates teacher education programs, issues credentials to their graduates, and accredits schools (AMS). In the US Department of Education’s 2021-22 private school survey, 1,260 private schools reported AMS membership (NCES, Table 14).

Organization Mission

• Advance Montessori education
• Support member schools
• Advocate for Montessori education
• Promote research

Key Services

• Teacher credentials
• School accreditation
• Professional development
• Educational resources

Certification Programs

AMS offers a full credential, which requires a bachelor’s degree, and an associate credential for candidates with a high school diploma or GED. The associate credential exists only at the Infant & Toddler and Early Childhood levels. AMS says a credential typically takes one to two years to earn, with in-person or blended coursework followed by a yearlong practicum (AMS).

Infant & Toddler (Birth to 3)

Program Content

• Child development
• Environmental design
• Observation techniques
• Parent partnerships

Requirements

• Academic phase
• Practicum year
• Final documentation

Early Childhood (2.5 to 6)

Core Studies

• Montessori philosophy
• Practical life & sensorial
• Language & mathematics
• Cultural subjects

Certification Process

• Coursework completion
• Student teaching
• Portfolio development

Elementary Programs

Elementary I (6 to 9)

• Advanced mathematics
• Language arts
• Cultural studies
• Cosmic education

Elementary II (9 to 12)

• Advanced curriculum
• Research methods
• Integrated studies
• Leadership development

AMS also offers a combined Elementary I-II credential for ages 6 to 12.

Secondary Programs

AMS credentials at this level are Secondary I (12 to 15) and Secondary I-II (12 to 18). AMS also offers an Administrator credential and a Montessori Inclusion Endorsement.

School Accreditation

Accreditation Process

Requirements

• AMS school membership
• Verification that the school upholds five core components (trained teachers, multi-age classrooms, Montessori materials, child-directed work and uninterrupted work periods)
• Approval as an accreditation candidate
• A self-study and written report
• An onsite visit by peers from other AMS-accredited schools

What It Tells Parents

• An outside review of the whole school, including governance, finances and facilities
• Peer visits that check classroom practice against AMS standards
• A renewal cycle, so the review is repeated over time

Professional Development

Ongoing Education

• Annual conference
• Webinars
• Regional workshops
• Online courses

Member Resources

• Research library
• Teaching materials
• Peer networking
• Publications

Costs & Timelines

Program Costs

Each AMS-affiliated teacher education program sets its own tuition and fees, and AMS does not publish a single price list. Costs differ by level, location and format.

Program Timelines

Academic Phase

• In-person or hybrid coursework
• Schedules vary by program, from summer sessions to courses spread across the school year
• AMS does not affiliate fully online programs (AMS)

Practicum Phase

• A yearlong practicum with a mentor
• Teachers already employed at a Montessori school may complete it there
• Observation and supervision visits, as set by the program

Financial Assistance

Questions to Ask Each Program

• Do you offer payment plans or scholarships?
• Is federal student aid available for this program?
• Can my employer sponsor part of the cost?

Finding a Program

AMS’s program directory can be filtered by credential level, program type and delivery method. MACTE’s list of accredited programs covers AMS programs and those from other organizations. Contact each program for current schedules, prices and admission rules.