Dr. Maria Montessori

Dr. Maria Montessori, often considered the first female physician in Italy, transformed the landscape of education. The Montessori method prioritizes the unique and specific needs of the child at each stage of development. Montessori recognized that each individual learns differently and at their own pace. Through direct observation of children, she created a new type of classroom: a prepared environment, to accommodate and stimulate the individual interests of her students.

Within each learning environment, young children are given endless opportunities to think critically, work collaboratively, construct their own knowledge, gain independence, and care for themselves, their community and environment. Classroom Guides offer lessons to individuals and small groups of children using materials specifically designed and engineered to increase and enhance the education of each child.

The Montessori method has successfully been in existence for over a century.

Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) Accreditation

AMI is the organization that was created by Maria Montessori, and continues to be supported by generations of her family, to carry out her mission and vision. AMI offers rigorous and thorough teacher training, offering trainees the opportunity to attain an internationally-recognized and highly regarded AMI Montessori diploma.

Since the name “Montessori” lacks trademark status, any school or childcare facility can claim to offer an authentic Montessori education. However, only those schools accredited by AMI, the Association Montessori Internationale—as The Montessori Training Center is—fully adhere to the principles and educational method developed by Dr. Maria Montessori.

AMI maintains standards of teacher training, offers conferences, approves the production of Montessori materials and through AMI-USA, a branch office, approves accreditation of schools.

At the Montessori Lab School, you will see:

All Guides hold AMI teaching diplomas specific to the age group they are serving
Multi-age classrooms with a well-balanced division of ages
Daily, uninterrupted work periods that honor the child’s developmental needs and intrinsic desire to learn
A complete set of AMI approved Montessori materials in each classroom

Reading Suggestions

Montessori Madness: A Parent to Parent Argument for Montessori Education – Eissler, Trevor
Montessori from the Start: The Child at Home, from Birth to Age Three – Jessen, Lynn Lillard & Lillard, Paula Polk
The Absorbent Mind – Montessori, Maria
The Secret of Childhood – Montessori, Maria
Maria Montessori: Her Life and Work –Standing, E.M.
Montessori: The Science Behind the Genius – Lillard, Angeline Stoll
Understanding the Human Being: The Importance of the First Three Years of Life – Montanaro, Silvana
The Montessori Toddler: A Parent’s Guide to Raising a Curious and Responsible Human Being – Davies, Simone