Are Public Montessori Programs Really “Montessori”?

Yes! While all Montessori classes should in essence be the same, some differences do exist among them. However, elements essential to a quality public Montessori program have been identified by these leading Montessori organizations:

• American Montessori Society (AMS)
• Association Montessori Internationale (AMI)
• North American Montessori Teachers’ Association (NAMTA)
• Montessori Education Programs International (MEPI)
• Southwestern Montessori Training Center (IND)

These organizations agree that quality Montessori public programs must include:

• Mixed-age classes
• Teachers with credentials from an accredited Montessori program
• Full complement of developmentally appropriate Montessori learning materials
• Montessori instructional approach throughout the program

You can read the complete recommendations in “Essential Elements of Successful Montessori Schools in the Public School Sector.”