Key Features of Montessori Programs
AMI is the acronym for the Association Montessori Internationale, the organization that Dr. Montessori established in 1929 to protect the integrity of her work. Unfortunately, “Montessori” is not a patented name. The AMI designation is internationally recognized as the highest standard of quality with regards to a Montessori school.
AMI also has set standards for Montessori classrooms. These standards include:
- There will be one AMI trained teacher at the appropriate age level in each class.
- Each class must be equipped with a full complement of Montessori materials from an approved AMI manufacturer.
- Each class will include a well-balanced division of ages within the appropriate age range as well as a suitable number of children.
- Each primary and elementary class will have prolonged uninterrupted work periods of 3 hours in the morning and 2 to 3 hours in the afternoon.
These standards are in keeping with Dr. Montessori’s teachings and they provide the structure for the establishment of a true, high quality Montessori school.