Elementary (6-12 years) Diploma Program

The AMI Montessori Diploma Course for Elementary (6–12) at MTCNE is an in-depth and internationally recognized training program that prepares adults to guide children through a critical stage of intellectual and social development. Grounded in the pedagogy of Dr. Maria Montessori and accredited by the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI), this course equips educators to nurture curiosity, reasoning, imagination, and independence in children ages 6 to 12.

What You’ll Learn: A Transformational Learning Experience

This rigorous program blends Montessori theory with rich hands-on experiences, classroom observations, and supervised teaching practice. Students are trained to deliver an integrated curriculum that supports children’s moral, social, and academic growth in a dynamic and interconnected way.

Course Highlights

• 440+ hours of classroom-based instruction

• 140+ hours of supervised practice with Montessori materials

• 210+ hours of observation and practicum in AMI Montessori classrooms

• In-depth study of Montessori theory, child development, and educational philosophy

• Integrated approach to language, mathematics, geometry, history, biology, and the physical sciences

• Exploration of cultural subjects including geography, music, and the arts

• Extensive reading, material making, and written coursework

Program Content

Course components include:

• Montessori philosophy and the psychology of the 6–12 child

• A child-centered, interdisciplinary curriculum fostering critical thinking and creativity

• Language development from vocabulary and grammar to composition and literature

• Mathematical concepts from arithmetic to algebra and geometry

• Studies in the physical and life sciences, history, geography, and ecology

• Integration of music, movement, and visual arts into the everyday environment

• Classroom observation, leadership, and communication with parents

• Supervised teaching practice and the development of original teaching albums

• View the AMI Montessori Diploma Elementary (6-12) Course Brochure to learn more about the curriculum

Steps to AMI Certification

To be eligible to sit for the written and oral examinations, which are required for certification, students must successfully complete all components of the training program as established by the Training Center. These requirements include:

• Maintaining a minimum of 90% attendance in all theory lectures, material demonstrations, discussions, reviews, and assigned reading seminars.
• Attending 100% of supervised practice sessions, with a minimum of 140 hours completed.

To receive the AMI Diploma, students must:

• Achieve a passing mark on Written Papers A & B1/B2 and the oral examinations.
• Complete, compile, and submit original and acceptable albums in all required subject areas.
• Fulfill all course requirements, including preparation of materials, completion of assigned observations and observation reports, and participation in teaching practice as scheduled.

Why Train at MTCNE

As the only AMI-affiliated training center in the Northeastern United States, MTCNE is dedicated to preparing high-quality Montessori practitioners through rigorous and authentic training grounded in Dr. Maria Montessori’s original principles.

We have a longstanding commitment to supporting Montessori for all families and at every stage of development, ensuring our graduates are equipped to serve diverse communities with skill, integrity, and compassion.

Through our pedagogical partnership with the University of Hartford, students benefit from the rigor of an established academic institution while engaging in immersive, practice-based Montessori training. This collaboration strengthens both the scholarly foundation and professional pathways available to our students.

Graduates of the Elementary program join a global network of educators dedicated to excellence and to advancing peace through education by centering the rights of the child and guiding them through the vision of Cosmic Education—helping children understand their place in the universe and their responsibility to care for it and one another.

Who Should Apply

This program is designed for individuals who are passionate about guiding children ages 6–12 during a critical stage of exploration, imagination, and reasoning. It is ideal for:

• Aspiring Montessori educators seeking an AMI Elementary diploma

• Current Montessori teachers or assistants who wish to deepen their practice

• Educators from traditional settings looking to transition into Montessori

• Professionals with backgrounds in education, child development, or related fields

• Parents or caregivers who want to better understand the Montessori approach to elementary-aged children

Applicants should be prepared for, and committed to, an in-depth course of study at the post-secondary level, requiring sustained engagement, academic rigor, and personal dedication.