FAQs

Because the name Montessori was never copyrighted or patented, it means anyone or any organization can call themselves Montessori without getting certified or meeting a set of standards, and it can be difficult to know which are genuinely applying the principles and practices of Dr. Montessori. Here are some tips: 

1. Ask about the lead guide's training and qualifications (in a genuine Montessori school, usually 'guide' is used instead of 'teacher' is used). The major recognized Montessori training organizations are AMI, AMS, NAMC etc. I particularly recommend AMI (I'm AMI trained myself) as it is the training organization Dr. Montessori's family created to maintain the standard and integrity of their training and practices. Also if the guide completes the training 100% online without any practice or practicum in person, then it's almost guaranteed that the training they have received is not really legit. 

2. Look at the subject areas in the classroom. See if the classroom is organized into different areas with distinct functions. In the classroom for children under 3 years of age, there are 4 areas: Sensorial, Practical Life, Language and Art. In the classroom for children between 3 to 6, there are usually 5 areas: Sensorial, Practical Life, Language, Math, Culture. Make sure to ask about how the classroom is organized. 

​

​

(pictures of our school) 

​

​

3. Look at the classroom in general. Are there child-sized furniture, e.g. tables, chairs, shelves etc.? Are the materials and facilities (sink, toilet etc.) accessible to children? Are there really bright colors in the classroom that may distract the children? 

4. Look at the materials. Are they set out on shelves at the child's level? Are they attractively presented on trays or in baskets? Are they complete with all the parts? Are they based on real life?

5. Observe how the guides interact with children. Do they talk to the children respectfully as guides? Do they encourage the children to be independent? Do they treat each child as a unique individual? Do they sit down and just observe children when possible? Do they present the use of the materials to the children. Note that in the classroom for children under 3, guides only give individual presentations instead of group presentation. 

6. Observe the children. Are there mixed-age groups? Are they independent and given opportunities for individual work and concentration? Are they given hands-on understanding the world with concrete materials? Are they allowed to make discoveries for themselves through touching, exploring and working with the materials?

7. Ask about the daily schedule. Is there an uninterrupted work time (at least 1.5 to 2 hours for children under 3 and 3 hours for children 3-6)?