American Montessori Society

The American Montessori Society (AMS) is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the quality, authenticity, and integrity of Montessori education worldwide. Established in 1960 by educator Nancy McCormick Rambusch, AMS has grown to serve over 19,000 members across more than 70 countries.

AMS offers a comprehensive range of services to support Montessori educators, schools, and families. One of its primary functions is accrediting Montessori schools, ensuring they adhere to high standards of education.

The organization also affiliates with teacher education programs, providing resources and support to develop skilled Montessori educators. Additionally, AMS offers professional development opportunities, including access to over 175 on-demand videos covering various topics in Montessori education.

Five Core Components of Montessori Education

• Properly Trained Montessori Teachers: Educators with the necessary credentials to implement Montessori principles effectively.
• Multi-Age Classrooms: Classrooms that span three-year age groups, fostering mentorship and leadership among students.
• Specially Designed Montessori Learning Materials: Materials that encourage self-directed learning and intrinsic motivation.
• Child-Directed Work: Allowing students to choose their activities, promoting sustained attention and engagement.
• Uninterrupted Work Periods: Providing extended periods for students to work at their own pace without interruptions.

AMS also plays a significant role in research and public policy, advocating for Montessori education and supporting related activities.

Location

The organization is headquartered in New York City, New York.

Additional location:

• New Rochelle, NY, USA

Additional Services

For those interested in finding a Montessori school, AMS provides a directory of accredited institutions, ensuring families can locate schools committed to high-fidelity Montessori practices.

In summary, the American Montessori Society is a pivotal organization in the Montessori community, offering resources, support, and advocacy to ensure the continued growth and integrity of Montessori education worldwide.