Q: Are all Montessori schools part of the same chain or franchise system? What does AMI recognition mean?

No. Unfortunately, Maria Montessori did not trademark her name and -- as such -- no controls are put on its use.

In fact, of the thousands of schools bearing the Montessori name in this country, only about 4% offer teachers and classroom materials certified by the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI), the organization founded by Dr. Montessori to ensure that the method is properly implemented.

The International Montessori Academy is proud to be one of only a few preschools in the region conferred with full recognition by the Association Montessori International. This means that we follow Dr. Montessori’s principles and practices in their original integrity and completeness and that our staff and classroom materials all conform to AMI’s highest standards.

Q: How can I tell a "good" Montessori preschool from the rest?

Obviously the definition of a good preschool is open to interpretation. However, in order to determine whether a school offers the Montessori Method as conceived by Dr. Maria Montessori, ask whether the instructors and assistants are certified by the Association Montesssori Internationale. Also, ask if the classroom materials are authentic Montessori materials certified by AMI. You will notice that most authentic Montessori materials are not made of synthetic materials like plastic or rubber. Rather, they are made of wood and polished glass, organic substances which children find inherently beautiful and fascinating.

Recognition by the Association Montessori International provides you an assurance that the staff, materials and methodologies offered all conform to the highest standards for Montessori education as originally conceived by Dr. Montessori. The International Montessori Academy is proud to be one of only a handful of schools in the region that have received this recognition.

Q: Do children have fun at a Montessori preschool?

Yes! Maria Montessori recognized the fundamental truth that play is a child's work. As such, her method is designed to appeal to children as a form of fun play while simultaneously bestowing upon them important educational precepts.

Dr. Montessori's studies taught her that -- unlike adults -- young children must learn abstract concepts through concrete, physical examples and objects. For instance, a three-year-old child cannot grasp the mathematical concept of addition simply through verbal explanation. Rather, the child must touch and see physical examples of adding objects to a group. Montessori children "play" with specially developed materials designed to both fascinate and entertain them through visual and tactile stimulation.

Naturally, we also set aside plenty of time to run, climb, slide, socialize and play outside, as healthy children should.

Q: Do children have difficulty making the transition from a Montessori preschool into a traditional school?

Should you wish your child to continue in a Montessori environment upon graduation from one of the International Montessori Preschool, we will be pleased to provide referrals to a number of excellent Montessori elementary schools. Should you prefer to move your child into a traditional school at that time however, rest assured that children who have attended our school are often among the most advanced in their class once placed in a traditional school. Upon enrollment in a traditional environment, their educational needs are the same as children everywhere; to be challenged and taught according to their unique aptitudes and abilities. We will be happy to counsel you on what the best alternatives for your child will be upon graduation.