Beach Montessori School: Association Montessori Internationale (AMI)

AMI

Beach Montessori School is owned, operated and staffed by AMI trained and certified teachers.

What is AMI?

The AMI, or, Association Montessori Internationale, is the governing body founded by Dr. Maria Montessori, in 1929, and is currently overseen by Dr. Montessori’s granddaughter Renilde.

Why AMI?

Dr. Montessori never felt the need to copyright or trademark her own name. She felt that what she offered in education belonged to the world. In Dr. Montessori’s own words:

"I have studied the child. I have taken what the child has given me and expressed it and that is what is called the Montessori method."

However, once Dr. Montessori saw the burgeoning popularity of her philosophy, she began to see that many schools were attaching her name without adhering to her methods! Indeed, before the founding of the AMI, there was no way of knowing how, or even if, teachers had been trained. With no regulation affixed to the Montessori name, were Dr. Montessori’s methods being followed? Were appropriate materials being used? Were the interests of the child being served?

With the establishment of the AMI, Dr. Montessori was able to protect the integrity of her work. The AMI is the only organization established by Dr. Montessori, and, as such, has ensured that her life’s work is perpetuated in accordance with her pedagogical and philosophical guidelines.

Why choose an AMI-affiliated school?

By choosing an AMI-affiliated school, you are assured of an authentic Montessori education for your child. At Beach Montessori School, with its AMI-trained owner and teachers, we are committed to upholding Dr. Montessori’s methods and philosophy.

As an AMI-affiliated school, what does Beach Montessori guarantee?

Only authentic Montessori materials and exercises are used.
Three-year age mix in the classroom. This fosters social development.
Non-competitive environment. Your child progresses at his/her own pace, and is not graded nor tested.
Freedom of choice. Through freedom, your child develops her/his own self-discipline.
Independence in movement. Independence is the path to self-confidence. Scientific research has shown that movement actually facilitates learning!
The teacher, or Directress, as a guide, or facilitator. The teacher is not the focal point of the classroom.
Uninterrupted work periods. This enables your child to develop the ability to focus and concentrate for long periods of time.
The classroom is designed for the child. Everything is scaled to size for use by children. In Dr. Montessori’s words, a Montessori classroom is a Casa di Bambini – a Children’s House.