AMS & MACTE accredited · San Diego, CA
Accredited Montessori teacher training in San Diego for Early Childhood (ages 2½–6) and Elementary (ages 6–12). Learn in a summer intensive, then teach in a real Montessori classroom during your year-long practicum.
Questions? Call our Program Director at (858) 673-1756
Our programs
Each program combines summer coursework, a year-long practicum in a Montessori classroom and a final assessment for your AMS credential.
Learn to guide a Montessori preschool and kindergarten classroom: Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Math and Cultural Studies.
Prepare to teach lower elementary: math and geometry, language, geography, history, biology and cosmic education.
Add the upper elementary years to your training and earn one credential that covers the full 6–12 span.
How training works
Every MCTE program follows the same three steps, with most coursework held in the summer.
Study Montessori philosophy and child development, and practice presenting each material hands-on. Classes meet Monday–Friday in the summer, with monthly seminars during the school year.
Teach for a full school year at an approved Montessori school that you arrange. An MCTE field consultant visits to observe and support you during the year.
Return the next summer for two written exams and one oral exam. Then MCTE recommends you to the American Montessori Society for your credential.
Training takes place at our host school, Country Montessori School in Poway (San Diego County).
Why MCTE
You learn from experienced Montessori educators, inside a working Montessori school.
Teaching with purpose
Meet teachers at our host school, Country Montessori School, and see the kind of classroom you will be trained to lead.
Questions
Quick answers about credentials, schedules, cost and the practicum year.
Yes. The Montessori Center for Teacher Education is accredited by the American Montessori Society (AMS) and the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE). MCTE is also approved to operate by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE).
Not for Early Childhood. You can start with a high school diploma or GED and earn the AMS Associate Early Childhood Credential, then upgrade to the full AMS Early Childhood Credential once you finish a bachelor's degree. Elementary programs require a bachelor's degree.
Coursework is in person during the summer, Monday through Friday, at our host school, Country Montessori School in Poway (San Diego County). Enrollment opens in January, and 2027 dates will be posted soon.
Our 2026 tuition was $10,600 for Early Childhood, $11,600 for Elementary I and $17,900 for the combined Elementary I–II credential. Tuition includes AMS student membership, credentialing fees, all textbooks, teacher manuals and field consultant visits. 2027 tuition will be posted soon.
No. You arrange your own practicum at an approved Montessori school, such as a school where you already work or plan to work. During your practicum year, an MCTE field consultant visits to observe and support you.
Often, yes. Many Montessori schools offer tuition help in exchange for a commitment to teach at their school after you finish training. Ask the school where you work or plan to do your practicum.
No. Our coursework is held in person so you can practice hands-on with the full set of Montessori materials. All coursework is in English, and visa sponsorship is not available.
More questions? Ask our Program Director →
Request info
Tell us a little about yourself, and Program Director Karin Osterberg will follow up with dates, tuition and next steps for the 2027 cohort.
Prefer to call or email? (858) 673-1756 · karino@countrymontessori.org
Accreditation
MCTE is accredited by AMS and MACTE and approved to operate by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education.
116 East 16th Street
New York, NY 10003
Phone: 212-358-1250
Fax: 212-358-1256
Email: ams@amshq.org
420 Park Street
Charlottesville, VA 22902
Phone: (434) 202-7793
Email: info@MACTE.org
P.O. Box 980818
West Sacramento, CA 95798-0818
MCTE is a private institution and is approved to operate by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education. Approval to operate means compliance with state standards as set forth in CEC and 5, CCR.
Montessori Center for Teacher Education welcomes diversity in our student body, faculty and staff. We adhere to a policy of non-discrimination in regard to race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation and gender identity.
