Admissions · Applications welcome year-round
Montessori Teacher Training Admissions
Montessori teacher training admissions at MCTE are simple and personal. Apply online, meet our Program Director for an interview and tour, then sign your enrollment agreement.
Questions? Call our Program Director at (858) 673-1756
How to apply
Three steps from inquiry to enrollment
We accept applications for Early Childhood, Elementary I and Elementary I–II training.
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Apply online
Submit the Early Childhood application or the Elementary application (for Elementary I and Elementary I–II).
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Interview and tour
Schedule an interview and tour with Program Director Karin Osterberg at karino@countrymontessori.org or (858) 673-1756.
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Enrollment agreement
Once you are accepted, sign your enrollment agreement to reserve your place in the cohort.
Admission requirements
Who can enroll
Early Childhood
- A high school diploma or GED is required.
- With a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university, you are recommended for the AMS Early Childhood credential.
- Without a bachelor's degree, you are recommended for the AMS Associate Early Childhood credential, which can be upgraded once you earn a bachelor's degree.
Elementary I and Elementary I–II
- A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
- An Early Childhood credential (AMS, NCME or other MACTE-accredited) or the 40-hour Early Childhood Overview.
- Applicants with a high school diploma only may audit the coursework (no practicum). Regular tuition and fees apply.
Official transcripts showing your highest level of education must be submitted before MCTE recommends you to AMS.
Good to know
Additional admissions information
- All coursework is in English. Applicants show English reading and writing proficiency with a U.S. high school diploma, GED or an equivalent language exam such as the TOEFL. MCTE does not provide ESL (English as a Second Language) instruction.
- MCTE has no articulation or transfer agreements with other colleges or universities.
- MCTE does not grant credit for prior experiential learning.
- Visa sponsorship is not available at this time.
Before you apply
Review the program details, schedule and costs, or read the School Catalog for full policies.
Questions
Admissions FAQ
When can I apply?
MCTE welcomes applications year-round. Apply early to secure your place in the next summer cohort. 2027 dates will be posted soon.
Do I need a college degree for Early Childhood training?
No. A high school diploma or GED is enough to start. With a bachelor's degree you earn the full AMS Early Childhood credential; without one you earn the AMS Associate Early Childhood credential, which you can upgrade later.
What do I need for Elementary training?
A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university, and an Early Childhood credential or the 40-hour Early Childhood Overview.
Is there an interview?
Yes. After you apply, you schedule an interview and tour with Program Director Karin Osterberg.
Do you offer visa sponsorship?
No. Visa sponsorship is not available at this time.
Can I transfer credit from another program?
MCTE has no articulation or transfer agreements with other colleges or universities and does not grant credit for prior experiential learning.
Ready to apply?
Choose your program application, or talk with Program Director Karin Osterberg first.
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.