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Elementary I Montessori Teacher Training Course

Course Description
The Elementary I Montessori Teacher Training Program prepares adult learners to teach children ages 6 to 9 years old. This AMS-accredited program combines Montessori philosophy with core academic studies and practical classroom experience.

Core subjects include Mathematics and Geometry, Language, Geography, History, Biology, Physical Sciences, Curriculum Design, and Classroom Leadership. In addition, the course includes Montessori Philosophy, Child Development, Practical Life, Movement and Physical Education, Art, and Music.

This program is designed for the adult learner seeking Montessori credentialing for the Elementary I level (ages 6 – 9).

Prerequisites

  • An Early Childhood Credential from an AMS, NCME, or another MACTE-accredited Montessori Teacher Education Program, or completion of the 40-hour Early Childhood Overview (cost not included in Elementary tuition fees).
  • At least 60 college-level units are required to enroll in the Academic Component for credential credit.
  • A bachelor’s degree is required to begin the Credential Component (practicum and final assessment).
  • Adult learners without 60 college units may attend the Academic Component as audit participants (information-only, non-credential track).

For additional credential information, visit the American Montessori Society (AMS) and Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE).

Course Components

The program consists of three core components:

Academic Component
Held primarily over two summers, this phase includes approximately 325 instructional hours. Classes meet Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Additional seminars take place during the school year—either two Saturdays or one Wednesday afternoon per month (3:15 – 5:15 p.m.).

Practicum Component
Following the second summer, students complete a full-year internship (1,080 hours) in an approved Montessori Elementary school. The practicum allows learners to apply Montessori principles under the guidance of experienced mentors in authentic classrooms.

Final Assessment Component
After the practicum, students return the following summer for two written examinations and one oral examination. This comprehensive assessment evaluates academic knowledge and classroom readiness.

For state approval details, see the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE).

Elementary I – Course Description

If Adult Learners do not wish to take the entire credential program, they may elect to participate solely in the academic component. The minimum requirement for attending the academic component is 60 credits from a regionally accredited college/university and permission of the Course Director. The minimum requirement for participating in the Practicum Phase is a 4-year college degree from a regionally accredited college/university.

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.

Begin Your Montessori Journey

The Elementary I Teacher Training Program equips you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to guide lower-elementary children through an engaging, hands-on Montessori curriculum.

Contact Us to learn more about admission requirements, schedules, and tuition details, or visit the Courses Page to explore additional credential levels.

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.