AMS & MACTE accredited · Ages 6–9
Elementary I Montessori Teacher Training in San Diego
Our Elementary I Montessori teacher training prepares you to lead a lower elementary classroom for children ages 6–9. Earn your AMS Elementary I credential through two summers of coursework, a year-long practicum and a final assessment.
Questions? Call our Program Director at (858) 673-1756
- About 325 hours over two summers
- 1,080-hour practicum
- EC credential or 40-hour Overview to start
- 2027 dates coming soon
What you'll learn
The Montessori Elementary I curriculum
Learn to guide 6- to 9-year-olds through hands-on Montessori lessons across every subject in a lower elementary classroom.
- Core subjects: Mathematics and Geometry, Language, Geography, History, Biology and Physical Sciences
- Curriculum design and classroom leadership
- Montessori philosophy and child development
- Practical Life, movement and physical education, art and music
How the program works
Three parts to your Elementary I credential
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Academic coursework
About 325 hours over two summers, Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
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Practicum year
After your second summer, a full school year (1,080 hours) teaching at an approved Montessori elementary school that you arrange. An MCTE field consultant visits to observe and support you.
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Final assessment
Return the following summer for two written exams and one oral exam. Then MCTE recommends you to the American Montessori Society for your credential.
The 2026 Elementary I summer session ran June 22–July 10. 2027 dates are coming soon. See the schedule →
Requirements and cost
What you need to enroll
Elementary I builds on Early Childhood Montessori training, and your college background decides which track you take.
Early Childhood foundation
An Early Childhood credential from AMS, NCME or another MACTE-accredited program, or completion of the 40-hour Early Childhood Overview (cost not included in Elementary tuition).
Bachelor's degree
You need to hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
Coursework only
Applicants with a high school diploma only, or who don't want the full credential, may audit the summer coursework (no practicum). Regular tuition and fees apply. This track does not lead to a credential.
Tuition
Our 2026 Elementary I tuition was $11,600 total. It covers AMS student membership, credentialing fees, all textbooks and teacher manuals and field consultant visits. 2027 tuition will be posted soon. Many Montessori schools offer tuition help in exchange for a commitment to teach there. Tuition details →
Questions
Elementary I training FAQ
Who is the Elementary I program for?
Adults who want to teach children ages 6–9 in a Montessori lower elementary classroom, including Early Childhood Montessori teachers who want to move up to elementary.
Do I need an Early Childhood credential first?
You need either an Early Childhood credential from AMS, NCME or another MACTE-accredited program, or to complete the 40-hour Early Childhood Overview. The Overview is not included in Elementary tuition.
Do I need a bachelor's degree?
Yes. You need to hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Applicants with a high school diploma only may audit the coursework (no practicum). Regular tuition and fees apply.
How long does the program take?
Plan on about two years: coursework over two summers, a practicum during the school year after your second summer, and a final assessment the following summer.
When do classes meet?
Summer coursework meets Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m., in person at Country Montessori School in Poway. During the school year, seminars meet two Saturdays a month. 2027 dates will be posted soon.
Do you place me in a practicum school?
No. You arrange your own practicum at an approved Montessori elementary school, such as a school where you already work or plan to work. An MCTE field consultant visits to observe and support you during the year.
How much does Elementary I training cost?
Our 2026 Elementary I tuition was $11,600 total. It covers AMS student membership, credentialing fees, all textbooks and teacher manuals and field consultant visits. 2027 tuition will be posted soon.
Ready to teach Montessori elementary?
Talk with Program Director Karin Osterberg about the 2027 Elementary I cohort, or start your application today.
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.