AMS & MACTE accredited · Ages 6–12
Elementary I–II Montessori Teacher Training in San Diego
Our Elementary I–II Montessori teacher training prepares you to teach children ages 6–12 in one continuous sequence. Earn the AMS Elementary I–II credential through 500 hours of coursework, a year-long practicum and a final assessment.
Questions? Call our Program Director at (858) 673-1756
- 500 hours of coursework
- 1,080-hour practicum
- Lower and upper elementary
- 2027 dates coming soon
What you'll learn
The Montessori curriculum for ages 6–12
Study Montessori philosophy alongside every academic and cultural subject across the full elementary span, from lower (6–9) to upper (9–12) elementary.
- 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–II credential
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Academic coursework
500 hours in summer sessions, Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.: the Elementary I coursework plus a 175-hour Elementary II (9–12) component.
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Practicum year
A full school year (1,080 hours) teaching at an approved Montessori school that you arrange, after the academic coursework. An MCTE field consultant visits to observe and support you.
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Final assessment
Return the summer after your practicum for two written exams and one oral exam. Then MCTE recommends you to the American Montessori Society for your credential.
The Elementary II (9–12) component is offered every other year, usually the summer after your second Elementary I session. In 2026 it ran July 13–August 7. 2027 dates are coming soon. See the schedule →
Requirements and cost
What you need to enroll
Elementary I–II has the same entry requirements as Elementary I. 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 before your final assessment (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 may audit the coursework (no practicum). Regular tuition and fees apply. This track does not lead to a credential.
Tuition
Our 2026 combined tuition for Elementary I–II was $17,900. The Elementary II component alone, for those who have completed Elementary I, was $6,300. Tuition 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–II training FAQ
What is the difference between Elementary I and Elementary I–II?
Elementary I prepares you to teach ages 6–9. Elementary I–II adds a 175-hour Elementary II component so you can teach the full 6–12 range, for 500 hours of coursework in total.
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, preferably before coursework begins. 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 often is the Elementary II component offered?
Every other year, usually in the summer after your second Elementary I session. The 2026 session ran July 13–August 7. 2027 dates will be posted soon.
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.
Do you place me in a practicum school?
No. You arrange your own practicum at an approved Montessori 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–II training cost?
Our 2026 combined tuition for Elementary I–II was $17,900. The Elementary II component alone, for those who have completed Elementary I, was $6,300. 2027 tuition will be posted soon.
Ready to teach ages 6–12?
Talk with Program Director Karin Osterberg about the Elementary I–II pathway, 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.