Accreditation
Sunflower Montessori School is proud of its recognition by the
Association Montessori Internationale (AMI), the only organization Dr. Maria Montessori initiated to protect her teaching philosophy. Because any school may call itself a Montessori school, the AMI Certificate of Recognition offers credibility to a school’s status not only within the educational community as a whole, but also in the Montessori community. AMI recognition is the hallmark of a Montessori school that staunchly supports the Montessori principles and faithfully puts them into practice.
Some of the criteria schools must meet in order for consideration within the AMI community are:
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One AMI trained teacher.
- Assistants, if present, are non-teaching aides.
- A consultation by an AMI-trained consultant is conducted at least once every three years.
- A complete set of materials from an AMI authorized manufacturer, according to AMI training, is in each classroom.
- The philosophical approach is consistent with what is presented in AMI training courses:
- Classes made up of children representing at least a three year age range (Primary: 3 to 6 years old)
- Classes include a well-balanced division of ages, as well as an appropriate number of children to ensure social development.
- Classes are scheduled five days/week with substantial uninterrupted work periods provided each day.
- An extended day (afternoon period in addition to mornings) is provided five days/week for the older children in a primary class.