The AMI Elementary diploma program offers an in-depth study of Montessori theory and practice for individuals who aspire to work with children aged six to twelve. Learners thoroughly explore Montessori principles, teaching techniques, and elementary content lessons as offered in the Montessori lower and upper elementary classrooms.

The children at this age explore the universe through their imaginations and growing reasoning minds. A combination of inspiring stories, hands-on materials, and self-directed activity, guided by the development of individual and social responsibility, gives the children the interest and skills needed to explore traditional academic studies, as well as music, art, and drama. The Montessori teacher offers opportunities for collaborative intellectual exploration in which the children’s interests are supported and guided. The trained adult also supports the development of self-confidence, imagination, intellectual independence, and self-efficacy.

The Montessori teacher works with the developmental characteristics of elementary children, guiding them through an integrated curriculum that fosters a deep understanding of their role in their community, in their culture, and in the natural world. The Montessori teacher forms a strong bond with the children and is able to support their individual strengths as well as address any difficulties that arise. By drawing deeply upon the stories of human history and our knowledge of the universe, students will learn how to communicate to children the keys to exploring the awe-inspiring and interconnected nature of our world. This intensive program provides a solid foundation for the Montessori elementary teacher’s work.

• Learner Handbook

Students in the Elementary program produce comprehensive teaching manuals to support their ongoing work with children: Biology, Geography, History, Mathematics, Geometry, Language, Music, Art, and Montessori Theory and Implementation. These teaching manuals form a large component of the student's work throughout the program and are based on demonstrations and lectures given by the trainers, and on the students’ work with staff and other members of the cohort in class and through collaborative work. Students create many of their own classroom materials, used as keys to spark the children’s imaginations and help them grasp core concepts.

In addition, students in the Elementary Training program will complete the required number of Observation hours and Practice Teaching in AMI elementary classrooms during the academic year. These arrangements are made by the student under the guidance of the training team.

Observation and Student Teaching hours for AMI 6-12 Diploma Program are:

100 hours for Observation.
This breaks down to 90 hours at the 6-12 level and 10 at the 3-6 level.

All of the 3-6 level hours must be done in a classroom run by an AMI 3-6 diploma holder.

The Observation hours for the 6-12 level will be divided into three "sessions." The first two 30-hour sessions must take place in classrooms run by AMI 6-12 diploma holders at the appropriate level in a classroom other than that in which the student works. The last 30 hours can be done in the classroom in which the student works (whether they are the main or only teacher or if they are an assistant) if (1) the student works in a Montessori classroom at the appropriate level and (2) the student remains in "good standing" on the course.

("Good standing" means that the student is not behind on work and has appropriate attendance and class participation.)

120 hours for Practice Teaching.
This breaks down to two 60-hour sessions.

The first 60 hours must be done in a classroom other than that in which the student might work. The class must be run by an AMI 6-12 diploma holder. The second 60-hour session can be done in the students own classroom (whether they are the main or only teacher or if they are an assistant) if (1) the student works in a Montessori classroom with the full complement of materials at the appropriate age level and (2) the student remains in "good standing" on the course.

Comprehensive written and oral examinations at the end of the program allow each student to express and share how they have met the standards of the Association Montessori Internationale.

6-12 Booklist
Off-Campus Resource List

Students will purchase books independently. You will be provided a booklist prior to the program of the required and suggested books to purchase. Many of the books are now available from various sellers in an eBook format.

You will receive specific guidance about exact requirements at the start of the program, but all students will need these items to start:

• Computer, all-in-one printer, and internet access

• Ample note-taking supplies (ie: large multi-subject notebooks)

• Colored pencils for album illustrations

• Copy paper

The AMI Elementary program requires students to create teacher made materials which will be used in the classroom. This material making requirement will be met by making several different classroom materials for use in the areas of math, language and biology. Students will also create original stories for use in the classroom in each area of study.

Costs vary depending on the supplier and thriftiness. Students can expect to spend approximately $1,000 for album-making materials, printing, ink, paper, notebooks, binders, and art supplies throughout the program.

With a river running right through downtown and landscapes ranging from basalt columns to mountain lakes, Spokane lives up to its motto: "Near Nature, Near Perfect”. The city offers abundant green space and easy access to numerous lakes, ski resorts, mountains, and bike paths. Learn more at Visit Spokane.

Our program takes place at 300 W Hawthorne Rd, Spokane, WA 99251 on the beautiful Whitworth University campus. Situated near various dining, shopping, pharmaceutical and medical care options, providing both walking and driving accessibility, with a plethora of options to cater to your specific needs. 

• Off-Campus Resources

On-campus housing is provided by Whitworth University. Learners stay in affordable on-campus housing, with access to campus facilities open during the summer. On-campus housing is for learners only. If you plan to come with your family, you will need to find alternate accommodations. However, our colleagues at Whitworth are happy to help learners find off-campus housing if necessary.

Summer housing will be a flat fee, regardless of the date of check-in / check-out. There will be an opportunity for learners to apply to be Resident Advisors for each of the program dates (they must be Whitworth M.Ed. Program learners) and if accepted, they will receive free housing during their stay on campus. This application will be sent out along with the regular housing application.

2026 Whitworth Campus Summer Housing:

• 2026-2027 Program (Onsite Block 1) - Check-in June 5 or after, Check-out July 12 or before - $853

• 37 nights @ $19/night = $703 + $150 Admin Fee ($75 Refundable) = $853

• Registration will be available soon!

Off-Campus Housing Resources:

• Zillow Spokane

• Apartments Spokane

• Craigslist Spokane

• VRBO Spokane

• AirBNB Spokane

If your staying on campus, all you’ll need is comfy pair of shoes to get you to class every morning. If you choose to stay of campus, Whitworth is easily accessible on foot, bike, or public transportation. There is on campus parking if you plan to drive.

Learner life at MNW incorporates the use of technology. This means regularly receiving important information by email, accessing documents digitally, downloading, and uploading files from a hard drive or cloud to Google Shared Drives and Populi (our learning management system), and using Zoom. Adequate internet access and speed, and audio/video capacity are all necessary to engage in online classes and discussion groups. The majority of the work a learner completes involves word processing and preparing illustrations by hand, then scanning and uploading them for review.

Learners will need a laptop computer when attending the in-person blocks of the program. A desktop or laptop computer can be used during the distance blocks. Consistent high-speed internet access is also necessary to participate in the program. While in class for the in-person blocks, learners will be able to connect to MNW’s network.

2026-2027 AMI 6-12 Diploma Program

Director of Training: Allan Nguyen

Location: Online and at Whitworth University - Spokane, WA

Dates: April 4, 2026 - July 9, 2027‍ ‍View Calendar

Tuition & Fees: Application Fee: $150 (non-refundable); Tuition: $17,500+ additional fees for certain payment options - View Sample Enrollment Agreement; Learners are also required to become an AMI member ($99)

Schedule:
Online Classes:

• April 4, 2026 - May 15, 2027

• Typically every other Saturday (view calendar for specific dates)

• 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

On-site Block #1:

• June 8 - July 10, 2026

• Weekdays + Saturday, June 20, 2026 (No class June 19, 2026)

• 8:30 am - 5:00 pm

On-site Block #2:

• June 1 - July 9, 2027

• Weekdays + Saturday, June 12 & 26, 2027

• 8:30 am - 5:00 pm (M-F) & 8:00 am - 12:00 pm (Sat)

– – –

2025-2026 AMI 6-12 Diploma Program

Director of Training: Ellen Lebitz

Location: Online and at Whitworth University - Spokane, WA

Dates: April 29, 2025 (starts online)- August 1, 2026 View Calendar

Tuition & Fees: Application Fee: $150 (non-refundable); Tuition: $17,000 + additional fees for certain payment options - View Sample Enrollment Agreement; Learners are also required to become an AMI member ($99)

Schedule:

• Distance Block #1: April 29, 30 & May 6, 7, 14 & 21, 2025, 4:00 - 7:00 pm (PT)

• Onsite Block #1: May 27 - June 18, 2025, Weekdays 8:30 am - 5:00 pm (PT)

• Distance Block #2: July 16, 2025 - June 3, 2026 - See Calendar for online class dates and times

• Onsite Block #2: June 22 - August 1, 2026, Weekdays 8:30 am - 5:00 pm (PT)