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  • Applications must be submitted annually as certificates are valid only for the current school year. For best results, clear your browser's cache before proceeding with this form. To save and continue this application later, click the save button at the bottom of the form.

    Submission of this application confirms you have read the 2025-26 AMI/USA Aspiring Schools Program details and you agree to the processes, policies, and costs. We are here to support you! Please contact AMI/USA with any questions or if another payment option is needed.

  • 2025-26 Application for Aspiring Schools

    It is a requirement for certification that a school abide by all local, state and federal ordinances, statutes, rules and regulations. AMI/USA reserves the right to refuse or revoke certification whenever school activities are inconsistent with AMI/USA aims or when fees due are outstanding more than 30 days.
  • General Information

    Answer all questions with reference to the situation at the time of completing the application and related to program levels seeking certificate only. Incomplete or inaccurate submissions can cause a delay in application review and processing.
  • Format: (000) 000-0000.
  • Click here if Public School*
  • Select One
  • Program Information

  • Select one or more program levels for this application. Assistants to Infancy includes all classes for ages 0-3, both Nido and Infant Community.*
  • Staff Information

    The teacher for each class for programs seeking certification should be listed below. Diploma details are required for AMI trained teachers only and only at the level they are teaching. Be as complete as possible, this information will be verified. Teachers listed agree to AMI diploma verification. Include names of all teachers, whether they hold AMI diplomas.
  • Classroom Information

    Note details for each class in programs applying for certification at the time of completing this application, including those taught by non-AMI teachers. Assistants to Infancy program level includes all classes for ages 0-3, both Nido and Infant Community. For all-day classes with two overlapping teachers, include both teacher names in the "Name of Teacher" field. For Elementary programs, list the number of children who attended an AMI 3-6 class.
  • Do all children attend school 5 days a week (4 or 5 days for Assistants to Infancy classes)?*
  • Does your school meet state and local requirements?*
  • Do any persons or institutions, other than those authorized by AMI, exercise pedagogical influence on the work of the teacher?*
  • Has the school administrator received an AMI Teaching diploma? AMI training for administrators is not a requirement.*
  • Pedagogical Questions

    Answer all questions for program levels seeking certification at the time of completing this application. Provide explanations in the comments area when requested.
  • Answer the following questions for ages 0-12.

  • Is every class in the age groups applied directed by an AMI diploma holder at that level?
  • Is there team teaching or more than one Montessori trained adult presenting lessons in a classroom?
  • Is each teacher with the group of children for both morning and afternoon work periods?
  • Do the children stay in their classroom environments for both morning and afternoon work periods?
  • Is there more than one assistant in any classroom?
  • Is there a complete set of AMI approved materials for each classroom?
  • Answer the following question for ages 0-3.

  • For the Infant Community, is there a 2-hour uninterrupted work period every morning?
  • Answer the following questions for ages 3-6 and 6-12.

  • For Primary and Elementary programs, is there a 3-hour uninterrupted work period five mornings per week?
  • For Primary and Elementary programs, are specialized subjects scheduled during the work period?
  • Answer the following questions for ages 12-18.

  • Is there at least one AMI diploma holder functioning as the lead teacher or as a team member who is in a position to offer pedagogical guidance to the team? Note: multiple adults, both generalists and specialists, are expected to collaborate as a team, guided by Montessori principles, for the third plane.
  • Are there adequate and necessary materials and tools to support the independent and collaborative work of the community?
  • Are long work cycles included in the schedule?
  • Are integrated Study and Work opportunities central to the adolescents’ experience?
  • Are practical work responsibilities part of everyday life?
  • AMI/USA Membership Information

  • Membership Requirements for the AMI/USA Aspiring Program

    • For ages 0-12, the administrator and each classroom teacher must have current AMI/USA memberships through June 30, 2026.
    • For ages 12-18, the lead teacher and administrator are required to have a current AMI/USA membership through June 30, 2026.

    For Affiliated and Associated programs, AMI/USA membership is required for all teachers even if they are not AMI trained.

    All are welcome to join!

    Membership Tiers:

    $125 Supporter Level
    $175 Champion Level
    $250 Ambassador Level
    $350 Ambassador Plus

    List name, email and level for all whom a membership fee will be for paid below.

  • Payment Details

    Make the appropriate selections below that align with the documentation provided in this application. All fees are prepaid. Applications are reviewed only after payment is received. Save on convenience fees if paying by check or ACH.
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                Application Fee

                The application fee is non-refundable.

                $100.00
                  
                Membership Supporter Level

                Membership fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.

                $125.00
                  
                Membership Champion Level

                Membership fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.

                $175.00
                  
                Membership Level Ambassador

                Membership fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.

                $250.00
                  
                Membership Level Ambassador Plus

                Membership fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.

                $350.00
                  
                Aspiring School Certificate Fee

                Indicate the total number of classrooms seeking certification.

                $500.00
                  
                Subtotal
                $0.00
                Tax
                $0.00
                Total
                $0.00

                Credit Card
                Billing Address
              • Signature

                I hereby certify that the statements set forth in this application are true. My signature confirms that I have read the 2025-26 AMI/USA Aspiring Schools Program details and agree to the processes, policies, and costs of the programs.
              • After clicking "Submit", make sure your application has been submitted: 1) let the page refresh, 2) scroll down, 3) the following message should appear: "Thank you for submitting the 2025-26 Application for Aspiring Schools. You will be receiving an email shortly with a copy of your application and further information." If there was a problem with your submission, required fields will be highlighted in red.

                In becoming an AMI/USA Member School, your program is participating in the vitality of our organization and helping to continue the legacy of Montessori education. Your partnership is sincerely appreciated!

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