US Montessori Organizations

American Montessori Consulting (AMC)
P.O. Box 5062
Rossmoor, CA 90720
voice: 562 598-2321
Email: amonco@aol.com or AMCNEWS1@aol.com

The "American Montessori Society" (AMS) is a nonprofit education society and non-discriminatory service organization founded in 1960 whose purpose is to help children develop their fullest potential through the educational principles of Maria Montessori. This includes the following: developing Montessori programs, accrediting schools, granting credentials, encouraging research, organizing seminars and symposia, and all other areas which relate to the dissemination of Montessori philosophy.

The AMS has become the collective voice of over twelve thousand Montessori certified teachers, schools, administrators, parents of Montessori school children, and interested friends committed to furthering Montessori philosophy and promoting better education for all children.

The "Association Montessori Internationale" was founded in 1929 by Dr. Maria Montessori to maintain the integrity of her lifes work, and to ensure that it would be perpetuated after her death.

• Providing guidance for AMI training courses
• Co-ordinating a Training of Trainers programme
• Encouraging the creation of Montessori schools
• Guiding approved manufacturers in the production of
• Montessori materials
• Overseeing the publication of Dr. Montessoris books
• Organising congresses and study conferences

All parents of students enrolled in the CKSD Montessori Program and interested individuals in the community may become members of the Montessori Parents Association (MPA). The MPA meets four times during the school year at either Jackson Park Elementary or Woodlands Elementary School to discuss issues relevant to the Montessori Program and to plan activities supportive of the program.

Several elected officers include a Facilitator, who plans the agenda and chairs the meetings, a Secretary, and a Treasurer. Various committees are formed each year to accomplish tasks relating to fund raising, family social events, providing Montessori-related resource materials to parents, publication of a bi-monthly newsletter, public relations and grant research. The MPA is a very active group and has provided considerable support to the Montessori Program.

The International Montessori Council is a newly organized world-wide body of Montessori schools, educators, parents, and friends of the Montessori vision of building peace on Earth through touching the lives of the world's children.

The IMC is founded on the concept of a circle of equals. In the tradition of the native peoples of North America many tribes would come together from time to time to meet as equals for the common good. The concept of the council embodies a spirit of fellowship, trust, and community - a place where all are valued and welcome.

The International Montessori Council has been formed to build bridges of peace, understanding, and cooperation between all members of the Montessori community.

The International Montessori Council is intended to complement, not replace, existing Montessori professional associations, by organizing national or state/provincial chapters where they do not now exist, strengthen the services currently offered, and by providing a wide range of programs and services. These include school accreditation, programs in which experienced schools and educators mentor new ones, a world-wide campaign to promote Montessori's insights and interest in Montessori education, and the naturing of peace within each school community."

The International Montessori Council is a membership organization comprised of teachers, students, parents, and administrators.