Do you have aspirations of becoming a Montessori teacher and wondering How Much Does It Cost To Get Montessori Certified? We love Montessori education and if you are a supporter of this pedagogy and aspire to become a teacher, acquiring a certification in order to teach in a Montessori educational institution is of significant importance.Â
Investing in your certification for Montessori teacher education will have a lasting impact on the early childhood journey of the children you will teach throughout your career.
But how much does it cost to get Montessori certified? The certification programs for Montessori approximately range from $2,200 to $3,200, depending on the accredited online or in-person course you choose. During the certification process, you will need to decide whether you want to specialize in working with children aged 0-3, 3-6, 6-9, or 9-12. The tuition and application fees are determined based on the specific age group you select to teach.
Here we list everything you need to know about the process, the basic application requirements to enroll, and the things included in the self-directed training process.
What is Montessori Education?
Maria Montessori was the influential figure behind the development of this modern approach.
As an Italian physician and philosopher with a degree from the University of Rome, she applied her knowledge to formulate her unique educational theory, which eventually became known by her name.
Although she passed away before the completion of her educational framework, her experiences working with disabled children and her studies in child development and philosophy played a significant role in shaping the principles of this method as it is known today.
The approach promotes independent learning and engagement for children across different age groups, ranging from birth to adolescence.
Children are given specific activities to work on independently, often in the company of their peers.
Trained educators adopt a “hands-off” approach, allowing students to make their own decisions and take responsibility for the outcomes of their self-guided activities.
While not all activities in this approach involve group work, there are also age-appropriate educational tasks designed for individual students to complete on their own.
In the classrooms, activities are carried out in various areas, both within the preschool, elementary, and high school classrooms and in different environments.
Students have the freedom to choose where they work, whether it’s at individual desks, group tables, on the floor, or even outside.
The students are encouraged to take charge of their social interactions and problem-solving, allowing them to learn how to navigate challenges that may arise during play or collaborative projects with their peers.
How Much is the Tuition in Montessori Training for Teachers?
There are a lot of accredited teacher education centers which you can get your training and certificate from.
Some of these are Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE), North American Montessori Center (NAMC), Guidepost, and the American Montessori Society (AMS).
Of course, the tuition rates differ depending on the organization where you train.
You also have the option to pursue high-quality Montessori credentials through accredited online courses or by attending in-person classes at a local college or university.
Additionally, if you choose to make a one-time payment instead of paying in installments, you may receive an incentive in the form of a reduction in your overall tuition fees. However, monthly payments may incur additional costs.
The refunds may differ depending on the center and the program.
Below are the estimated tuition costs for the full certificate in the US after the $100 one-time payment incentive deduction.
| Age Group | One-Time Payment Cost | Monthly Payment Plans |
| 0-3 | $2,199 | $2,379 or $793 per month |
| 3-6 | $2,460 | $2,640 or $880 per month |
| 6-9 | $3,199 | $3,375 or $1,125 per month |
| 9-12 | $3,199 | $3,375 or $1,125 per month |
How To Apply for a Montessori Teacher Certification?
- The applicant must obtain a bachelor’s degree from a college or university that has received official recognition.
- It is advised to conduct a thorough investigation of various courses available online or offered in person by local centers, colleges, and universities. Compare their tuition fees and select the most affordable option applicable for the age group you intend to specialize in.
- Decide on the appropriate level of certification that suits your needs. The Montessori teacher training you choose may offer different levels based on their specific focus.
- Fill out the designated paper application or complete the online enrollment process of your prospective center or organization.
- The center will notify you if you are accepted into the program for your early childhood credential.
- Submit the required tuition fees using the tuition agreement method specified by the organization onsite or online on or before the deadline to prevent inconveniences.
- Upon payment confirmation, you will receive your receipt and course materials, enabling you to commence your journey.
What is Included in the Montessori Certification Training Program?
- Age-Group based programs
To become an educator for this method, it is necessary to successfully complete a teacher training program.
These programs are commonly provided by training centers, as well as state and private colleges and universities.
They equip individuals with the essential theoretical and practical knowledge required to comprehend and implement this method.
The lessons will include practical life exercises, sensorial exercises, language exercises, math exercises, and geography/cultural exercises.
These programs are available in both on-site and online formats, making it convenient to find a program in close proximity to your location.
The duration of the coursework for the program typically ranges from one to two years, influenced by various factors.
If you opt for online studies, you may be able to complete the coursework at a quicker pace compared to attending in-person classes.
The training curriculum focuses on developing a comprehensive understanding and practical proficiency in the five fundamental principles of this type of education, alongside learning the appropriate materials suited for specific age groups.
- Practicum Experience
Becoming a teacher for this method requires more than just completing the training.
Practical experience in a classroom is essential and can be acquired through an internship or apprenticeship program.
This hands-on experience is invaluable as it provides a deeper understanding of the approach and its real-world application.
In order to acquire a license, an individual must have completed 1200 hours of practicum study.
Working full-time, 40 hours per week, in a Montessori classroom would take approximately 30 weeks to accumulate the required 1200 hours.
Therefore, the practicum typically spans the duration of a school year.
The positive aspect is that internships are paid positions, with an average monthly salary for a student instructor in these schools currently estimated at around $3,000.00 US in 2023.
- Skill Assessment
The last stage of becoming an instructor involves successfully passing an evaluation, which is typically conducted by an educator training center or a school.
This assessment will assess your comprehension of the method, your aptitude for implementing it effectively in a classroom environment, and your understanding of child development.
It is worth mentioning that the program requirements can differ from one country to another.
Some countries have their own licensing bodies dedicated to this type of education, while others follow the guidelines established by international organizations.
Therefore, it is crucial to review the specific requirements of your country, state, or province to ensure that you fulfill the necessary qualifications.
Financial Aid for Montessori Professional Development
For those who are in need of financial assistance for the cost of tuition fees, various financial aid programs are in place depending on the program and the school.
Engaging in paid practice during the study period allows students to earn an income.
The amount of the stipend for the practicum varies depending on the school and the student’s qualifications.
There is also the potential to earn additional income by taking on extra responsibilities within the school.
Since the practicum requirement usually involves one session per day, some students find it feasible to maintain part-time employment alongside their studies.
A limited number of partial scholarships are offered through various scholarship funds.
These scholarships are awarded based on financial need and are highly competitive.
To obtain further information, it is recommended to contact the schools or accredited organizations immediately.
Re-accreditation for Centers for Guided Montessori Studies
Upon receiving accreditation, it is generally valid for a period of 7 years.
However, if a school undergoes cooperative accreditation with other accrediting agencies, the authorization terms may vary based on the duration set by the other agency.
It could be shorter or longer accordingly.
To ensure a smooth reaccreditation process, it is advisable for schools to initiate the process 18 to 24 months prior to the expiration date of their authorization.
This time frame allows the school to commence the self-study phase no later than 12 months before the expiration date.
The fees for reaccreditation remain the same as those for the initial accreditation.
Summary
so how much does it cost to get Montessori certified? TThe cost of getting Montessori certified can vary. Usually, it ranges from around $2,200 to $3,200. The price depends on whether you choose to do the certification online or in person.
When you’re getting certified, you’ll have to decide which age group you want to work with: babies (0-3 years old), young kids (3-6 years old), older kids (6-9 years old), or pre-teens (9-12 years old). The amount of money you pay for tuition and fees will depend on the age group you choose to teach.
The journey of achieving this certificate entails completing a dedicated program, acquiring hands-on experience in a classroom utilizing this method, and successfully passing an assessment.
The fulfillment that comes from guiding young learners in their educational journey makes all the effort and dedication invested in this process worthwhile.
FAQs
Can you get certified online? Yes, there are online programs available for this training. One notable example is the Center for Guided Montessori Studies, affiliated with the International Montessori Council (IMC), which offers an accredited online instructor program. This online program provides comprehensive training while being more cost-effective compared to traditional training programs.
How long does it take to get a credential? Usually, obtaining a credential can take one to two years to complete. This includes attending academic hours, which can be conducted in person with an instructor or a combination of in-person and online experiences. The specific number of hours varies depending on the course level and involves engaging in classroom discussions and hands-on activities. Throughout the program, you will create albums, which serve as teaching manuals for different curricular areas. Upon completion of the coursework, you will embark on a practicum with experienced mentors who will provide guidance and observe your professional growth during this practical phase.
Can Montessori teachers teach in primary schools? Montessori instructors are typically unable to instruct in regular primary schools as these institutions generally mandate instructor licensure, which is regulated by individual states with some federal guidelines. Therefore, solely possessing an affidavit would not qualify a pedagogue to work in public primary schools.