The Montessori method was introduced over a hundred years ago in 1906 in Rome, Italy by Dr. Maria Montessori, an Italian physician and educator acclaimed for her work with children.  Named after her, the Montessori method builds on children’s own ability to learn through sensorial exploration and self-discovery.

Dr. Montessori wanted her work to benefit all the children around the world, and as such, she did not think to protect her work or trademark her name.  Sadly today, many schools are called Montessori even when they do not follow the Montessori method, making it difficult to identify schools that provide quality and authentic Montessori education.

To help identify schools that provide quality Montessori education, in Canada, the Association Montessori Internationale (Canada) introduced and maintains two programs for Montessori schools – the AMI Certificate of Recognition (An AMI Recognized School) and AMI Montessori Quality Assurance (AMI Member School).

Of the two, the AMI Recognition is the highest accreditation granted by the AMI for schools practicing authentic Montessori methodology as established by Dr. Maria Montessori. It validates the school’s commitment to offering quality Montessori education –  ie., its curriculum, environment, and teaching practices meet all the AMI criteria that support the full development of a child.  These are the only schools authorized by AMI to identify themselves as “AMI schools” or “AMI Recognized” in Canada.