In conjunction with our article about alumna Elena Longan training to be an AMI Guide (Association Montessori Internationale), we thought it would be helpful to explain what AMI is, and how our school came to embrace it.
In the early days of the school, back in 2008, the founders of Hollis Montessori School took to the road to visit Montessori schools all over New England. Their goal? To determine the ‘type’ of Montessori school that HMS would become. Unfortunately, Montessori education is not trademarked and therefore anyone can hang a shingle above their door and claim to be a Montessori School. Our founders were not interested in that. They were seeking a method of Montessori education that was truly authentic.During their travels, they came across an AMI affiliated school and realized they had found what they were looking for.
Founded in Denmark by Maria Montessori in 1929, AMI moved to Amsterdam, The Netherlands, in 1936. AMI serves as the network and community that applies the principles of Montessori in many aspects of life and living, building upon the approach without compromising its integrity. As such, it is the recognised authority for those interested in applying the Montessori approach at multiple levels—from education to humanitarian causes to research and the broader physical and social environment. What makes AMI special is its commitment to fidelity to Montessori's original principles, practices, and materials, rigorous training standards, and focus on understanding children's developmental needs
AMI/USA is the primary operational affiliate of AMI in the United States. It is a national non-profit organization that upholds Dr. Maria Montessori’s original vision. This organization supports AMI Teacher Training centers, teacher professional development opportunities, and administers the AMI School Recognition Program. What makes AMI training unique is that the focus is on understanding the child, which helps new guides develop a deeper knowledge of themselves, in addition to the intensive study of the Montessori materials. Hollis Montessori school is part of the School Recognition Program.
HMS Head of School Kari Headington with other Montessori Leaders
AMI School Recognition provides assurance to families, prospective staff and the community at large of adherence to AMI standards. The consultation visit every 3 years supports teachers and administrators with program mentoring. In becoming recognized by AMI, Hollis Montessori School is participating in the vitality of the organization and helping to continue the legacy of Montessori education that was created over a century ago.
For the past 17 years, Hollis Montessori School has been the sole AMI recognized school in New Hampshire and the only recognized school in New England for ages 3-12. Coming soon, HMS will work toward the newly available recognition program for the Adolescent level. Continuing to provide researched based, authentic Montessori programs is inherent in the school's mission statement ensuring the continuation of quality Montessori education for years to come.