Washington Montessori Institute

Washington Montessori Institute AMI Montessori Teacher Training in the Washington, DC area and beyond.

The Montessori approach to education was developed by Maria Montessori, a visionary Italian anthropologist and physician. Begun in 1907 with a small group of children in Rome, Montessori education is now implemented on six continents and has proven effective across cultural boundaries and socio-economic levels. In North America alone, there are approximately 5,000 private Montessori schools and 20

0 public schools offering a Montessori approach. The growth of Montessori education has created a demand for highly qualified Montessori teachers. If you seek a viable, proven teaching alternative in education, WMI offers the highest quality Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) teacher training course, yielding a diploma that is recognized worldwide. Montessori trains teachers to recognize the natural development of each child and to respect that individuality while guiding student learning. In recent decades, Montessori education has seen enormous growth around the world and in the United States. As interest in Montessori education continues to increase, so too does the demand for qualified teachers. In today's educational climate, an advanced degree enhances opportunities for professional advancement and leadership. WMI offers Primary (ages 3-6), Assistants to Infancy (ages birth to 3), and Elementary (ages 6-12) training. Please visit our website for more information on the application process and different degree options. Washington Montessori Institute (WMI) is not affiliated with the government of the United States of America or the District of Columbia. We reserve the right to delete comments or posts that we deem to be offensive or inappropriate. We also reserve the right to delete comments or posts that are solicitations, sales, advertising, or spam.

“The child is both a hope and a promise for mankind." — Dr. Maria Montessori, Education and PeaceBorn on August 31, 1870...
08/31/2026

“The child is both a hope and a promise for mankind." — Dr. Maria Montessori, Education and Peace

Born on August 31, 1870 in Italy, Maria Montessori was a scientist, physician, educator, and humanitarian.

Montessori saw education not as preparation for life, but as an aid to life itself—a means of supporting the full development of the human being. Through her careful observation of children, she came to understand that when we nurture each person’s natural potential, we contribute not only to their growth, but to the well-being of society as a whole.

At the heart of her work was a profound belief that lasting social change begins with the child. More than a century later, her call to respect human development and cultivate the conditions for independence, responsibility, and peace remains as relevant as ever.

Today, we celebrate her life and legacy, and honor her enduring vision of building a better future through the child.

Learn more at:
https://montessori-ami.org/

https://aidtolife.org/

08/28/2026

Are you looking for ways to bring more music and movement into your classroom this year?

Our primary and elementary cohorts (Riverdale Park, MD) had such fun learning "Elephants Have Wrinkles" together this summer!

This children's song is well loved for its simple language, joyful repetition, and engaging movements. Have you tried this with your children?

🐘 Elephants Have Wrinkles 🐘

Elephants have wrinkles
Wrinkles, wrinkles
Elephants have wrinkles
Wrinkles everywhere

On their toes
On their knees
On their hips
On their backs

No one knows, why-y-y-y

Elephants have wrinkles
Wrinkles, wrinkles
Elephants have wrinkles
Wrinkles everywhere

On their toes
On their knees
On their hips
On their backs

On their teeth...?

Elephants have wrinkles
Wrinkles, wrinkles
Elephants have wrinkles
Wrinkles everywhere

Montessori friends in or near Atlanta, we can't wait to gather with you!✨ WMI-MIA CONFERENCE ✨Theme: Intentional Beginni...
08/25/2026

Montessori friends in or near Atlanta, we can't wait to gather with you!

✨ WMI-MIA CONFERENCE ✨

Theme: Intentional Beginnings: Thoughtful Foundations for a Joyful Year
Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
Location: Arbor Montessori School (Atlanta, GA)
Time: 9am – 4pm
Registration: $300, includes lunch

We are excited to offer workshops at FOUR different levels! Learn and connect with:

🌱 0-3: Zoe Paul
🌱 3-6: Cecilia Fernández-Campos and Myesha Green
🌱 6-12: Yolanda Wheelington and Anna Discenzo
🌱 12-18: Jacqui Miller and David Tyler

Join us for a meaningful day of practical learning, important conversations, and professional renewal. All are welcome.

We hope to see you there!

For more information and to register, visit https://wmi-montessori.org/pd/atlanta-conference-2026/

Montessori Institute of Atlanta

Dear friends, alumni, and partners of WMI,We are delighted to share exciting news about the future of our training cente...
08/21/2026

Dear friends, alumni, and partners of WMI,

We are delighted to share exciting news about the future of our training center!

WMI has received transformational gifts from anonymous donors whose support will help expand access to AMI training and advance our mission for years to come.

These remarkable contributions will fund the creation of a brand new position, Director of Outreach and Development, enabling us to deepen community engagement, cultivate meaningful partnerships, and increase our capacity to serve aspiring AMI Montessori educators.

This is an extraordinary investment that reflects a profound belief in WMI’s vision and future. Their generosity will leave a legacy that will be felt for years to come. We are deeply grateful for the opportunities these gifts make possible and for the confidence donors have placed in our work. As we look ahead, we are pleased to announce an exciting opportunity to join our team.

We are seeking a motivated and community-minded Director of Outreach and Development to expand WMI’s reach, deepen relationships with partner institutions, and strengthen its financial foundation.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a central role in growing one of the nation’s first Montessori training organizations during a period of strategic expansion.

To learn more about this position and how to apply, visit https://wmi-montessori.org/employment-opportunities/director-of-outreach-and-development/

Our Elementary Cohort in Washington, DC just concluded their second summer of training!Over the past 8 weeks, students h...
08/15/2026

Our Elementary Cohort in Washington, DC just concluded their second summer of training!

Over the past 8 weeks, students have immersed themselves in daily practice sessions, deepening their understanding of the Montessori materials through observation, collaboration, and repetition.

Practicing in pairs and small groups offers a unique opportunity to also learn from one another—refining presentations, sharing perspectives, and building confidence together.

One more summer to go for this lovely group!

Thank you to Oak Grove Montessori for their steady partnership and support in helping to make this course possible.

Curious to find out what our other students have been up to?We've got more stories, milestones, and moments to share so be sure to follow along!

08/07/2026

Why do many people choose AMI Montessori training?

1. Understand child development in a deeper way
2. Learn practical, hands-on skills you can apply immediately
3. Make a positive and meaningful impact in the lives of children
4. Earn a globally recognized Montessori credential
5. Grow personally and professionally through a transformative learning experience

AMI training is an opportunity to see the child, the classroom, and your role as an educator with new clarity and purpose. If you've been considering AMI Montessori training, this could be your perfect opportunity!

Our next AMI Primary (ages 3–6) Diploma Course begins September 3, 2026 in the blended, academic year format, with AMI Trainer Naoko Ogawa.

Applications are still being accepted. Take the next step in your Montessori journey with us!

Visit https://wmi-montessori.org/become-a-teacher/upcoming-courses/2026-2027-3-6-diploma-course-academic-year-at-wmi/

The celebration continues! 🎓Last week, we honored our newest AMI Primary diploma graduates from our Virginia cohort — a ...
07/29/2026

The celebration continues! 🎓

Last week, we honored our newest AMI Primary diploma graduates from our Virginia cohort — a remarkable group of adults who have dedicated themselves to months of deep study, careful observation, and countless hours of practice. You did it!

Our heartfelt thanks to our host school, The Fiore School, for their generous hospitality in helping to make this course possible.

Congratulations to all our graduates! We are incredibly proud of you and look forward to the wonderful work you will do with children in your communities.

07/23/2026

Some of our Primary trainees (Virginia cohort) have found much joy in learning the Butterfly Song! 🦋 This beloved song by Sanford Jones continues to be a favorite in Montessori communities around the world.

Did you know that Sanford Jones was also part of the WMI family? He completed his AMI Primary training at WMI in 1967 under the guidance of Margaret Stephenson and went on to make profound, lasting contributions to Montessori education through his music and work with children.

We will celebrate the students in our Virginia cohort today as newly minted AMI Guides! As we do, this song is a lovely reminder that training is not just about the materials and lessons we give, but also about the songs, stories, and experiences that we can share with children.

Last Friday, we celebrated our newest AMI Assistants to Infancy Guides! 🎓We are incredibly proud of your hard work, care...
07/21/2026

Last Friday, we celebrated our newest AMI Assistants to Infancy Guides! 🎓

We are incredibly proud of your hard work, care, and commitment while on this journey of growth and transformation. We are excited for the amazing work you will do in your communities and with young children!

"Those whom nature has fitted to care for children see a change in them every day, almost every hour. They see these small changes as admirable. This is an art which cannot be acquired without effort. To encourage is to rejoice, so that the child sees that you are rejoicing." — Maria Montessori, The 1946 London Lectures

A special moment at WMI this week as all three training cohorts in Maryland came together for a photo!What have our trai...
07/16/2026

A special moment at WMI this week as all three training cohorts in Maryland came together for a photo!

What have our trainees been up to?

Our 0–3 cohort, led by Tiina Suominen, is preparing for exams and the completion of their training journey.

Our new 3–6 cohort, led by Jennifer Shields, and new 6-12 cohort, led by Allan Nguyen, are starting their first in-person training block.

The atmosphere has been alive with so much energy and purpose. We are grateful to witness our trainees at different stages of their Montessori journeys learning, growing, and inspiring one another!

Address

5600 Rivertech Court, Suite K
Riverdale, MD
20737

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

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