AMI PRIMARY DIPLOMA TRAINING
Ages 3 to 6
(With optional Masters in Education Program)
Thrive and develop with our training designed for deep learning and application of Montessori Theory
***New, blended two-summer course beginning Spring 2025 ***
Join our AMI Diploma Primary training and develop a deep understanding of Montessori theory and child development. Set in the vibrant city of St. Louis, this blended on-site and online format starts in April 2025 and ends in June 2026. To support working students during the academic year, this training is on-site during both summers with distance modules in between. With the successful passing of comprehensive oral and written examinations, the course culminates in graduation and the awarding of the respected 3-6 AMI diploma.
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Spring/Summer 2025
Online: April 28 - May 02, 2025
On-site: May 28 to July 03, 2025
Fall 2025
Online: November 3 - November 21, 2025
Winter 2026
Online: January 05 - January 23, 2026
Online: February 16 - February 27, 2026
Spring 2026
Online: March 23 - April 10, 2026
Online: May 04 - May 15, 2026
Summer 2026
On-site: June 1 - June 26, 2026
*Online modules will take place from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. CST, with a half-hour break each evening.
*On-site modules will take place from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. CST daily M-F.
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90 hours of classroom observation
120 hours of practice teaching
90% attendance in the course
Pass on albums, written exams, and oral exams
Material making
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Application Fee $100
Enrollment Fee $500
Course Tuition $13,500
AMI Membership $100
MACTE Practicum Fee $250
Total Tuition and Fees $14,450
Adult learners should budget between $500.00 and $600.00 for books, general supplies, and material making supplies for the course.
You Will Learn
In-depth studies of all the materials and classroom strategies for guiding young children
The educational and developmental psychology of Dr. Maria Montessori
Presentations and practice with Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, and Mathematics materials
Effective and interesting materials and methods for introducing all aspects of culture (geography, biology, history, art, music, etc.) in age-appropriate ways.
Meet your Director of Training
Lakshmi Shekhar is AMI certified at both primary and elementary environments and has more than 18 years of classroom experience in private and charter schools. Lakshmi is the founding guide of the Children's House at the Montessori Lab School at Grand Center. She holds a Master's degree in English Literature.
The Montessori Training Center of St. Louis is MACTE Certified for Primary (3-6).
Master’s of Education Degree Program
Loyola University Maryland's partnership with the Montessori Training Center of St. Louis provides adult learners with the opportunity to complete a M.Ed. degree cooperatively with the AMI diploma. If accepted into the Graduate School at Loyola, adult learners earn 27 credits through the completion of their AMI diplomas. The final 9 credits are completed virtually through Loyola University Maryland. For more information, select the button below.
Black Montessori Education Fund
The Black Montessori Education Fund provides scholarships for eligible teachers who are pursuing or would like to pursue Montessori teacher training with a MACTE-certified training center or AMI or AMS. Selected applicants will receive $2,000, which can be used toward any course-related cost. Applications open in October 2025. Priority is given to those who are already accepted into a training program.
Margaret Elizabeth Stephenson Fund
Margaret Elizabeth Stephenson is heralded as one of the greatest interpreters of the principles of Montessori education. In 1960, after studying with Dr. Maria Montessori and her son Mario Montessori, she initiated teacher training in the United States. The MES Fund was established in 2000 by AMI/USA to honor Margaret Elizabeth Stephenson, who devoted her life to Montessori teacher training. The MES Fund is the first national financial aid fund to benefit AMI teacher trainees in the United States. Applications are accepted January 1st – May 1st each year