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Montessori

  1. Whitworth University
  2. Graduate Studies in Education
  3. Montessori
  4. M.Ed. Montessori, Elementary

M.Ed. Montessori, Elementary (Ages 6-12)

The Montessori elementary (ages 6-12) education diploma will qualify and prepare you to teach in a Montessori classroom and to foster a passion for learning with each elementary child. Just as each child has a unique learning style, each teacher can adapt to provide an individualized education experience and encourage each child's natural excitement for learning.

  • Online during the academic year with short summer sessions on campus in Spokane, Wash.
  • Internships in or near your hometown
  • Affordable summer housing available on campus
Degree Snapshot
Credits 36
Class Format Online during the academic year, summer sessions on campus (Spokane, Wash.)
Cost Per Credit

$840* per credit
Estimated total: $30,240*

Tuition includes the AMI elementary Montessori diploma. 
Typical Completion

Two years or less
Application Deadline Two weeks prior to the start of the program: Please visit Montessori Northwest for application deadlines. 

Please note: Your application to the master's program at Whitworth is separate from the application to Montessori Northwest.

*Tuition for the 2024-25 academic year; subject to change. This program estimates an additional $1,500 in books, supplies, and other fees and expenses. Contact the Montessori department for additional information.

REQUEST INFORMATION Apply Now  ATTEND ONLINE INFO SESSION

Our on-site summer program allows you to continue working full-time during the regular school year as you earn your:

  • Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) elementary Montessori diploma
  • Master of Education in Montessori

With additional coursework and supervised practice teaching, you can also choose to earn:

  • Washington State Teacher Certification

For more information regarding Montessori teacher training, please visit the Montessori Northwest website.

Summer Housing (Spokane, Wash.)

Summer housing is available at Whitworth University on-campus in a university-owned house. Housing is $20* per night plus a $150 deposit ($75 non-refundable). Price includes wi-fi and utilities. University-owned homes are furnished with living room, dining room, and bedroom furniture and kitchen items. Students will need to provide linens and paper products. Pay-per-load laundry is available in each house.

Email housing@whitworth.edu for more information. Off-campus housing options are available.

*Prices for 2024-25 and may vary. Please contact housing@whitworth.edu for current prices.

Program Options

Montessori Diploma Only

The Montessori preparation courses will allow you to acquire your elementary AMI diploma. If you choose to earn your Montessori diploma only, you will apply only with Montessori Northwest.

Montessori Diploma with Master's Degree

Complete 27 credits of coursework through your AMI diploma training. With nine credits of additional online coursework, you'll also earn your M.Ed. in Montessori. For course descriptions and learning outcomes of this major, please view the course catalog.

Montessori Diploma with Master's Degree & Teacher Certification

In addition to the Montessori diploma courses, you may also earn your master's degree with Washington State Teacher Certification through an additional semester of extended student teaching and coursework to fulfill certification requirements.

Master's Degree Only

If you already have your AMI diploma, you can earn your M.Ed. in Teaching & Learning with an area of concentration in Montessori in just 22 credits. 

Montessori's training provides educators a pathway to state licensure along with a Master's degree. Regarding equity in education, Montessori is expanding in the public sector to provide this opportunity for all children in the United States, particularly those of underserved communities.

Tami O'Kinsella, Montessori Instructional Coach & Director of Academic Programs at Pullman Community Montessori

Cohort Format

Once you begin the program you will participate as part of a cohort, which will provide a built-in support system and help you establish your own network of professional colleagues. The cohort will take each of the classes together in sequence, so you can begin and end the program with the same group of educators.

Frequently Asked Questions

If I choose not to apply to Whitworth's M.Ed. in Montessori program this year, can I apply once I've finished my AMI training?

No. You must apply for Whitworth's graduate program before the course begins. You must register and pay tuition to Whitworth while you are doing your AMI training in order for that coursework to be graded and counted toward the degree.

Can I apply for financial aid?

Yes. Students in Whitworth's M.Ed. Montessori education program are eligible for financial aid. We recommend that you apply for financial aid at the time you apply for the program. Students who are enrolled only in the AMI diploma program are not eligible for financial aid.