AMI Recognition Program Update

2026-27 Policy Announcement

Beginning in the 2026-27 school year, Association Montessori International of the United States (AMI/USA) will introduce a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirement for teachers in participating programs at member schools. Each classroom teacher will need to complete 12 hours of professional development each year for the school to remain in compliance. At least 6 of these hours must be obtained from professional development offered by AMI, AMI/USA or other AMI affiliates.

This policy is intended to strengthen teacher practice as they work diligently on behalf of their students and reflects AMI/USA’s ongoing efforts to better integrate with state accreditation systems and prepare for the future launch of AMI Global School Accreditation in the United States. If a school cannot provide documentation of compliance with the professional development requirement for teachers, the recognition status may be noted as Associated for the specific program until the requirement is fulfilled and documented. AMI/USA looks forward to supporting its schools in implementing continued high-quality practices to meet the new requirement.

AMI/USA provides schools that wish to offer an authentic Montessori program with a set of internationally recognized standards of quality. Programs meeting these standards apply annually for AMI Recognition and a certificate is issued which indicates that they meet these criteria. AMI Standards maintain the level of excellence that Maria Montessori envisioned. Consultation is a part of the formal AMI recognition process for schools.