FAQs

Blended courses are a mix of online (via Zoom) and in-person instruction. WMI offers several diploma courses in a blended format at various locations. At least 55% of an AMI diploma course is held in person.

No AMI diploma courses are fully online. AMI diploma courses are designed to include hands-on, in-person training and instruction. A diploma course includes observation and teaching practice, supervised practice using Montessori materials, classroom material making, and preparation of individual classroom manuals.

Trainees must be in attendance for 90% of the course in order to fulfill requirements for an AMI diploma.

WMI does not provide housing, but we will share housing resources and options for trainees where possible. Visit the specific course page for more information.

Yes, this is done by many trainees. Aside from at least 90% required class attendance, trainees should ensure they have enough time and energy to complete assignments, observe, and practice teach.

Most trainees undertake 1–2 hours each evening during in-person class weeks. During weeks with Zoom class, plan for at least 3 hours of homework per week.

Assistants to Infancy (0–3): 250 hours of observation and 30 hours of practice teaching. Primary (3–6) and Elementary (6–12): 90 hours of observation and 120 hours of practice teaching. For Primary, half of observation and 80 practice-teaching hours may be done in one’s own classroom with trainer approval; the remainder must be in a classroom led by an AMI-trained teacher.

An undergraduate degree is not required for a diploma course. However, schools may require a bachelor’s degree in addition to an AMI diploma to be considered for a position.

Course instruction is conducted entirely in English. Non-native English speakers must provide TOEFL iBT (80+), TOEFL Essentials (9.0+), IELTS (6.5+), or Duolingo English Test (105+). WMI’s TOEFL code is C741.

WMI does not provide visas for students at this time.

WMI requires the student and sponsoring school representative to sign a School Sponsorship Agreement. This agreement allows WMI to communicate with both the student and the sponsoring school regarding financial matters and academic progress.

An AMI diploma is the gold standard of Montessori teacher training, recognized globally for its excellence, rigor, and authenticity. Many schools affiliated with various Montessori organizations, in the U.S. and around the world, hire AMI-trained teachers. Requirements vary by state and country.