Course Requirements & Continuum Path
To complete the Elementary I–II certification, you must complete all 12 foundational courses in the Elementary I program, plus 4 additional specialized online courses and 40 additional in-person residency hours. This comprehensive sequence ensures adult learners master the full 6–12 developmental continuum with seamless depth and hands-on continuity.
Elementary I-II
Turn your passion for education into a lasting impact with our comprehensive ages 6-12 certification.
Advanced Scope & Expanded Curriculum (Ages 6–12)
Expanding upon the Elementary I foundation, our Elementary I–II program for ages 6–12 deepens adult learners’ mastery across the full second-plane curriculum. You will gain advanced instructional techniques in algebra, advanced fractions, and decimals, alongside rich explorations in history and geography. The program further elevates language mastery through comprehensive study in grammar, advanced writing, and clear student expression.
Upper Elementary In-Person Residency
This intensive 5-day, 40-hour face-to-face residency provides hands-on practice, material creation, and practical demonstration for upper elementary guides. Adult learners work directly with advanced physical materials under expert supervision to solidify instructional precision across the 9–12 curriculum.
Residency Highlights:
Advanced Mathematics: Review of major upper elementary math, beginning with decimals and fractions.
Algebra & Geometry: In-depth exploration of algebra (multiplication, squaring, square/cube roots, and equations) alongside geometry (constructive triangles, congruence, similarity, equivalency, and the Pythagorean Theorem).
Hands-On Application: Dedicated supervised material practice, art integration, and a hands-on material-making workshop.
Assessment & Mastery: Live demonstrations of competency and a comprehensive proficiency exam.
Introduction to Decimals & Fractions (Ages 9–12)
Delivered in a 5-week online format, this course prepares guides to lead upper elementary students through advanced abstract mathematical concepts using concrete Montessori materials. Adult learners master presentations for fraction equivalency, all four operations with fractions, and a comprehensive introduction to decimal fractions, bridging concrete hands-on understanding to abstract computational fluency.
Grammar Materials & Sentence Analysis (Ages 9–12)
Delivered in a 6-week online format, this course prepares guides to lead upper elementary students through advanced language structures and sophisticated written expression. Adult learners explore higher-level grammar materials, sentence analysis, and paragraph construction, along with guided techniques for essay composition, creative writing, and research synthesis tailored to the developing 9–12 learner.
Decimals and Introduction to Algebra (Ages 9–12)
Delivered in a 5-week online format, this course prepares guides to bridge concrete mathematical concepts to abstract algebraic thinking for upper elementary students. Adult learners master material-based presentations on decimals, percentages, and foundational algebra, focusing on squaring concepts to help children confidently transition into higher-level mathematics.
Advanced Upper Elementary Curriculum
Delivered in a 51-hour, self-paced online format, this course delivers comprehensive preparation for the 9–12 classroom across five core academic strands:
Geography & Earth Science: Integration of physical and political geography, classified nomenclature, and foundational discussions on human migration and conflict.
Human History: Lectures, discussions, and demonstrations exploring human history and the global spread of civilization.
Math: Advanced studies in divisibility, square roots, cubing, simple interest, ratio, proportion, integers, and algebraic equations/inequalities, alongside traditional, geometric, and algebraic decanomial work.
Language Arts: Advanced language studies focusing on sentence mechanics, grammar, and proper usage through targeted demonstrations and practical applications.
Residency Curriculum
During the hands-on residency, adult learners gain direct, practical mastery in presenting the core Elementary subjects. You will practice delivering key lessons and managing classroom observations across:
Philosophy Overview
Grounded in Montessori philosophy, the residency blends lectures with material making, purposeful observation, art, music, and physical education, enriched by hands-on lessons, peer interactions, and student demonstrations.
Mathematics & Geometry
Adult learners practice guiding children from concrete exploration to abstract reasoning. Through lectures, material demonstrations, and active peer interaction, guides master lessons that move seamlessly from foundational bead work and introductory fractions to complex geometric relationships and spatial logic.
Language Arts
Focused on inspiring clear communication, this track prepares guides to present advanced grammar, sentence structure, and correct expression and punctuation. Adult learners refine their delivery through hands-on lessons, material demonstrations with peers, and collaborative, small-group practice.
Cosmic Education & Integration
Bringing the universe to life through Great Lessons, timelines, and impressionistic charts, this coursework covers geography, history, biology, geology, physics, and chemistry. Through lectures, peer demonstrations, and hands-on practice, the guides integrate health, ethics, and essential record-keeping.
Montessori education treats the outdoor environment as a vital extension of the classroom, fostering natural curiosity through hands-on exploration.
Integrated Subjects (throughout the curriculum)
Peace Education & Ethics
Embedded across all subject areas, peace education cultivates grace, courtesy, and moral reasoning. Adult learners practice guiding conflict resolution, fostering community responsibility, and integrating ethical discussions naturally into daily classroom life.
Grammar Materials
Grammar is integrated dynamically across the curriculum to support spoken and written expression. Guides learn to present concrete grammar materials—such as the grammar boxes and sentence analysis—enriching vocabulary, reading comprehension, and structural mastery throughout every subject area.
The Art of Observation
Observation is trained as a continuous, foundational practice for understanding child development. Adult learners refine their ability to systematically observe student engagement, social dynamics, and academic progress, using these insights to tailor individualized instruction and support independent learning.
Innovative Methodology
Our blended approach weaves ongoing practical application directly into your training. Adult learners engage in hands-on practice, detailed lesson planning, and observation of live presentations, supported by personalized virtual one-on-one student-instructor meetings, custom material-making assignments, and real-time observation.
Recent Graduates
Elise
Elementary II
June 2026
Zachary
Elementary I-II
July 2024
Jennifer
Elementary II
July 2025
Sarah
Elementary II
July 2024
Stephanie
Elementary I-II
June 2026
Birmingham, Alabama | McCordsville, Indiana
Experience an inspiring summer residency in Birmingham, Alabama, or McCordsville, Indiana—where immersive, hands-on 6–9 Montessori training meets collaborative learning and a welcoming community.
