Explore Our Academic Program

As part of our commitment to flexible adult learning, Montessori Live has transitioned from live weekly Zoom group chats to on-demand, recorded discussions, allowing participants to engage with course content at times that best suit their schedules. However, maintaining deep connection and mentorship remains our priority. To ensure personalized support, we now institute periodic one-on-one Zoom sessions between the adult learner and the instructor. These individual meetings provide dedicated time to review observed practice lessons—recorded as the presenter presents Montessori materials to children—and to discuss overall progress. They also serve as a tailored space for Q&A, classroom management strategies, and in-depth reviews of various subjects, including curriculum scope and sequence. This approach perfectly balances the convenience of asynchronous learning with the individualized mentorship essential for mastering Montessori teaching practices.

Mentorship Structure

As part of our program’s evolution, we are transitioning from synchronous group chats to asynchronous weekly discussions for most coursework. This change is designed to provide greater flexibility, allowing you to participate in conversations and share insights at times that best fit your schedule. However, please note that the practicum course still requires regular synchronous Zoom meetings, either in small groups or individually. These live sessions are essential for fostering real-time collaboration, mentorship, and support as you progress through your hands-on teaching experience. To maximize flexibility and maintain high-touch mentorship and personalized support, we have instituted periodic one-on-one Zoom sessions between the adult learner and the instructor.

These individual meetings serve as a collaborative space to discuss:

• Progress Check-ins: Evaluating how you are moving through the course.

• Classroom Management: Practical strategies for the learning environment.

• Curriculum Review: Deep dives into subject areas, lesson presentations, and scope and sequence.

• Open Q&A: Dedicated time to address your specific questions.

This blended approach combines the convenience of asynchronous learning with the direct, individualized feedback essential for your success.

In our Montessori curriculum, practical life and sensorial lessons are foundational elements that support children’s holistic development. Practical life activities—such as pouring, sweeping, and food preparation—are carefully integrated into daily routines to foster independence, concentration, and coordination. Sensorial lessons use specialized materials to refine the senses, helping children distinguish and categorize qualities such as size, color, texture, and sound. By embedding these experiences throughout the curriculum, we create a learning environment where children develop essential life skills and sensory awareness, forming the groundwork for future academic growth and confident, purposeful engagement with the world.

Summer Residency

Early Chldhood Overview (PRSE)

The Montessori philosophy is centered on the belief that every child is naturally curious and capable of directing their own learning. Developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, this educational approach emphasizes respect for each child’s individuality, fostering independence, and nurturing intrinsic motivation. Classrooms are carefully prepared environments where children engage in hands-on, self-paced activities, guided by trained educators who act as facilitators rather than traditional instructors. The Montessori method encourages exploration, critical thinking, and social responsibility, aiming to develop the whole child—academically, socially, emotionally, and ethically.

Link to Course Descriptions

Foundations of Montessori Philosophy

Observations and Child Development

Summer Residency

Early Childhood Overview

Montessori cultural education introduces children to the wonders of the world through engaging, hands-on materials that explore geography, science, history, art, and global cultures. Carefully sequenced materials—such as globes, puzzle maps, and science experiment trays—allow children to discover continents, landforms, life cycles, and the interconnectedness of people and environments. These cultural lessons are seamlessly integrated with core subjects like language and math; for example, children may write stories about different countries or use measurement skills in science activities. This interdisciplinary approach fosters curiosity, critical thinking, and respect for diversity, helping students form a holistic understanding of the world while developing essential academic skills.

Link to Course Descriptions

The Big Picture of the Universe

Earth and Human Studies

Summer Residency

Advanced Lessons in Cultural, History, Language, and Math

Montessori language education is grounded in the use of carefully designed, hands-on materials that guide children through the stages of language development. Children are introduced to language through tactile and sensory experiences, such as sandpaper letters and movable alphabets, which help them associate sounds with symbols and build words at their own pace. The materials are sequenced to support the progression from oral language to writing and reading, allowing children to internalize concepts through exploration and repetition. Teachers observe and guide each child’s journey, ensuring that language learning is joyful, individualized, and deeply rooted in meaningful, practical activities. Through these practices, Montessori education fosters a strong foundation in communication, literacy, and self-expression.

Link to Course Catalog

Correct Expression, Handwriting, and Whole Language

Phonics, Spelling, and Punctuation

Grammar Materials, Sentence Analysis, and Working with Older Students

Summer Residency

Early Childhood Overview

In the Montessori elementary classroom, math education for children ages 6 to 12 is characterized by a hands-on, conceptual approach that uses concrete materials to bridge the gap between abstract concepts and real-world applications. Students work with materials such as the golden beads, fraction circles, bead chains, and geometric solids to explore fundamental operations, fractions, decimals, geometry, and algebraic thinking. These materials allow children to visualize mathematical relationships, experiment with problem-solving, and progress at their own pace from concrete manipulation to abstract reasoning. Lessons are often integrated with real-life contexts and collaborative projects, encouraging students to see math as a dynamic, interconnected discipline. Through this approach, Montessori nurtures mathematical confidence, curiosity, and a deep, lasting understanding of mathematical principles.

Link to Course Descriptions

Numeration and Place Value | Operations with Whole Numbers | Advanced Operations with Whole Numbers | Geometry, Perimeter, Area, and Volume

Fractions and Decimals | Decimal Fractions and Algebra | Advanced Lessons in Cultural, Language, and Math

Early Childhood Math | Summer Residency

Course Format & Mentorship Structure

The capstone of the Montessori program is the practicum, an in-depth teaching internship that allows adult learners to apply their knowledge and skills in a real classroom setting at their own location. Throughout this year-long experience, interns work closely with experienced Montessori mentors, delivering lessons, preparing the environment, and observing children’s development. The practicum also includes a substantial year-long project that encourages reflection, research, and the integration of Montessori principles into daily teaching practice. This comprehensive approach ensures that graduates emerge as confident, capable Montessori educators, ready to foster meaningful learning experiences for their students. To maintain high-touch mentorship and personalized support, we have instituted periodic, one-on-one Zoom sessions between the adult learner and the instructor.

In addition to reviewing your observed practice lessons (recorded while presenting materials to children), these individual meetings serve as a collaborative space to discuss:

• Progress Check-ins: Evaluating how you are moving through the course.

• Classroom Management: Practical strategies for the lower elementary environment.

• Curriculum Review: Deep dives into subject areas, lesson presentations, and scope and sequence.

• Open Q&A: Dedicated time to address your specific questions.

This blended approach combines the convenience of asynchronous learning with the direct, individualized feedback essential for your success.

Link to Course Descriptions

Practicum for Educators course (online)

Teaching Internship (at your location)

Course Format & Mentorship Structure

To maximize flexibility, Montessori Live has transitioned from weekly synchronous Zoom group chats to recorded asynchronous discussions. To maintain high-touch mentorship and personalized support, we have instituted periodic, one-on-one Zoom sessions between the adult learner and the instructor. The observed lesson presentation assignments must be reviewed by your course instructor, even if your supervising educator observed your lesson in real time. This ensures direct mentorship between the adult learner and the instructor.  

In addition to reviewing your observed practice lessons (recorded while presenting materials to children), these individual meetings serve as a collaborative space to discuss:

• Progress Check-ins: Evaluating how you are moving through the course.

• Classroom Management: Practical strategies for the lower elementary environment.

• Curriculum Review: Deep dives into subject areas, lesson presentations, and scope and sequence.

• Open Q&A: Dedicated time to address your specific questions.

This blended approach combines the convenience of asynchronous learning with the direct, individualized feedback essential for your success.

Practice assignments in our Montessori curriculum are thoughtfully designed to help educators build confidence and skill in lesson planning and classroom delivery. Each assignment guides you through the process of preparing and presenting lessons that align with Montessori principles, with opportunities to reflect on and refine your approach. Lesson planning emphasizes individualized learning, hands-on exploration, and fostering curiosity in students. In addition, art integration is woven throughout the curriculum, encouraging educators to incorporate creative expression into daily activities. By blending academic content with artistic experiences, the Montessori approach nurtures the whole child—supporting intellectual growth, imagination, and a lifelong love of learning.

In-Person Intensive Course

Transform your teaching practice this summer. Join a vibrant community of educators for an immersive, face-to-face Montessori classroom. This dynamic hands-on course deepens your pedagogical practice, refines your material presentation, and equips you with practical strategies to support the developmental needs of the second-plane child. Montessori in-person training offers aspiring educators a rich, immersive experience where they observe expert demonstrations of Montessori materials and practice using them firsthand. This hands-on approach allows trainees to internalize key concepts, refine their technique, and gain confidence presenting lessons as they would in a classroom. Beyond the materials, in-person sessions foster meaningful personal relationships among trainees and with experienced Montessori guides, providing opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, and peer support. These connections not only deepen understanding of Montessori philosophy and practice but also build a supportive professional community that extends well beyond the training itself.

Whether you are looking to revitalize your current classroom practice or are pursuing formal credentials, this residency offers an invaluable opportunity for collaborative growth.

Key Benefits & Pathways

• Flexible Professional Outcomes: This course can be completed to earn Professional Development hours or applied directly toward your Montessori Certification.

• Immersive Format: Benefit from high-engagement, face-to-face instruction, collaborative peer review, and live material demonstrations.

• Targeted Age Specialization: Deeply explore the cosmic education curriculum, classroom management, and material sequencing tailored specifically for the child.

Course Highlights

• Material Mastery: Hands-on practice and sequencing for Lower Elementary math, language, geometry, and cosmic education materials.

• Philosophy: Lectures and discussions focusing on the psychological and social development of the child.

• Community & Collaboration: Network and share best practices with fellow Montessori educators in an inspiring, collaborative environment.

Link to Course Descriptions

Early Childhood Residency

Lower Elementary Residency

Upper Elementary Residency

Administrator Residency

Our School Leadership program is thoughtfully designed for current and aspiring school administrators seeking to deepen their understanding of Montessori philosophy and best practices. This comprehensive program equips leaders with the tools and insights needed to effectively support Montessori teachers, foster a collaborative school culture, and ensure high-quality educational experiences for students. Through a blend of theoretical study and practical application, participants gain valuable knowledge in areas such as instructional leadership, effective communication, mentoring, and the unique needs of Montessori classrooms. By empowering administrators with specialized skills and strategies, the program helps cultivate environments where both teachers and students can thrive.

Link to Course Descriptions

Foundations of Montessori Philosophy

Observation and Classroom Management

Survey of Montessori Curriculum

Practical Applications for Administrators

The Early Childhood, Elementary I, Elementary I-II, and School Leadership certificates are accredited by the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE). Please visit MACTE’s website at http://www.macte.org/ for additional information.