In response to numerous requests from the community, we offer a unique course: How to Start a New World-Class Montessori School. Anyone who wants to start a new Montessori school or convert an existing child-care center into a Montessori school will find this course invaluable.

Course Description

This course is designed for people who are just beginning to work on developing a new Montessori school or converting an existing day-care to Montessori. If you are looking to extend an existing school to higher levels or take your existing school to a whole new level of excellence, then your needs would be better served by our Building a World-Class Montessori School course.

In addition to a wealth of insights, information, and guidance, the course includes five hours of one-on-one coaching and consultation. You will have ongoing access to the course and its resources.

Note: This is a course presented online. It requires an investment of approximately 5 hours a week to read the materials, watch the videos, and complete the assignments. Class participation in the discussion forums is essential to truly take advantage of not only the prepared content, but to explore your prospective project, ask questions, and interact with other students. Additionally, the Montessori Foundation offers a series of optional weekly webinars on Wednesdays at 1 PM East Coast time in the United States. Many of these live sessions make be of interest and value to participants in the course. Questions are encouraged.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS NOT PREPARATION TO TEACH A MONTESSORI CLASS – IT IS AIMED AT SCHOOL LEADERS AND OWNERS, WITH THE ASSUMPTION THAT YOU WILL BE HIRING MONTESSORI TEACHERS IF YOU DO NOT HAVE MONTESSORI TRAINING YOURSELF.

To succeed, Montessori schools need to achieve a level of excellence, stability, and wide-spread public appeal, which makes them highly attractive to prospective parents and teachers. So often, though, schools struggle, primarily because they continue to compromise their programs and principles in hope of becoming more attractive to parents. This course makes the case for courage, conviction, and consistency. The premise is that there is a Montessori way that we can (and must) follow to produce, time and time again, the results that made Montessori schools famous around the world. We will sketch out the specific elements of best practice that can lead your school to greater success in everything it does.

The Montessori Foundation has worked with hundreds of Montessori schools around the world, helping them to clarify their philosophy and develop the highest levels of Montessori curriculum and practice. This course will also provide an incredibly in-depth overview of all of the Montessori Foundation’s other courses in Montessori school leadership, along with a host of specific strategies and tools that will help chart the best course for your school’s future.

We do not provide a precise syllabus because we customize the course to a large extent to respond to the interests, needs, and concerns of the students enrolled. Topics covered typically include:

• Understanding Montessori Education
• Why Start a Montessori School?
• The Unique Challenges and Joys In Running a Montessori Schol
• Profit or Non-Profit? The Pros and Cons
• If You Choose Non-Profit, Setting Up An Effective Board
• Defining Roles and Responsibilities
• What is a World-Class Montessori School?
• Abundance Thinking
• The Nine Areas of School Operation
• Clarity is the Key to Success
• Prioritizing and Sequencing What You Need To Do
• Preparing Policies, Handbooks, Agreements, and More
• Creating a Community of Support and Inspiration.
• Legal Structures
• Your Business Plan
• Ownership and Governance
• The Importance of Environment
• Facilities: Build, Buy, Or Lease?
• Financial Planning
• Setting Tuition
• Equipping Your Classroom(s)
• Curriculum design and systems to record student progress and report it to parents
• Staffing Your School – Important Principles and, Ethical Issues
• Orienting New Parents, Children, and Staff
• Administration/School Leadership
• Marketing and Recruiting – Finding the Perfect Match Between Families and Your School
• Building a Strong and Supportive Parent Community
• Fundraising or Securing A Business Loan