Pathway of Continuous School Improvement
An invitation for member schools to engage with Montessori quality.
Determine Your Pathway Step
Determine your Pathway step by reading through the 5 core components of Montessori, reflecting on how your school implements them, and then completing the Pathway Placement Form.
Wherever you are in your school's journey, they can help you use the Pathway framework to develop a goal and get the support to achieve it.
Support for Your School
AMS is here to support you as you move along the Steps of the Pathway with access to self-assessment tools and sample documents, as well as other resources.
You will also receive a Pathway seal to use on your website as a signal to your parent community of your commitment to quality. Each time you advance to a new step, we will send you a new, updated seal. Schools on the Pathway at Step 4 and above also receive an AMS School Quality certificate. And, all schools on the Pathway are recognized as such in our school directory, including on the school’s personal AMS webpage.
Pathway Overview
There are 10 steps on the Pathway of Continuous School Improvement, and a place on the Pathway for all schools. Pathway step determination is based on how many of the 5 core components of Montessori your school implements.
The 5 Core Components of Montessori
- Properly Credentialed Teachers
- Multi-Age Classrooms
- Use of Montessori Materials
- Child-Directed Work
- Uninterrupted Work Cycle
The Pathway Steps
Step 1: Your school is a member of AMS and has affirmed its commitment to the AMS Code of Ethics.
Step 2: At least 20% of your lead teachers hold Montessori credentials. Your school has a mission statement and a plan for how/when it will incorporate the 5 core components.
Step 3: At least 40% of your lead teachers hold Montessori credentials and your school implements at least 1 core component.
Step 4: At least 60% of your lead teachers hold Montessori credentials and your school implements at least 2 other core components.
Step 5: At least 80% of your lead teachers hold Montessori credentials and your school implements at least 3 other core components.
Step 6: 100% of your lead teachers hold Montessori credentials and your school implements the other 4 core components If your school is interested in accreditation, you are eligible to apply for candidacy.
Step 7: Your school has submitted a self-study that demonstrates compliance with the AMS School Accreditation Institutional Standards.
Step 8: Your school has submitted a self-study and hosted a peer validator to demonstrate compliance with the AMS School Accreditation Instructional Standards.
Step 9: Your school has completed a strategic plan for continuing improvement.
Step 10: AMS School accreditation.
Coaching
Your Pathway coach is a partner in your success.
Assessment
You’ll receive a variety of self-assessment tools.
Documents
Sample documents will showcase best practices.
