AMI stands for Association Montessori Internationale

AMS stands for American Montessori Society.

Both are Montessori programs, but from my observation in visiting quite a few AMS and AMI schools systematically over several years, I'd say that AMS programs are a little looser than the AMI schools with everything. As in the AMI sems more closely based with the Italian system, where Maria Montessori started.

AMS seems to be a little looser, a little more modified for American culture, etc. Both use the Montessori materials, both teachers are trained (I think they are trained at different programs, but not sure about that), etc.

(Note, I am a bit more than a layperson as I have a MA in ECE, I've taught and directed many Non-Montessori programs for 30+ years but I am not Montessori trained)

Anonymous wrote:Can you recommend any books or blogs on adopting the Montessori approach to home life? We're setting up a children's playroom and want it to be a place the children can independently explore, play, and work on topics of interest. We recreated the bean pouring exercise at home and that went over well but she's since mastered it and clearly ready for more. Thanks!

We like the book, "How to Raise an Amazing Child," which has good advice and photos of a Montessori home.

The Montessori Services website is also a good source -- it has a section on "About Montessori" and also has very useful articles about various aspects of Montessori education:

http://www.montessoriservices.com/ideas-insights

Not OP, but my child attends a Montessori school and we incorporate many aspects of it at home too. I really like How We Montessori and Montessori Life As We Know It. They're both Australian blogs, but I found them helpful!

Can you recommend any books or blogs on adopting the Montessori approach to home life? We're setting up a children's playroom and want it to be a place the children can independently explore, play, and work on topics of interest. We recreated the bean pouring exercise at home and that went over well but she's since mastered it and clearly ready for more. Thanks!

PP here. I meant "for profit" for the owners.

Evergreen School (Montessori) in Silver Spring has a strong program for toddlers, Primary, Early Elementary. I also like Aiden in DC.

I am biased against Franklin because it is "for profit" and the consequence of that (imo) is that 1) Employees are unfairly compensated 2) Not as much money goes back into the school.

I am thinking about Franklin School at Rockville. Any opinions?

First, thanks for offering your expertise.
My family is moving to the Upper Marlboro area. My daughter is almost 2 and currently in Montessori schooling in NC. Do you have recommendations for a strong program in that area? (We are willing to drive if you hvae one that is particularly outstanding.)

Thank you in advance.

Anonymous wrote:Thoughts on Christian Family Montessori?

OP. It's an AMI school which is a great start, but I am somewhat unfamiliar.

The above post was OP.

Anonymous wrote:Thanks for this thread! NP here wondering how learning a foreign language can complement or be incorporated into a Montessori classroom that is not fully bilingual.

It's a rich and stimulating experience! I don't have a more satisfying answer, I just love the idea. It certainly can't take away from a classroom. I would hope that during the "normal" school day, the extra hour of time would be complemented, perhaps, by a teacher using some of the new vocabulary.

Thoughts on Christian Family Montessori?

I'm looking into montessori schools and am wondering why some are listed on the AMI site but not the American Montessori Society site and vice versa. What is the difference and which is better? Thanks OP, this is very helpful! Also, how do you know if Montessori will be a good fit for your child?

Op here: would love input from other teachers! I don't want to hog the thread. I'll identify my posts from here on out.

This is super interesting, thanks OP! My question may be similar to the Aiden parent above - can you speak to the differences between the content of the primary and elementary levels? What drew you to primary over elementary?