Some Considerations & First Steps
These steps will take you well along the path to a school you can call your own.
Research Montessori education
- Read the writings of Dr. Maria Montessori and others to gain a thorough understanding of Montessori principles and techniques. You will find suggested readings on the School Support Materials, Teacher Support Materials, and Family Support Materials pages of our Web site.
- Take an orientation course on Montessori philosophy at an AMS-affiliated teacher education program.
- Visit Montessori schools and programs. Meet with school heads, other administrators, and teachers. Observe students in their classes.
Define your vision for the school
- Create an initial mission statement.
- Decide which education levels to serve—initially and in the long-term.
- Will your school accommodate special populations, such as low-income families or children with special needs?
- Consider including special areas of interest, such as organic farming, and potential auxiliary programs (after-school activities; summer camp).
Check state and local regulations including licensing, health, safety, fire, and space requirements for
- Private schools
- Public schools
- Preschools and day care centers
A PDF of the U.S. Department of Education’s “State Regulation of Private Schools” is available here. Or, you can access it online.
Find and investigate a potential locale
- What kinds of schools and programs already exist in the area?
- Is there a need for a Montessori school at the level you are planning? How close is the nearest one?
- Is the community interested in Montessori education and likely to support it?
- Are suitable properties available (ideally with access to outdoor space)?
Select a site
- Check local zoning regulations.
- Determine accessibility—major roads, traffic patterns, parking.
- Consider potential for expansion.
Determine the composition and needs of the community
- Income levels
- Ethnic and cultural backgrounds
- Ages – infant & toddler, early childhood, elementary, and/or secondary
- Length of school day – half-day, full-day, extended day, combination
Consult an attorney to select the appropriate legal structure
Non-profit school
- Operated by a board comprised of community members, parents, and/or non-parent supporters.
- Needs to be incorporated, typically with the help of an attorney.
- Requires a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt determination letter from the Internal Revenue Service.
- If the head of school is not Montessori-credentialed, appoint a credentialed director of education.
For-profit school
- Operated by a sole proprietor, partnership, limited liability company, or corporation.
- If the head of school is not Montessori-credentialed, appoint a credentialed director of education.
Obtain legal advice concerning
- State and local requirements
- Lease agreements; mortgage or other financing needs
- Writing and establishing a constitution and by-laws
- Establishing a board of directors (if needed)
- Creating handbooks for staff, families, and board
- Drafting staff and student contracts
- Staff benefits, e.g., health insurance, sick/personal days, retirement accounts
Consider finances (in consultation with an accountant)
Initial outlay
- Facilities (purchased or rented)
- Renovations (may require an architect, zoning attorney, contractor)
- Age-appropriate, Montessori-oriented furnishings
- Montessori learning materials
- Outdoor facilities
- Office equipment
- Software-based financial tracking system
Operating budget
- Rent or mortgage
- Maintenance
- Depreciation
- Interest on loans
- Consumable materials
- Taxes: federal, state, and city income taxes if for-profit; appropriate payroll taxes
- Salaries: teachers, assistants, administrative, secretarial, custodial
- Insurance: health; workers compensation; school directors and officers; commercial liability
- Fees: licensing; AMS and other professional memberships
- Professional development; teacher education
- Contingency fund
- Scholarships; financial aid
Income sources
- School tuition
- Summer camp tuition
- Application fees
- Extended care and/or after-school activities
- Fundraising initiatives, e.g. annual fund, capital campaign, silent auction
Hire qualified teaching staff who
- Meet written job descriptions
- Include lead teachers credentialed by teacher education programs accredited by the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE)
- Meet state and local requirements
- Sign a written contract for duties, salary, benefits, etc.
- Serve the needs of auxiliary programs, e.g., physical education, music, art
Connect with the community
- Join a local Montessori networking group.
- Get to know teachers and administrators at other local schools.
- Participate in public education events.
- Volunteer to serve on community advisory boards.
- Private schools can join the local chamber of commerce.
- Explore a relationship with nearby Montessori teacher education programs regarding continuing education for staff.
Recruit students
- Hold open houses, classroom observation visits, workshops, etc.
- Give presentations at feeder schools, community centers, libraries, etc.
- Spread the word through personal contacts.
- Advertise via local newspapers, radio, Internet, phone directories, doctors’ offices, community bulletin boards.
- Create a Web site and brochures that present a unified message.
- Optimize search engine listings.
- Become a member of AMS and other local and national organizations.
- Be accessible by e-mail, telephone, text. Respond promptly to inquiries and interview requests.
Establish registration procedures
- Accept students on a formally stated, objective basis.
- Create age- and gender-balanced classes to the extent possible.
- In a tuition-based setting, require a signed payment schedule and non-refundable deposit with registration.
- Plan orientation for new families and students.
Educate parents
- Organize parent study groups; offer parent education classes.
- Schedule parent-teacher conferences.
- Provide a parent library.
- Communicate regularly via newsletters, e-mails, daily progress notes from teachers.
Develop a strategic plan covering
- Financial security
- Curriculum development and improvement
- Ongoing professional development
- Attaining AMS accreditation
- Upkeep of the school facility, furnishings, and materials
The American Montessori Society can provide specific information and support with respect to many of the details involved in starting a school, including cost estimates, supply sources, consultants, and suggested speakers.
AMS membership confers additional support: teacher/administrator employment postings on our Web site; participation in various insurance plans; a 5% discount on Montessori materials and furniture from Nienhuis Montessori USA, and free salary and tuition survey results (may be purchased by non-members).
For more information, contact Carla Hofland, AMS director of member services.