A. That's easy, just return to the USA Montessori home page and click the "m" icon with the graduation cap in the upper left hand corner of the screen. You will be asked, "Is this your first time here?"; scroll down to the white bar to "Create Account." The Moodle system will prompt you for some simple information, and upon completion you will instantaneously receive an email confirming your Enrollment in the USA Montessori Online Institute. You will not be asked for payment of any kind. This form of enrollment allows you guest privileges. You are invited to peruse the USAM Online Institute prior to full student enrollment, which is strictly voluntary. There is no obligation to sign up as anything other than a Guest.

Should you decide that the USAM Online Institue is for you and you'd like to take your studies to a more official level, a subscription fee of $15.95/month is payable for the duration you are enrolled in the program. These charges occur only with your authorization, using PayPal, a global, widely-used, safe and secure method of payment.

Q: What are the differences between Guest Enrollment and Full Student Enrollment?

A. Guest enrollment grants access to only certain areas of the USAM Online Institute. Restricted areas include Album-Building Courses, Online Mentorship, the eLibrary and Downloadable Resources.

Q: I'm short on funds. Is there some other way to satisfy the tuition requirements for Full Student Enrollment?

1.) A work-study program that requires about 2 hours of your time each week (work includes online administrative duties, moderating discussion online, maintaining blog or other USAM sites). Please submit a work-study online application if interested. You must hear back from the USAM program director before assuming you have been granted a work-study program in lieu of paying tuition.

2.) Award of a USAM Need-Based Scholarship as a result of submitting an application and being notified of award. Your application should be submitted in the form of an email detailing your situation and what your goals are once you have completed your training program. USAM is particularly interested in individuals interested in bettering their community. Submit your email application (request) to: lori.director@usamontessori.org.

A. If you are a diploma-seeking student, you can complete the entire program in as little as 6-months start to finish. CLICK HERE for a list of the course requirements.

A. A student may satisfy the cost of tuition by simply subscribing to the program for $15.95USD/month, making a lump sum payment, or by applying for a scholarship and/or work-study position when available (prior arrangements must be made). To date, no eager student has ever been turned away due to inability to pay.

A. There are many ways of obtaining Montessori teacher training in the world today, both online and traditional, and there are various governing bodies that oversee such programs. USA Montessori is an independent online institution offering an in-house diploma not associated with an outside agency. The only way you can be certain that this or any training program you choose will be honored for the intention you desire is to gain the pre-approval of your prospective employer or school. USA Montessori has enjoyed the acceptance and admiration of many school heads, both public and private, as a very competent and thorough teacher prep program.

A. This is fine. Our pre-requisite courses are designed to provide engaging, enlightening and immediately-applicable information as stand-alone classes. Many "just curious" participants; traditionally-employed teachers; leaders in academia; philosophers and folks employed in miscellaneous child-care/peace-promoting related positions have benefited from single-course completion. A Certificate of Completion is awarded with the completion of each pre-requisite course ideal for your school or office as a sign of our participants' commitment to continuing education and professional development.

Q. I'm worried I will need to travel on business or need to take time out for my family during my enrollment in the program. Will this cause me to earn bad marks or be removed from the program?

A. No, certainly not. With advance notice, we can customize a work plan for you that will meet your specific needs. The USA Montessori program is friendly and flexible, and you will be assigned a mentor to whom you can communicate your worries and concerns. Your mentor doubles as your facilitator. Our job is to facilitate you, not discourage you.

Q. What academic requirements are there to enroll in the USA Montessori program?

A. The USA Montessori program is presented on a collegiate level, and therefore participants are required to possess a BA/BS in any discipline, with at least 12 credit hours of any combination education/psychology/social studies courses OR 60 college credits and at least 2 years professional ECE experience. Exceptions WILL BE made for students who show exemplary potential as a Montessori educator.

A. The role of a Montessori teacher is that of an observer whose ultimate goal is to intervene less and less as the child develops. The teacher creates an atmosphere of calm, order and joy in the classroom and is there to help and encourage the children in all their efforts, allowing them to develop self-confidence and inner discipline. With the younger students at each level, the teacher is more active, demonstrating the use of materials and presenting activities based on an assessment of the child's requirements. Knowing how to observe constructively and when, and how much, to intervene, is one of the most important talents the Montessori teacher acquires during USAM training.