(June 04, 2025 to December 18, 2026)

The AMI Montessori 12-18 Diploma Course is an intensive full-time programme designed to help students study closely the theory and practice of the Montessori approach to education. The course is scheduled over 3 modules and will help prepare students for working with adolescents.

Course Delivery

This will be an onsite course. It will be held over 3 modules as follows:

	From	To
Module 1	June 04, 2025	June 17, 2025
Module 2	November 17, 2025	December 19, 2025
Module 3	November 16, 2026	December 18, 2026

Timing: 8:45 AM to 4:00 PM

Course Components

Theory Lectures

The work and study done by adolescents in this period of development prepares them for life in the world in which they will take their place one day as adults. During the residential experience, the students will have the opportunity to experience firsthand what adolescents need in these crucial years of development. In small groups, the students will be guided to explore various subjects and study them deeply and thoroughly using a multi-disciplinary approach. The study combines research with practical work, leading to a presentation. During this time students are also encouraged to sign up for activities leading to creative self-expression and movement. This allows for a deeper understanding of the needs of adolescents and helps build the fabric of community life on the farm.

Residential Experience

For four weeks of the course all the trainees will live together on the farm following the flow of the day of the adolescent. This experience will lead them to a fuller understanding of the needs of adolescents. The trainees will share simple and shared accommodation, prepare and serve meals in groups, engage in farming activities and participate in group and community work. In the midst of their responsibilities to the group they will also complete the tasks they were assigned and chose. This helps the students build an all round understanding of the community work required of adolescents by taking the time for work, study, service and leisure.

Care of the Environment

Students will be asked to take responsibility for the environment everyday and manage it as they would when they are with adolescents. This is an essential aspect of the training that helps students build a relationship with the environment. It will include the indoor and outdoor environment bringing together the world of nature and the world of humans.

School Observation and Teaching Practice

Students will be assigned to go to various Montessori adolescent environments for observation and teaching practice. During this time they will be required to keep a record of their observations. They will have the opportunity to undertake work and study with the adolescents under supervision. Students will need to budget for their travel or commute to the various schools.

These weeks of School Observation and Teaching Practice are to be scheduled by the students outside of the course dates.

Observation 1 week (minimum 30 hours)
0-3 (9 hours) , 3-6 (9 hours) and 6-12 (12 hours) environments

Observation 2 weeks (minimum 80 hours – 40 hours each in two different environments. If you work in an adolescent environment 40 hours can be in your own school)

School Teaching Practice 4 weeks

Assignments and Albums

Students will be required to submit typed work at regular intervals during the course, which will include theory essays, and observation reports. Students will need to do at least four hours of organised work at home every day in order to complete all assignments. Students will be expected to submit their own work on time based on the lectures and Montessori readings. They will be guided to work on a Literature Review (paper) on a topic of their choice related to the development of adolescents. Students will also have the opportunity to create some materials in a group or individually.

Email and Internet Access

Students will need regular access to email and the internet throughout the course. All assignments will need to be submitted electronically. Students will be required to scan and upload their work.

Language

All lectures will be in English. Course work will need to be presented in English both orally and in writing. It will be necessary for students to take comprehensive lecture notes, read Montessori books, write original essays and prepare assignments based on course information. Students will also be required to explain theoretical principles during the Oral examination.

Attendance

Students must have a minimum of 90% attendance of the course including time taken off due to illness. Attendance records will be meticulously maintained throughout the year. In case of absence, students must notify the Training Team in writing, at least one day in advance. In case of a sudden illness the student must inform the Training Team by email immediately.

Examinations

At the end of the course, students will take two written examinations. Paper A will be on Montessori theoretical principles and Paper B will be on underpinning principles of the practical areas. The duration of each will be approximately 3 hours.

Students will also take oral examinations. The duration of the oral examinations will be approximately 3 hours.

Diploma

The AMI diploma is awarded by the Association Montessori Internationale. It qualifies the holder to work with children in a Montessori environment between 12 and 18 years of age. The AMI Adolescent diploma is a highly valued qualification. It is a great asset to those who wish to open their own schools.

Eligibility

To be considered eligible for admission candidates should have the following:

A Bachelor’s degree
A sound knowledge of English
To have completed the age of 20
Excellent computer skills and internet access

We welcome candidates from all walks of life and different professions. Occasionally we do consider applicants who do not have a Bachelor’s degree based on their life experience.

Fees

	Indian Nationals	Foreign Nationals	Opening Date	End Date
Application Fee	₹ 4,720	₹ 8,260	October 30, 2024	June 06, 2025
Course Fee (Early Bird)	₹ 2,60,000	₹ 3,90,000	October 30, 2024	April 30, 2025
Course Fee (Regular)	₹ 2,78,000	₹ 3,90,000	May 01, 2025	June 06, 2025

Books and Stationery Budget

It is advisable for students to acquire the Montessori books in the Required Reading list. The students may also have to acquire stationery for the course, for course submissions and the creation of Albums. The cost will vary depending on the choices made. We would like to emphasise that this is a budget and that it is only an approximate guide. The training course neither recommends nor endorses particular stationery products. Students are advised to budget for books and materials for the duration of the course as follows.

Items	Budget	Likely to be spent
Montessori Books	₹ 6,000	For the duration of the course
Stationery	₹ 2,000	For the duration of the course
Materials	₹ 2,000	For the duration of the course

Books and Reading

To prepare for the Diploma course and for working in a Montessori environment it is good practice to read around the subject. The following list of books is provided to help you begin this process. Some of these books will be made available in the student library.

Distributor

Books published by Indian Montessori Foundation (IMF) are available for sale with the distributor:
Coral Groups,
Mobile: +91 9092910007
Email: coralgroups@outlook.com

Required Reading

- Montessori, Maria From Childhood to Adolescence Indian Montessori Foundation
- Montessori, Maria The Absorbent Mind Indian Montessori Foundation
- Montessori, Maria Education and Peace Indian Montessori Foundation
- Montessori, Maria To Educate the Human Potential Indian Montessori Foundation
- Montessori, Maria The 1946 London Lectures Montessori-Pierson Publishing Company
- Montessori, Maria Citizen of the World Montessori-Pierson Publishing Company

NAMTA Journal, Vol. 26, Nr 3, Summer 2001 on the Montessori Adolescent