No. NAMTA is an affiliate organization of the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI), but joining NAMTA does not make you a member of AMI.

No. Approximately 200 public schools in the U.S. and Canada offer Montessori programs, and this number is growing every year.

Research studies show that Montessori children are well prepared for later life academically, socially, and emotionally. In addition to scoring well on standardized tests, Montessori children are ranked above average on such criteria as following directions, turning in work on time, listening attentively, using basic skills, showing responsibility, asking provocative questions, showing enthusiasm for learning, and adapting to new situations.

Some are, but most are not. Some Montessori schools, just like other schools, operate under the auspices of a church, synagogue, or diocese, but most are independent of any religious affiliation.

Only a trained Montessori teacher can properly implement Montessori education, using the specialized learning equipment of the Montessori “prepared environment.” Moreover, the social development that comes from being in an environment with other children is an integral part of Montessori education.

However, Montessori philosophy and practices have much to offer homeschooling parents.

All parents can use Montessori principles of child development at home, complementing your child’s experiences in Montessori school. Look at your home through your child’s eyes. Children need a sense of belonging, and they get it by participating fully in the routines of everyday life. “Help me do it by myself” is the life theme of the preschooler. Providing opportunities for independence is the surest way to build your child’s self-esteem. The NAMTA publication At Home with Montessori describes ways to use Montessori philosophy in the home environment.

NAMTA publishes The NAMTA Directory each year in April. The directory lists schools that have paid a small fee for a listing. You can search for schools in the online school directory or you can purchase a print version.