Terms You Need to Know as a Parent: Accreditation

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Each Wednesday, we’ll share Parent Education posts – content that covers specifics about our school, classroom curriculum, Montessori in the home, and information that’s relevant to parenting in general.

Today we’re beginning a new series: Terms You Need to Know as a Parent. The name “Montessori” can be used by any establishment, regardless of the educational background of the teachers, the curriculum they teach, or the materials they have on the shelves. As parents, the only way you are assured a quality Montessori environment is by viewing accreditation, certification, and licensing credentials, and being informed of what these credentials mean.

Terms You Need to Know as a Parent
Part 1: What does the accreditation process include?

Accredited schools have obtained the highest level of recognition by an accrediting organization. Accreditation is earned through self-studies and a quality review team. Accreditation occurs for programs, not facilities. Organizations such as SACS (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools), IMC (International Montessori Council), AMS (American Montessori Society) or AMI (Association Montessori Internationale) accredit programs only after the program has been validated as being of quality. Our school has earned SACS Accreditation and AMS Accreditation.