Shape the future of Montessori excellence

AMI Global School Accreditation

AMI's worldwide mark of quality Montessori practice, and how your school can join.

Pilot phase now · Full launch January 2028

The Global School Accreditation (GSA) is an initiative of the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) to strengthen Montessori schools across the world. Montessori Institute Prague (MIP) is proud to serve as an Authorised Accrediting Agency.

Write us to express your interest How the process works

The programme

What is the Global School Accreditation?

AMI's Global School Accreditation is an international initiative designed to strengthen Montessori schools everywhere. Built on the Montessori principles of observation, collaboration and continuous development, the programme supports schools in reflecting on their strengths, identifying areas to develop, and deepening their alignment with authentic Montessori pedagogy.

Rather than a pass-or-fail inspection or a checklist, the GSA is a developmental process of shared inquiry. It is comprehensive but non-prescriptive, and flexible enough to honour local context. From the reflective Self-Study to the Onsite Review Visit, each stage supports schools in understanding their strengths, identifying areas for development, and setting goals that fit their context while holding to high aspirations for Montessori practice.

Support schools in improving Montessori implementation
Strengthen communication and collaboration within school communities
Build a connected global network of Montessori schools
Encourage ongoing reflection and refinement
Provide clarity and reassurance for families and the wider community

Throughout the journey, schools are accompanied by a local Authorised Accrediting Agency (AAA) that offers culturally appropriate support and coordinates Coaches and Reviewers. AMI provides oversight so that the process is applied consistently and responsibly worldwide.

The GSA Quality Framework

Four Quality Areas

AMI has developed a set of Quality Areas, Standards and Indicators, collectively, the Quality Standards, that give schools a comprehensive and meaningful way to examine their practice. They act as guiding threads rather than rigid requirements.

01

Organisation, Governance & Leadership

How the school is led, governed and organised to protect and sustain authentic Montessori practice over time.

02

The Prepared Environment

The physical and social environment, indoors and outdoors, prepared to meet the developmental needs of children and adolescents.

03

The Work of the Adult

The preparation, observation and pedagogical practice of the Montessori educators who guide the environment.

04

The Work of the Children & Adolescents

The lived experience and development of the children and adolescents themselves, the ultimate purpose of everything else.

Each area contains several Standards, supported by Indicators that describe how those Standards may be seen in daily practice. Indicators are not boxes to tick; they are invitations to look closely, to observe patterns over time, and to discuss what is working well and what might deserve attention.

The accreditation journey

Six stages, at your own rhythm

The GSA pathway is developmental and reflective. Schools move through it at their own rhythm, depending on their context and readiness. Throughout, your Authorised Accrediting Agency coordinates communication, supports orientation, and assigns Coaches and a Review Team where appropriate.

1

Expression of Interest

Your school expresses interest and receives an orientation to the purpose, structure, expectations, timeline, roles and fees of the programme. This stage is informational and non-evaluative, it simply helps you decide whether you are ready to engage.

2

Application for Candidacy

When you decide to proceed, you complete the Application for Candidacy. Once accepted, your school receives Candidate School status, marking your formal entry into the accreditation journey.

3

Self-Study & Self-Study Review

The Self-Study is the heart of the process. Your community reflects on its practice, culture and alignment with Montessori principles and the AMI Quality Standards, supported by a Coach along a pathway suited to your school.

4

Application for Accreditation & Onsite Review Visit

When ready, your school applies for accreditation and welcomes a Review Team. The team observes practice, examines documentation and engages in professional dialogue, then contributes to the Onsite Review Visit Report.

5

Accreditation Decision

Drawing on the Self-Study and the Review Report, a decision is made. Schools that meet AMI's quality expectations are recognised as AMI Accredited Schools.

6

Continual Improvement & Renewal

Accreditation is the beginning of an ongoing relationship, not the end of one. Schools continue to reflect, report annually and grow, moving toward re-accreditation at the close of their accreditation term.

Who walks alongside you

A collaborative process

The GSA is a collaborative process. Several roles work together, with clarity, transparency and shared purpose, to accompany your school while respecting its unique context.

At the centreYour school

Your community, your context and your development journey.

Authorised Accrediting Agency

Your primary point of contact throughout the journey. The AAA orients your school, assigns Coaches and Review Teams, supports you through the Self-Study and every other stage, and upholds the integrity of the process. For schools accompanied by Montessori Institute Prague, MIP serves in this role.

Your Coach

An experienced guide who accompanies your community through the Self-Study, helping you reflect deeply and prepare well, without prescribing answers.

The Review Team

Trained observers and dialogue partners who observe practice, listen to your school's lived reality, and reflect back what they see with accuracy and care. The Review Team provides evidence-based findings but does not itself decide the outcome.

AMI

The steward of the programme worldwide, maintaining the standards, training and authorising Coaches and Reviewers, safeguarding pedagogical integrity, and protecting the AMI name.

For schools working with Montessori Institute Prague

MIP serves as your Authorised Accrediting Agency and remains your primary point of contact throughout the journey, coordinating orientation, coaching, review and accreditation. More detail about the role of AAAs and how schools are matched is available in the Accrediting Agencies section above.

Who you will work with

At Montessori Institute Prague

Mirka Vlčková

CEO, Montessori Institute Prague

Mirka has been closely involved in the formation of the Global School Accreditation, contributing to the development of the programme as it has taken shape with AMI.

At Montessori Institute Prague she leads the international pilot of the GSA. She co-facilitates the Group Self-Study Coaching Programme together with Sue Pritzker, and accompanies the pilot schools, in the Czech Republic, Romania and Lithuania, through the full framework of four Quality Areas and thirty-eight standards.

She is also the first person you will speak with when your school expresses interest, and she stays involved throughout the journey, from the first orientation to the final steps of the process. You can write to her directly at mirka@amiprague.cz.

Why pursue GSA accreditation

Value at every level

01

For your school

A structured way to reflect on practice, deepen Montessori alignment and set meaningful development goals.

02

For your team

A shared process that strengthens communication, reflection and purpose across leadership and classrooms.

03

For families

Clarity and reassurance that your school is working within AMI's internationally recognised quality framework.

04

For the wider movement

Connection to a global network of Montessori schools learning from one another and strengthening the wider movement.

Practical information

Participation, recognition & investment

Who can take part?

The GSA is designed to support Montessori schools of different sizes, resources and contexts. During the pilot and phased rollout, availability depends on the network of Authorised Accrediting Agencies currently able to serve your region. Where no local AAA is available, an international AAA such as Montessori Institute Prague may still be able to accompany your school.

Recognition

Once your Application for Candidacy is accepted, your school gains Candidate School status. Upon earning accreditation, your school is listed publicly as an AMI Accredited School and may display the AMI Accredited School badge in line with AMI's branding guidelines.

How fees are structured

AMI's programme fees are set consistently across the GSA. Each Authorised Accrediting Agency sets its own service fees to reflect regional price levels and its local operating context. Montessori Institute Prague provides a clear breakdown of the applicable fees during orientation.

A moment of celebration

For schools completing the GSA through Montessori Institute Prague, accreditation is awarded and celebrated at the Prague Montessori Congress, recognising the school's achievement among peers from across the international Montessori community.

Next Congress: 23 to 25 April 2027

Express your interest

Begin your GSA journey with Montessori Institute Prague

The first step is a simple conversation. Whether you would like to explore joining a coaching cohort now or to be first in line for the January 2028 launch, tell us about your school. There is no obligation, just the start of a journey toward strengthening your practice and joining a global community of Montessori schools.

Having trouble with the form? Email us at mirka@amiprague.cz.

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

Is the GSA a pass-or-fail inspection?

No. It is a developmental process of shared inquiry. Its purpose is to support your school's growth, not to judge it. The framework is designed for reflection and dialogue rather than as a checklist.

How long does accreditation take?

There is no single timeline. Schools move through the six stages at a rhythm that suits their context and readiness. Your AAA will help you plan a realistic path.

Do we have to be perfect to apply?

Not at all. The programme assumes every school is on its own trajectory. You begin where you are; the Self-Study helps you see your strengths and your next steps clearly.

What size of school can apply?

The GSA is designed for Montessori schools of different sizes and contexts. During the pilot and phased rollout, participation also depends on the availability of an AAA able to accompany your school.

What happens after we are accredited?

Accreditation begins an ongoing relationship. Schools continue to reflect, report annually and develop, working toward re-accreditation at the end of their accreditation term.

How do we start?

With an Expression of Interest. It is informational and carries no obligation, simply the first conversation about whether the GSA is right for your school.

Global School Accreditation, the AAA network

Authorised Accrediting Agencies around the world

Who administers AMI's Global School Accreditation in each region, and how your school finds its home.

The Global School Accreditation is delivered worldwide through a network of Authorised Accrediting Agencies (AAAs), Montessori organisations authorised by AMI to run the programme within their regions.

Write us to express your interest

The role

What is an Authorised Accrediting Agency?

An Authorised Accrediting Agency is a Montessori organisation authorised by AMI to administer the Global School Accreditation and to issue accreditation decisions under AMI's authority within a defined context.

AAAs may be established by AMI Affiliates, AMI Training Centres, or other Montessori entities that demonstrate the capacity to uphold AMI's expectations. Each AAA becomes the day-to-day home of the programme in its region: it orients schools, assigns Coaches and Review Teams, supports schools through the Self-Study and every stage that follows, manages documentation, and makes the accreditation determination under AMI authorisation.

The role exists to bridge two things: AMI's consistent global standards, and the lived realities of local communities. That way, the support your school receives is both pedagogically sound and culturally grounded.

A growing global network

The network is still forming

The GSA is expanding gradually, with new Authorised Accrediting Agencies being authorised across more regions and languages. Wherever they operate, AAAs work within the same AMI framework and purpose.

Growing networkNew Authorised Accrediting Agencies are being established across more regions and languages.

Regional supportAAAs provide a local or international home for schools moving through the accreditation journey.

One AMI frameworkWherever an AAA operates, the same AMI Quality Framework and purpose guide the process.

The active network will continue to grow. If you do not yet see an agency for your region, see “What if there is no AAA in my region yet?” below.

Authorised Accrediting Agencies

The network of Authorised Accrediting Agencies is growing. The table below lists the agencies currently authorised and the regions they serve. For the most current list, please get in touch, we will point you to the right AAA for your school, or help you begin directly with Montessori Institute Prague.

Authorised Accrediting Agency	Region served	Languages	Contact
Montessori Institute Prague (MIP)	Czech Republic · Central Europe	Czech, English	amiprague.cz
AMI USA	United States	English	amiusa.org
AMI Canada	Canada	English, French	ami-canada.com
Montessori Norge	Norway	Norwegian, English	montessorinorge.no
Asociación Montessori Española	Spain	Spanish, English	asociacionmontessori.net

The AAA network continues to grow as additional agencies are authorised.

How schools are matched to an AAA

Finding the agency best placed to accompany you

Schools are normally matched to an AAA based on region, language, context and capacity rather than free choice. The aim is to connect each school with the agency best placed to support it well.

Region comes first

Where a local or regional AAA is already established, it is normally your first point of contact and brings an understanding of your local context.

Language and context matter

Where more than one agency could serve you, the match considers your school's working language and the context in which you operate.

Capacity and readiness

As the network grows, the match also considers which authorised agency currently has the capacity to support new schools well.

AMI coordinates the whole

Where the right match is not obvious, AMI helps connect schools with an appropriate authorised agency.

If your situation is less clear-cut, for example an international school, a region without a local AAA, or a strong existing relationship with a particular Montessori organisation, the match can be discussed so that it serves your school rather than a rigid rule.

No agency in your region yet?

What if there is no AAA in my region yet?

You may still be able to take part. The network is expanding, and where there is no local AAA, an international agency may be able to accompany your school. If there is no AAA in your region, there are two straightforward routes:

Begin with an AAA that works internationally

Some agencies, Montessori Institute Prague among them, are able to accompany schools beyond their immediate region, particularly where they share a working language. We can orient you, coach you through the Self-Study and coordinate your Review remotely and on-site.

Express your interest through AMI

AMI maintains the global picture of the programme and can direct your school to an appropriate agency, or note your region as one where an AAA may be established as the network grows.

Either way, the first step is the same: reach out. A short conversation is enough to work out the best path for your school.

Ask us where to begin

Global consistency, local flexibility

What stays the same, wherever you are

Whichever AAA accompanies your school, the essentials of the GSA are consistent worldwide:

The same standards

Every school works with the same AMI Quality Areas, Standards and Indicators.

The same developmental spirit

The process remains supportive and reflective, not a checklist, ranking or competition.

The same recognition

Accredited schools receive the same recognition as AMI Accredited Schools, wherever they are.

Consistent AMI fees, locally adapted AAA fees

AMI's programme fees are consistent across the GSA, while AAA service fees reflect regional price levels and local operating context.

Not sure which agency is right for your school?

Tell us where your school is and what language you work in, and we will point you to the right Authorised Accrediting Agency, or, if it is a good fit, begin the journey with you directly. There is no obligation; it starts with a simple conversation.

Get in touch

Or email us directly at mirka@amiprague.cz

Global School Accreditation, news from the pilot

News & Pilot Updates

Following the Global School Accreditation on its road to launch.

Pilot phase now · Full launch January 2028

The GSA is in its pilot phase, with the full launch planned for January 2028. This is where we share what we are learning alongside our pilot schools, and the latest news as the programme grows.

Write us to express your interest

About the pilot

Leading the international pilot of the GSA

Montessori Institute Prague is leading the international pilot of the Global School Accreditation. The pilot puts the full process, the Self-Study, coaching, review and accreditation, into practice with real schools, so that when the programme launches it is thoroughly tested, genuinely supportive, and true to Montessori principles. It is deliberately developmental rather than evaluative: schools are invited to question and help refine the framework, not simply to be measured against it.

How it works for pilot schools

Pilot schools join a Group Self-Study Coaching Programme, with monthly coaching sessions across the school year, light optional work in between, and cross-country "accountability partnerships" so no school works alone. Within the pilot, there are no hard deadlines; each school moves at its own pace, and a realistic timeframe to complete the Self-Study is two to three years. Coaching is co-facilitated by Mirka Vlčková (MIP) and Sue Pritzker, an AMI School Leadership trainer and accredited coach. Together the cohort works through the full framework, four Quality Areas, thirty-eight standards and the quality indicators beneath them.

A review visit is a celebration, not a test

A reviewer visits only once a school declares itself ready, and the visit is framed as a celebration of completed work rather than a pass-or-fail examination.

Where it is heading

Everything learned in the pilot feeds directly into the full programme, planned to launch in January 2028. A second, global cohort opens in September 2026, widening the circle of schools taking part. Schools that join now help shape a stronger process for the whole global Montessori community, and are among the first to travel the accreditation journey.

Updates

Latest first

August 2026

Looking ahead: a global cohort and our first review visits

The pilot enters an exciting new phase this autumn. A second, global cohort of the Group Self-Study Coaching Programme opens in September 2026, welcoming schools from a wider range of countries and contexts to work through the framework together. And having completed their Self-Study journey, our first pilot schools are now preparing to host the programme's very first on-site review visits, the celebratory milestone at the end of the journey. We will share more as these unfold on the road to the January 2028 launch.

June 2026

Our first cohort completes the full framework

Over twelve monthly sessions between March 2025 and June 2026, Montessori Institute Prague's first pilot cohort, schools across the Czech Republic, Romania and Lithuania, worked all the way through the Global School Accreditation framework, across all four Quality Areas. What stood out most was how much schools discovered they were already doing well: again and again, communities found they held far more evidence of quality than they had realised, in the reports, magazines, observation records and parent communication they produce every day. The clearest shared lesson was that quality lives in people and culture, and that the peer community itself, learning across levels and across countries, became one of the most valued parts of the experience. "Study the child" became the cohort's shared anchor.

March 2025

The GSA pilot begins at Montessori Institute Prague

Montessori Institute Prague launched the first live pilot of the Global School Accreditation, the first real-world test of the Self-Study instrument and the coaching model built around it. Developed by AMI over more than a decade, with its four Quality Areas and standards finalised at AMI in 2024, the framework now met the daily reality of schools for the first time. The pilot's purpose was set from the start as developmental: to surface the genuine questions and obstacles schools meet, and to build the practices that later cohorts, and other Authorised Accrediting Agencies, will inherit.

Want to follow the journey to launch?

We will post pilot milestones and programme news here as the Global School Accreditation moves toward its January 2028 launch. If you would like updates directly, or if your school is interested in a coaching cohort or the launch, get in touch and we will keep you posted.

Get in touch

Or email us directly at mirka@amiprague.cz