Credential Course for Montessori Leadership and Administration

Overview

Seton Montessori Institute’s Credential Course for Montessori Leadership and Administration presents a comprehensive course to support current and future heads of Montessori schools and teacher leaders. Participants will develop their skills in administration and program leadership in accordance with the philosophy and best practices of Montessori education. Completion leads to AMS Administrator Course Certification.

Course Models, Candidates & Focus

Three course models have been designed to serve candidates with different backgrounds and needs:

Model I

A qualified school administrator seeking knowledge and skills in Montessori philosophy, pedagogy, and curriculum. Bachelor’s degree and previous school administration experience or licensure required.

Model II

A credentialed Montessori teacher who seeks knowledge and skills in school leadership and administration. Bachelor’s degree and Montessori certification required.

Model III

An individual seeking knowledge and skills in both Montessori pedagogy and curriculum, as well as school leadership and administration. Bachelor’s degree required.

Application and Interview process

Submit an application. This includes:

  • Completed Application for Admission form

  • $100 non-refundable application fee

  • Official transcript (or evaluation report for foreign educational credential) in the sealed issuing envelope

  • Three reference forms or letters of recommendation (can be emailed to Institute@SetonMontessori.org)

After the complete application and materials are reviewed, institute faculty will contact the applicant to schedule an interview. Non-native English speakers must have a solid command of the English language (the equivalent of a TOEFL score of 72 or higher).

Educational Qualifications

Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.

Academics

The sequence of core course academics is designed to take place in two consecutive summer sessions. Summer sessions will be divided into four course components of approximately 50 hours each.

  • Models I & III candidates will attend the designated hours of summer academics and are required to complete a two-week Montessori Philosophy and Practices academics prior to the start of their practicum. Candidates will also participate in online coursework to include discussion groups and webinars.

  • Model II candidates will attend the designated hours of summer academics. Candidates will also participate in online coursework, including discussion groups and webinars.

Orientation and Independent Study Class:

Asynchronous online class completed before the Montessori Philosophy and Practices online class begins.

Montessori Philosophy and Practices Online Class:

This class is for Model I & Model III. Candidates choose from spring or summer options:

  • Spring 2025 Option: April 5, 2025 – June 4, 2025

Saturday 8:30 – 10:30 am CT & Wednesday 6:30 – 8:30 pm CT

  • Summer 2025 Option: June 9 – 19, 2025

Monday-Friday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm CT (ends on a Thursday)

Summer 1: July 13* – 25, 2025 (Components 1 & 2)

Summer 2: July 12* – 24, 2026 (Components 3 & 4)

All classes meet 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. CT (*Sunday, half day)
Summer academics are held at Benedictine University in Lisle, IL, and Seton’s Lab School in Clarendon Hills, IL.

Online Learning Component:

Candidates will participate in two online courses designed to treat special topics of interest in Montessori school administration to include the leadership role in supporting students with special needs and advocacy and research. These courses are conducted using the ZOOM.us video conference tool and meet for two-hour sessions, one evening per week, for 6-weeks in January/February. A practicum meeting is held for a one-hour online session every other month on Sunday evenings. Students will complete approximately 65 of the required course hours through online coursework.

Application Deadlines

Model I/Model III – Spring option: March 1, 2025; Summer option: May 1, 2025; 

Model II – June 1, 2025

Note: A $200 late enrollment fee applies to all applications received or postmarked after the published deadline.

Practicum

A practicum is an administrative internship that lasts a minimum of a full academic year. The candidate works at the practicum site for no less than 720 hours.

  • Montessori philosophy and pedagogy course academics and assignments must be completed prior to the start of the practicum. (Model I/Model III)

  • The practicum site and arrangements must be approved prior to the start of the practicum.

  • The candidate will receive a minimum of three consultation visits from Seton Montessori Institute Leadership and Administration Course faculty over the duration of the practicum.

  • Candidates will participate in advising and reflection online during the duration of the practicum.

  • In the absence of a supervised practicum arrangement, a mentorship relationship will be required and approved by the Course Coordinator.

  • Practicum Visits in the continental United States to sites over 150 miles from Seton MontessoriInstitute require a travel expense fee of $300 per visit per student. This is non-refundable and due prior to the visit.

2025 Tuition Information

Model I Tuition: $8,250*

Model II Tuition: $7,650*

Model III Tuition: $8,750*

*The current MACTE fee is $220, and the AMS Adult Learner fee is $270, which is not included in tuition totals.

MACTE and AMS Adult Learner Fees are set by each organization and are subject to change.

Payment Schedule

Model I

Non-refundable Application Fee: $100

Montessori Philosophy & Practices Class: $2,250

Summer 1 Tuition Installment: $3,490

Summer 2 Tuition Installment: $3,000

Model II

Non-refundable Application Fee: $100

Summer 1 Tuition Installment: $4,315

Summer 2 Tuition Installment: $3,825

Model III

Non-refundable Application Fee: $100

Montessori Philosophy & Practices Class: $2,250

Summer 1 Tuition Installment: $3,740

Summer 2 Tuition Installment: $3,250

Accreditation and Affiliation

Seton Montessori Institute is affiliated with American Montessori Society (AMS), accredited by Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE), which is recognized by the US Department of Education, and approved to operate by the Private Business and Vocational Schools Division of the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE).

(2025 cohort course requirements must be completed by August 31, 2029)