Catholic Montessori Institute

Catholic Montessori education at the University of Mary combines the educational philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori with the teachings and traditions of the Catholic Church, as she originally intended.

What Is Catholic Montessori Education?

Dr. Montessori once said, "True respect of the children is only possible when one respects God in the child." Our program fosters academic excellence, spiritual formation, and joyful discovery within an authentically Catholic worldview. Unlike secular Montessori offerings, we emphasize liturgy, the sacraments, and virtue, encouraging children to grow intellectually while deepening their relationship with God.

About the Catholic Montessori Institute

The Catholic Montessori Institute equips educators, administrators, clergy, and families to implement Montessori principles faithfully within Catholic schools and communities. We are a national center for Catholic Montessori formation and leadership.

Programs and Offerings

  • Two students learning math from a teaching priest.
    AMI Montessori Training

    The institute offers Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) training programs grounded in Catholic tradition. These programs prepare educators to serve children with professional excellence and spiritual purpose.

  • National Catholic Montessori Conference
    National Catholic Montessori Conference

    This yearly event brings together educators, school leaders, clergy, and scholars for formation, professional development, and fellowship centered on Catholic Montessori philosophy and practice.

  • Teacher working with a young student on a project.
    Master of Education (MEd) in Catholic Montessori

    Specially designed for working educators, our master's program forms students in the Church's integrative approach to teaching and learning as well as the theory and practice of the Montessori method. Candidates receive 16 prior-learning credits upon completion of national Montessori certification requirements.

  • Sister playing with a baby on break during the Montessori Conference
    Retreats and Formation Opportunities

    We also host retreats and formation to renew and deepen Montessori pedagogy within the life of the Church. These include an on-campus, guided retreat and a pilgrimage to Italy, to the heart of the Church and the home of Montessori education. Contact us for more information.

CMI Member Portal

Join our national network of faithful Catholic educators and schools! The CMI Member Portal connects educators and families who are committed to authentic Montessori education rooted in Catholic truth. 

This private online community includes: 
  • A discussion forum to exchange ideas, pedagogy, and best practices 
  • Job postings for schools seeking qualified guides and educators looking for opportunities nationwide 
  • A searchable directory of Catholic Montessori schools across the country 
  • Exclusive resources, networking, and ongoing formation opportunities

Why choose to be a part of the Catholic Montessori Institute at the University of Mary?

  • Join a network of Catholic educators and professionals deeply committed to the authentic Montessori mission
  • Partake in true Catholic Montessori training opportunities with university standards of academic excellence
  • Become better integrated with spiritual, intellectual, and professional formation

Who should consider our training?

  • Catholic school teachers and administrators
  • Catechists, guides, or directors seeking further Montessori education or greater Catholic integration
  • Clergy and religious involved in Montessori education
  • Parents or volunteers interested in Catholic Montessori education
Montessori student working through math problems

Learn More

For program details, application information, and upcoming events, contact the Catholic Montessori Institute at the University of Mary.