Catholic Montessori Training at Mary

Earn Your Montessori Diploma from a Faithfully Catholic University

The Catholic Montessori Institute (CMI) at the University of Mary offers Montessori diploma programs authentically grounded in the teachings of the Catholic Church, integrating Maria Montessori’s educational vision with the Church’s intellectual and spiritual tradition.

Whether you are new to Montessori education or an experienced guide seeking formal certification, our programs provide rigorous Montessori training within a faithful Catholic university setting.

AMI Montessori Diplomas

In partnership with the Southwest Institute of Montessori Studies (SIMS), an affiliate of the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI), CMI offers internationally recognized AMI Montessori diplomas for educators. These credentials are widely respected across the global Montessori community and reflect the highest standards of Montessori teacher preparation.

Montessori Formation Rooted in the Catholic Tradition

Unlike secular Montessori certification programs, CMI integrates Montessori pedagogy with the Catholic intellectual and wisdom tradition, supported by the academic excellence and mission of the University of Mary. This formation prepares educators not only as skilled Montessori guides, but as teachers formed in truth, beauty, and goodness.

Catholic Religious Formation for the Child

For those seeking deeper integration of faith and education, CMI also offers Catechesis of the Good Shepherd courses — a child-centered, Montessori-based approach to Catholic religious formation that honors the spiritual capacity of the child.

Upcoming Trainings

At a Glance

Program Length

One Year

Format

Blended: Online with in-person modules at a local Catholic Montessori school in Bismarck, ND, and the opportunity to stay on the University of Mary's main campus.

Cost

AMI 3-6 Diploma Course: $12,750/year, plus room and board

Room and Board

Comfortable on-campus housing and board at our all-inclusive, all-you-can-eat Crow’s Nest Campus Restaurant are just $89/day. Additionally, you’ll have access to daily Mass, Adoration, Confession, and more, all mere steps from your room during the beautiful summer months of North Dakota.

Start Date: May 2026

AMI Primary Teacher Training Course (3-6 Diploma)

May 2026 – July 2027

This course is an in-depth exploration of Montessori pedagogy for children ages 3 to 6. This comprehensive program integrates Montessori philosophy with contemporary insights into education and human development.

Blended course: Online instruction plus in-person modules at a local Catholic Montessori school in Bismarck, ND.

  • Initial Weeks Online Module: May 12 – 30, 2026
  • In-Person Module 1: July 7 – 17, 2026
  • Online Session 1: August 15 – September 12, 2026
  • In-Person Module 2: September 17 – 25, 2026
  • Online Sessions 2-6: September 29 – March 9, 2027 (with breaks between sessions)
  • In-Person Module 3: March 16 – 23, 2027
  • Online Session 7: March 30 – April 24, 2027
  • In-Person Module 4: June 7 – July 2, 2027

You can take this diploma course with optional Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) Formation Courses offered on these dates:

  • CGS Level 1A: July 6 – 10, 2027
  • CGS Level 1B: July 12 – 17, 2027

Start dates are contingent upon sufficient enrollment.

  • Montessori Pedagogy and Philosophy
  • Practical Life
  • Sensorial Development
  • Language and Literacy
  • Mathematics
  • Cultural Subjects

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) Formation Courses

This Montessori-based method of religious formation has been developed for children up to age 12, bringing even very young children into contact with God through Sacred Scripture and the Mass. These courses are an optional part of the diploma courses above.

Ready To Enroll?

Contact Admissions

Other CMI Offerings

The Catholic Montessori Institute also offers spiritual formation and professional development opportunities including:

  • a transformative Catholic Montessori Retreat scheduled for June 9 – 11, 2026
  • the third annual National Catholic Montessori Conference on October 8 – 10, 2026
  • a pilgrimage to Italy exploring the life of Dr. Maria Montessori (dates to be determined)

What is the Catholic Montessori Institute? Learn more here!

A lecture during the National Catholic Montessori Conference

Join the Catholic Montessori Institute Network

Connect with faithfully Catholic Montessori educators, schools, and families through the University of Mary’s CMI Member Portal. Share ideas, explore job opportunities, and discover Catholic Montessori schools nationwide.

Access Portal
Two make students coloring a map of the united states

Master of Education (MEd) in Catholic Montessori

Our MEd in Catholic Montessori provides advanced formation 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.

Learn More About the Program
people at the montessori conference

Want to Learn More?

If you have questions about any of the CMI’s offerings, we are just an email or a phone call away.