Elementary Program
Elementary I: 6 to 9 years old
Elementary I-II: 6 to 12 years old
Elementary II Standalone: 9 to 12 years old

The Elementary child is entering a new phase of life; one that is characterized by expansion of the imagination, social interests, and physical stamina.

The independence that has been built during the early years now serves the child in exploring the curriculum in greater depth. Children work collaboratively and cooperatively with their peers, and have a newfound fascination in maintaining social justice within their school community and the world at large. The teacher promotes the sense of imagination by offering inspirational stories that prompt curious questions. The Elementary environment is well-organized, individualized, and provides many opportunities for peer interactions and focused concentration. Adult learners at WSMS-TEP continue to study developmental milestones and practice the art of observation and documentation, practice with materials and the art of storytelling, but also learn how to promote individual exploration and creative responses as they explore age-appropriate lessons and discover how children make connections to the real world.

Academic Phase

The Academic Phase (300+ hours for EL I and 500+ hours for EL I-II) consists of non-degree-bearing coursework in Montessori theory and practice. Elementary credential programs are offered through a hybrid format. In-person classes are held at West Side Montessori School (309 West 92nd Street, New York, NY 10025) and Metropolitan Montessori School (325 West 85th Street, New York, NY 10024), online sessions via our Learning Management Systems (Canvas, PowerSchool), and virtual sessions via Zoom. Adult learners at WSMS-TEP study developmental needs and milestones of children, practice observation and record keeping strategies, work to master the essential material presentations, and learn the importance of optimistic leadership for the benefit of children and their families.

Full Course Catalogue

Practicum Phase: Student Teaching

During the Practicum Phase, adult learners apply the knowledge they gain from the academic coursework in a supervised student teaching placement. Students are responsible for finding their own placement, though we will offer suggestions of schools that we have found to be successful practicum sites. The intern must work for a minimum of a six-hour daily classroom schedule from September to June in an approved Montessori school under the supervision of an approved supervising teacher. No portion of the practicum may precede the start of academic coursework.

Program Format

WSMS-TEP’s Elementary Programs prepare adult learners for the American Montessori Society (AMS) Elementary I (ages 6 to 9 years) or Elementary I-II (ages 6 to 12 years) credentials. The Elementary credential programs at WSMS-TEP begin in the summer months and continue with several academic sessions on weekends throughout the school year. Adult learners may enter the Practicum Phase in the first school year in an EL I environment with anticipated graduation the following June. Adult learners who wish to continue with EL II, return for a second summer to complete academic classes for that level. Practicum in an EL II environment may begin after the second summer.

2024-2025 Elementary I Calendar

2024-2026 Elementary I-II Calendar

2024-2025 Elementary II Standalone Calendar

2023-2025 Elementary I-II Calendar

Location and Format Options

The Infant Toddler Program cohorts begin in summer or fall of every year, depending on the location. The academic and practicum phases may be concurrent, with anticipated completion of training in June of the following summer. Adult learners may choose to defer the practicum phase to the following school year, in which case, completion of the program would occur in June of the year in which the practicum is completed.

West Side Montessori School
New York, NY (Main Site)

In-person Track 1

Academic classes meet throughout the school year on Saturdays, 9:00am-5:30pm at West Side Montessori School. This hybrid schedule includes fall and spring in-person seminar weekends (Saturday and Sunday), and some virtual or online sessions according to the published calendar. The practicum phase can begin after the academic sessions have begun.

2022-23 NY Calendar

West Side Montessori School
New York, NY (Main Site)

In-person Track 1

2022-23 NY Calendar

Questions?

Sheba Kapur
Elementary Level Coordinator
skapur@wsmsnyc.org

Already have a Montessori credential?

Are you interested in learning more about how to create an inclusive Montessori classroom? Consider combining your teaching credential with the Montessori Inclusion Endorsement (MIE) at a reduced tuition rate. After you complete a teaching credential, you will continue your studies with the MIE in the next cohort.

For more information, contact Katherine Schneider at kschneider@wsmsnyc.org today!

Administrator