3-6 Diploma Course

Your pathway to an internationally-recognized AMI diploma, equipping you to lead 3-6 Montessori environments worldwide

Blended Format | Cleveland, OH and Online
April 22, 2027 - June 30, 2028

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Application

A Unique Montessori Journey

The MINT Blended 3–6 Montessori Diploma Course offers comprehensive Montessori teacher training leading to the internationally recognized AMI 3–6 Diploma. This respected Montessori credential prepares students to work with children from ages three to six in Montessori schools and early childhood environments around the world.

The course combines online study with intensive in-person training in Cleveland, Ohio. During the on-site sessions, students work directly with Montessori materials, observe demonstrations, develop their presentation skills, and apply Montessori principles through guided practice. Online coursework provides continuity between the in-person sessions and supports the academic requirements of the certification process.

MINT launched one of the first AMI-approved blended 3–6 Diploma Courses in 2019, contributing to the development of blended AMI Montessori training. That experience continues to inform the course’s integration of online learning, hands-on preparation, and internationally recognized Montessori teacher certification.

  • The AMI 3–6 Diploma Course prepares students to understand Montessori principles and apply them within environments for children from ages three to six.

    Course content includes:

    • Montessori history, theory, and pedagogy

    • Human tendencies and the four planes of development

    • The absorbent mind and sensitive periods

    • The prepared environment and the preparation of the adult

    • Observation of children and scientific recordkeeping

    • Practical life activities

    • Sensorial materials and the refinement of perception

    • Spoken language, writing, reading, and language analysis

    • Mathematics, including arithmetic, geometry, and algebraic foundations

    • Geography, botany, zoology, science, art, and music

    • Movement, coordination, independence, and grace and courtesy

    • Social and emotional development

    • Freedom, discipline, will, and obedience

    • Normalization, individual development, and neurodiversity

    • Anti-bias and inclusive Montessori practice

    • Classroom planning, parent partnerships, and school community

    • Material making and maintenance of the prepared environment

    Students connect theory with practice through material demonstrations, supervised practice, observation, written assignments, student teaching, and direct work in Montessori 3–6 environments.

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This Course Offers

  • Integrated Online and In-Person Study

    Online coursework establishes the academic foundation for intensive on-site sessions in Cleveland. Students use the in-person blocks for demonstrations, supervised practice, material work, discussion, and direct application of Montessori principles.

  • Learning Within a Cohort

    Students progress through the course with a consistent cohort, creating continuity between online and on-site study. Discussion, collaborative work, and shared practice allow students to learn from one another while meeting the individual requirements of the AMI Diploma.

  • Experienced AMI Faculty

    The course is led by AMI trainers and experienced Montessori educators. Faculty provide lectures, material demonstrations, individual feedback, and guidance throughout the academic and practical components of the course.

  • Observation, Practice, and Reflection

    Students develop their understanding through observation, hands-on work with Montessori materials, guided practice, written reflection, and discussion. These experiences connect Montessori theory with the decisions made in a 3–6 environment.

  • Preparation for Classroom Practice

    The course prepares students to plan and present activities, organize the prepared environment, observe children, maintain records, and reflect on their work. Faculty guidance supports students as they apply their training in Montessori classrooms.

  • Dates: April 22 – May 27, 2027

    Live online sessions

    • Thursdays

    • 5:00–8:00 p.m. Eastern Time

    Students begin the course with six weeks of live online instruction introducing Montessori philosophy, child development, anti-bias education, and the foundations of the prepared adult. Between live sessions, students complete assigned readings, recorded presentations, and independent coursework.

  • Dates: June 7 – July 2, 2027

    On-campus schedule

    • Monday–Friday

    • 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Eastern Time

    The first on-campus session introduces Montessori presentations across Practical Life, Language, Sensorial, and Mathematics while developing observation skills and supervised practice. Students also begin material making, movement analysis, scientific observation, and reference album work.

  • Dates: September 9 – November 4, 2027
    December 2 – December 16, 2027

    Live online sessions

    • Thursdays

    • 5:00–8:00 p.m. Eastern Time

    Students continue advanced study while completing Practicum I, including:

    • 45 hours of observation

    • 40 hours of practice teaching

    Coursework explores normalization, cultural studies, diversity and inclusion, scientific observation, and continued curriculum development through live online instruction and independent assignments.

  • Dates: January 6 – February 10, 2028
    February 24 – March 23, 2028

    Live online sessions

    • Thursdays

    • 5:00–8:00 p.m. Eastern Time

    Students continue language and mathematics studies while completing Practicum II, including:

    • 45 hours of observation

    • 40 hours of practice teaching

    This phase continues curriculum presentations while expanding students’ classroom practice and instructional preparation.

  • Dates: March 27 – March 31, 2028

    On-campus schedule

    • Monday–Friday

    • 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Eastern Time

    During this intensive week, students receive advanced presentations in mathematics and literacy while continuing supervised practice and preparing for the final phase of the course.

  • Dates: April 6 – May 18, 2028

    Live online sessions

    • Thursdays

    • 5:00–7:00 p.m. Eastern Time

    Students complete Practicum III, including:

    • 40 hours of practice teaching

    Weekly online meetings focus on comprehensive review of Montessori theory and curriculum areas in preparation for the final on-campus session and examinations.

  • Dates: June 5 – June 30, 2028

    On-campus schedule

    • Monday–Friday

    • 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Eastern Time

    Students participate in course integration, theory and practical review, supervised practice, written examinations, group orals, oral examinations, and the successful completion of the diploma course.

    • Written Examination Paper A - June 9, 2028

    • Written Examination Paper B - June 11, 2028

    • Group Orals - June 20–23, 2028

    • Oral Examinations - June 27–29, 2028

    • End-of-Course Celebration & Open House - June 30, 2028

Course Schedule

Blended Format | Onsite + Online

Onsite Location

MINEO
975 East Blvd.
Cleveland, OH, 44018

Course Details

Tuition & Fees

  • $13,700
    A non-refundable deposit of $500 is due within 10 days of acceptance.

  • $100 fee on or before March 1
    $150 fee after March 1
    Application fee is non-refundable.

  • Examination Fee: $500
    AMI Membership Fee: $99
    MACTE Fee: $250
    Technology Fee: $150

  • Supplies for required material-making; cost varies. Consider a budget of $500 - $900.

Requirements

    • Completion of the Guide to the Diploma Course (approximately 2 hours)

    • 90% Attendance

    • 210 hours of observation and practicum

    • Access to a prepared 3–6 environment during the distance modules

    • 15–20 hours per week of self-scheduled work during distance modules

    • Anticipate 12–15 hours per week of independent study and coursework during both online and onsite weeks

Financial Support

  • MINT’s robust scholarship program sets us apart from other training centers. Explore financial support from MINT and other sources here.

  • Many students receive employer sponsorships to fund their training at MINT. Our team is available to guide both applicants and schools through this process.

  • The Alumni Continuing Education Fund provides a partial tuition scholarship for returning MINT students on select courses.

  • A two-installment payment plan is available for a service fee of $300. Contact us to discuss alternative financial arrangements.

About the Trainer

AMI 3–6 Trainer, Montessori practitioner, and advocate for adult preparation, Jess Fraley explores how the preparation of the adult shapes child development and the environments where people flourish.

Read Faculty Bio
MINT Director of Operations, Mary Valdez

Get in Touch

Still have questions about this course? We’re here to help!

Reach out to our Director of Operations, Mary Valdez, for more information, guidance, or assistance planning your next steps toward enrollment.

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