Upper Elementary Montessori Diploma Program

Upper Elementary Montessori Diploma Program

To guide children aged 9 to 12 years (Grade 4 to 6)

It is through work alone that a child develops.” – Dr. Maria Montessori

The Upper Elementary Montessori Diploma Program has designated intake start dates annually in January and September.

Prerequisites: Lower Elementary Montessori Diploma Program (MACTE or AMI Accredited)

Next Program Start Date: January 7th, 2025

End Date: December 18th, 2025

Part-time: 12 month program (approx.)

Orientation:
Tuesday, September 7th, 2024:
– 6:00PM to 8:00PM (MST)
– 8:00PM to 10:00PM (EST)

Virtual Lectures:
Weekly on Thursday  evenings:
– 6:00PM to 8:00PM (MST)
– 8:00PM to 10:00PM (EST)

Locations:
– Toronto: 8525 Torbram Rd, Brampton, ON L6T 5K4
– Calgary: 4963 Front Street SE, Calgary, AB, T3M 2M3

Accreditations

Program Overview

The Upper Elementary Montessori Diploma Program prepares the aspiring teacher to work with children from
9 to 12 years of age in a Montessori Elementary environment. This program is based on the fundamental
Montessori philosophy and methodology and will provide detailed knowledge of contemporary approaches to
Elementary child development within the framework of the Montessori philosophy.

This MACTE accredited Upper Elementary Montessori Diploma Program is geared towards adult learners who are working or plan to work full-time as certified Elementary Montessori Teachers. Our highly qualified faculty, advanced curriculum, and blended (online and in-person) approach offers unparalleled learning opportunities for our adult learners. Graduates from our programs become problem solvers, innovators and resourceful Montessori educational guides for children.

Our blended program is comprised of the following elements:

  • Asynchronous Learning: Approximately 10-15 hours on your own schedule
  • Synchronous Learning: Live virtual evening lectures (once a week, 2 hours in length)
  • Practicum Internship: 470 hours in a Montessori classroom (9-12 years of age)
  • Pure and Formal Observation: 30 hours
  • Practical Review: 17 in-person days at our campus

Program Courses

  • MEL701 Language & Foundational Theory
  • MEL702 Geometry & Basic Theory
  • MEL703 Science & Intermediate Theory I
  • MEL704 Mathematics & Intermediate Theory II
  • MEL705 History & Intermediate Theory III
  • MEL706 Geography & Theory Integration
  • MEL730 Upper Elementary Practicum
  • MEL731 Upper Elementary Practical Review

Testimonials

I will always recommend M.T.C as it offers the best possible Montessori programs. I love the extra care taken in providing the adult learners with the tools to be the best Montessori teacher they can be

– Elaine H.

In-Person practical Review Days

The In-Person Practical Review Days provide an opportunity to gain hands-on experience with Montessori materials and to learn from experienced instructors regarding the fundamentals of giving strong and meaningful presentations to a child. 

In-Person Practical Review Days will take place on the tentatively scheduled Saturdays or Sundays outlined below at our Toronto campus from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

Toronto: 8525 Torbram Rd, Brampton, ON L6T 5K4

Sunday, January 26, 2025 Sunday, February 9, 2025  Sunday, March 2, 2025
 Sunday, March 16, 2025  Sunday, March 30, 2025  Sunday, April 27, 2025
 Sunday, May 4, 2025 Sunday, May 25, 2025 Sunday, June 8, 2025
Sunday, June 22, 2025 Sunday, September 7, 2025 Sunday, September 28, 2025
Sunday, October 19, 2025 Sunday, November 2, 2025 Sunday, November 16, 2025
Sunday, November 30, 2025 Sunday, December 14, 2025  

Note: All posted dates and locations are tentative and subject to change at the discretion of the College

Pure and Formal Observation

Learners must complete the Observation component, which includes 30 hours of Observation. These observation hours are required to complete Observation Reports that are due at various times throughout the program. Observation Report #1 is due in MEL701

If employed at a school, learners must make the appropriate arrangements to complete these hours within the due dates. While completing observation hours, the learner cannot be counted in ratio and must silently observe the room.

If learners are not currently employed at a school, arrangements must be made immediately. Learners are asked to please consult with their student handbook for guidelines on how to make these arrangements.

Practicum Internship

Learners must complete 470 hours in an approved Montessori classroom. Of these hours, a minimum of 20 hours must be completed in a Lower Elementary classroom with children between the ages of 6 to 9* and a minimum of 450 hours must be completed in an Upper Elementary classroom with children between the ages of 9 to 12. The practicum site(s) must meet the College’s requirements:

  • The site must conduct an authentic Montessori program
  • The site must have a prepared environment that contains the Montessori materials for the appropriate age level
  • The site must maintain an uninterrupted work cycle that is age appropriate
  • The site must maintain multi-age groupings to support social development
  • The site must provide the college opportunity to complete 3-6 virtual field visits

A list of Montessori materials is available here. During the completion of practicum hours, learners are expected to observe, assist and participate in all aspects of the children’s development and growth in their assigned classroom. 

Please note that some program hours cannot be counted towards the Practicum, including but not limited to: before/after school programs, camps, recess, lunch coverage, breaks, or hours completed outside of the appropriate age level. Hours must be logged on a consistent schedule in a minimum of 2 hour work cycle increments.

* Those who have completed a MACTE- or AMI-accredited Lower Elementary Montessori Diploma program must complete all 470 hours in an Upper Elementary Montessori classroom with children between the ages of 9 to 12.

Admission and Fees

Admission Requirements

Applicants must:

Be 18 years of age or older

Submit a current resume

Submit documentation verifying the completion of one of the following: University Degree, College Diploma, or Ontario Secondary School Diploma (or equivalent)

Submit documentation verifying the completion of an AMI or MACTE accredited Lower Elementary Montessori Diploma Program (prerequisite)

Pass the English Language Assessment

Submit Photo Identification

Admission Process

The admission process is as follows:

Step 1: Submit the Application Form.

Step 2: Upload required supporting documents, including your resume, here within 24 hours of your application submission.

Step 3: Montessori Teachers College will contact you to arrange a virtual interview, which will include an oral language assessment.

Step 4: Upon a successful interview and review of your supporting documents, Montessori Teachers College will require proof of academic credentials. This includes the successful completion of a MACTE or AMI accredited Lower Elementary Montessori Diploma Program, along with the completion of a written language assessment, which will be sent to you by email.

Step 5: Montessori Teachers College will review your academic credentials and written language assessment.

Step 6: Following a thorough review of the required documents and successful completion of the written language assessment, Montessori Teachers College will email you an Acceptance Letter.

Step 7: The admission process will be finalized, and Adult Learner will be placed in the respective cohort upon payment of the non-refundable, non-transferrable Registration Fee (deposit) of $500.00.

Program Fees

Application Fee: Waived

Registration Fee: $500.00 (due upon acceptance – non refundable)

Upper Elementary Montessori Diploma Tuition: $8,295.00 (in addition to the initial non refundable $500.00 deposit)

Payment Options:

Option #1: 
10 monthly instalments of $829.50 (1st of every month, not including initial non refundable $500.00 deposit)

Option #2: 
Lump Sum of $8,795.00 upon acceptance (includes non refundable $500.00 deposit and $8,295.00 tuition) 

Please note: We are happy to discuss alternative payment schedules. Please contact [email protected] to inquire.

Program Aims and Objectives

  • To have a deeper understanding of the Montessori philosophy and methodology and its application to the elementary child 9 to 12 years of age
  • To gain experience, knowledge and skills in an Upper Elementary Montessori classroom
  • To be an Upper Elementary Montessori Teacher in any Montessori Elementary environment around the world

Career Opportunities

After completing your Upper Elementary Montessori Diploma Program, you can apply to the following positions:

  • Upper Elementary Montessori Teacher
  • Elementary Montessori Teacher

Montessori Teachers College does not guarantee admission or successful completion of the diploma program offered.

Montessori Teachers College does not guarantee employment to those who successfully complete the diploma program.

Admission to the diploma program does not guarantee the adult learner the right to enter Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Canada) or to receive a visa or other document required under that Act.