AMI Montessori 12-18 Diploma

We are excited to begin our next AMI 12-18 Diploma in August 2026. Enrolments are open!

Information Session

Register for our next free online AMI Montessori Diploma Information Session to learn more about the course and hear from past students.

Course Description

The AMI 12-18 Diploma is a rigorous study of Montessori principles and of the particular developmental characteristics and needs of young people ages 12-18. The course offers theoretical principles, key experiences in the life and work of adolescent communities, and support for implementation strategies dovetailed to the particular cultural and local contexts for communities in different places and regions.

This course includes:

• A study of general Montessori theory
• Foundational studies of children ages 0-12 years old, with a focus on key points of interest and materials that inform our work with adolescents
• Montessori principles and practices for adolescents ages 12-18
• Frameworks and implementation strategies for integrated study projects
• An examination of culturally-responsive education and Montessori for Adolescents through the Anti-Bias, Anti-Racist lens
• Essential experiences in social organization, economic activities for adolescents, self-expression, and residential and community life
• Work on the land
• Seminar discussions on Montessori texts
• Writing papers on Montessori principles applied to adolescents

Award

AMI Montessori 12-18 Diploma

Training Location

Awaiting final confirmation

Faculty

Emily Dowell, Laurie Ewert-Krocker & Laureen Barnard

Schedule

The proposed schedule for the August 2026 commencing course is outlined below. Enrolments are open.

In-person block locations

Mandatory Residential Stay – First in-person block (January 2027)

There is a 3-week mandatory residential stay for all students in the first block (Sunday 3 January 2027 to Friday 23 January 2027) with check-in and a group dinner from 3 pm on Saturday 2 January 2027.

During this block classes occur on weekdays (Monday to Friday) and the occasional Saturday or Sunday where noted in the schedule above. However, evening and weekend group activities are involved including preparation of food. This is part of creating a classroom community which is a model for how to create such a community with adolescents and is a critical part of the learning and experience.

The residential stay will be in Sydney at Winbourne, Mulgoa Road, Winbourne, Sydney.

Second in-person block (January 2028)

The second in-person block in January 2028 will also have a residential onsite option. Students may commute if they prefer during this second block however we encourage students to stay on-site whenever possible to immerse themselves in this experience.

We will spend at least a week during this block at Northside Montessori School in Sydney exploring their onsite adolescent program.

Observation

As a guide, observations in Montessori adolescent environments would be expected to occur:

• 12 hours of First Plane Observations (6 hours in 0-3; 6 hours in 3-6) (guide August to December 2026)
• 12 hours of Second Plane (6-12) observations (guide February to June 2027)
• 80 hours of Third Plane observation (12-18). Observations of two different adolescent communities; one week in each community or 35- 40 hours in each. In some instances, one week may be at the student’s place of employment if the nature of the environment is suitable but in all cases only where the student completely steps away from the role of guide, teacher or assistant during the observations. (Generally, to be completed or substantially completed before Practice Teaching can occur).

Practice Teaching

As a guide, practice teaching in Montessori adolescent environments would be expected to occur sometime between August to December 2027. Observations would generally be completed before practice teaching can occur.

As there is great variation in the situation of individuals, there is flexibility in how the practice teaching can be arranged, however the schedule must be agreed by the SMTC student with SMTC and hours equivalent to a three week full-time experience is the (minimum) expectation. A plan will be individualised for each student depending logistics and the type of the Plan of Study and Work that an SMTC student has opportunity to prepare or be involved with.

Generally, there will be a supervisory visit from SMTC academic staff during one practice teaching period. If necessary, a second visit will be made during a later practice teaching period. Ideally a Trainer or Advisor will visit the course student for a day during practice teaching to observe and offer feedback, suggestions, and support. Please note this is subject to the timing and where affordable accommodation and flight arrangements can be made for the visiting trainer – by agreement additional costs may be incurred by the student or the student’s employer. If a Trainer, Advisor, or
practitioner is unable to travel to the SMTC student’s work site, a video or other substitute observation may be arranged or practice teaching may need to occur at a location where a visit can be made. If you have queries please contact us at [email protected].

Certification Requirements

• Students must maintain a minimum 90% attendance to receive a certificate. A student’s camera must be on during the online components to qualify as being in attendance. 
• During periods where the course is online, in addition to the online session times, students are expected to do an additional 10-12 hours per month of additional readings and follow-up work such as lecture notes; reflections (journals); observation exercises, lexicon terms; integrated theory paper in connection with the sessions. Observations and Practice teaching work is additional.
• Observations will be required along with observation notes and reports: First Plane (12 hours of observations, usually 6 in the 0-3 age-level and 6 in the 3-6 age-level), Second Plane (12 hours), Third Plane (80 hours).
• Practice teaching completion. Hours are discussed above.
• Students must attend any online sessions in a space away from distraction as much as possible. They must be able to take notes and participate in group discussions and breakout rooms. 

How to Apply

Complete the application form at the button below.

Supporting documentation can be provided after initial application by email to  [email protected]

Course Fees, Discounts and Payment Plans

Apply by 31 March 2026 to receive a $1,600 Early Bird Fee Discount (application deposit of $550 must also be paid by this date). Applications are still be accepted after this date however the early bird discount would not apply.

See our course fees page which includes fees, discounts and payment plan information: Fees | Sydney Montessori Training Centre.

Additional Costs – 2026 commencing Course

• Accommodation
• Meals

There is a mandatory residential component as part of the first in-person block. Accommodation and meal costs are additional and not included in the course fees. Further details are provided on request and will be published here once confirmed.

*Qualification Authorising Body

The AMI Diploma is awarded by the Association Montessori Internationale  and does not form part of the Australian Qualifications Framework. AMI is considered as the worldwide leader in Montessori education. Its certified training is acknowledged for its rigour and authenticity and the AMI Diploma is internationally recognised. It qualifies the holder to work in a pre-existing 12-18 classroom or to start a new classroom. All Association Montessori Internationale Diplomas state the holder has “Studied the principles and practice of the Montessori method for children from 12-18 years of age” and has “passed the written and oral examinations”.  The AMI Diploma does not automatically qualify the holder to teach. The state or country in which the AMI Diploma-holder wishes to work may have other teaching requirements that must be fulfilled. In New South Wales, all teachers must be accredited to teach through the NSW Education Standards Authority.

Download the Required Reading List