Request Info
Apply Now

Montessori Blended Elementary Program

Learn to inspire and educate the future generation through hands-on-learning, self-directed play and collaboration.

Next Application Date:

08/21/22

Next Term Starts:

09/10/22

39

Credit Hours

31

Month Program
AMS Elementary I Credential

55

Month Program
AMS Elementary I-II Credential

43

Month Program
AMS Elementary I-II Credential

$570

Per Credit Hour

MACTE

Accreditation

Xavier Montessori Blended Learning: A Pathway to Growth and Discovery

Thank you for your interest in the Montessori Blended Elementary program. At this time, the program is not accepting new applicants. If you are interested in related areas of study, please view our graduate programs. 

Xavier University’s Montessori Teacher Education Program has anchored many of the region’s public schools over the decades, providing whole school solutions as buildings transformed into Montessori Magnet or Community-Based Schools. Most likely, your entire school trained together and Xavier was able to come to you.

However, once established, districts and schools need to maintain a pool of talented and credentialed Montessori teachers. The standard university schedule for classes can leave
teachers with little they can implement at the beginning of their coursework. Additionally, it is difficult for teachers to leave their families to attend classes on campus during the academic year while still focusing on the students in their classrooms.

As a leader in the field of Montessori Teacher Education, Xavier University listened to the challenges licensed teachers face. Xavier’s faculty have created a program specifically oriented to school districts and their Montessori programs while maintaining high fidelity to the Montessori philosophy and pedagogy.

This online program is designed for current state licensed teachers looking to attain the Montessori Elementary-I or Elementary I-II credential. Xavier’s Masters in Montessori degree is easily added on for an additional 12 credits of coursework that can be taken concurrently or at the close of credentialing coursework.

Note: This online Montessori degree program will not provide licensure in any state.

Request More Information

Loading...

By submitting this form, I understand that Xavier University may email me or contact me via telephone, pre-recorded messages, and/or text messages about educational services at the phone number(s) provided, including a wireless number, using an automated technology. I also understand that consent is not a condition of enrollment.

Why Xavier Online?

You’ll get more from your online education, from the personal attention of faculty to rigorous courses taught in the Jesuit Catholic tradition.

Personalized Experience

You’ll get the personal attention and flexibility needed to reach your goals at your pace. Our invested professors and small class sizes will set you up for success.

Jesuit Values

Our Jesuit Catholic values are based on a vision of a world changed for the better, emphasizing service and community engagement in addition to academics.

Affordability

We offer exceptional online programs at an affordable cost. Numerous financial aid resources are available for our online students, making education more affordable.

What Makes Xavier Different
The Masters of Education with a concentration in Montessori Education can support a variety of career goals. We have students who already have a Montessori credential, and want to go beyond that, traditional Teachers who want to learn about and apply Montessori principles in their classroom, and school principals who want to increase their knowledge of Montessori."
Curriculum

Montessori Blended Elementary Program Online Course Requirements

39 credits

The Montessori Online Blended Delivery Elementary-I Credential Program at Xavier University consists of 39-credit hours over 8 semesters or 31 months.

The Montessori Online Blended Delivery Elementary I-II Credential Program at Xavier University consists of 55-credit hours over 11 semesters or 43 months.

Courses during the academic year are offered 100% online and include topics such as philosophy and observation, curriculum planning, assessment, classroom management and developing teaching material. Summer Intensive Methods Courses take place each summer on campus in our Lab Classrooms. During the final academic year, students participate in a self-directed practicum in cooperation with their University Supervisor.

This program follows a cohort model. As part of a blended delivery learning community, students will collaborate and share ideas with their peers while interacting closely with renowned professors whether online or face to face. Relationships forged from the first class will carry throughout the Montessori coursework at Xavier University.

As part of an online learning community, students will collaborate and share ideas with their peers and interact closely with renowned professors who hold weekly virtual office hours to maintain communication and an ongoing relationship with students.

Online Blended Delivery AMS Elem-I Credential Courses 39 credits

This course introduces candidates to early childhood development. Content includes basic developmental theory, as well as current research in development and the application of theory in developmentally appropriate classroom curriculum development and instruction.

The Philosophy / Observation of the Lower Elementary Child course provides candidates with the opportunity to study Dr. Montessori’s major philosophical and pedagogical concepts with a particular emphasis on the lower elementary child (ages 6-9). Candidates will encounter the specific social, emotional, physical, and cognitive needs of the elementary child through Dr. Montessori’s writings on the child in the second plane of development. Candidates will examine the role of the enlightened generalist educator as “saint, servant, and scientist” (observer, guide, and evaluator) offering an integrated curriculum to a diverse community of learners. As an online course, candidates will engage in dialogue through spoken and written forms on the principles of Montessori education.

The Montessori Mathematics Methods courses provide candidates the opportunity to explore, discover, and develop a solid understanding of Mathematics for children ages 5-9. The knowledge of the Montessori Mathematical numeration concepts and operations, algebraic reasoning, and problem-solving will be developed throughout the course. Lessons are integrated with state and national academic content standards. The Montessori philosophy will build a strong foundation for the Mathematics curriculum grades K-3. This course is paired with Mathematics Curriculum & Instruction II and is intended to be taken prior to EDME 579.
The Montessori Geometry Methods courses provide candidates the opportunity to explore, discover, and develop a solid understanding of Geometry for children ages 5-9. The knowledge of Montessori Geometry constructs, transformations within the plane, algebraic reasoning, and problem solving will be developed throughout the semester. Lessons are integrated with state and national academic content standards. The Montessori philosophy and Mathematics will build a strong foundation for the Geometry curriculum grades K-3. This course is paired with Geometry Curriculum & Instruction II and is intended to be taken prior to EDME 581.
The Montessori Language Methods courses provide candidates the opportunity to explore, discover, and develop a solid understanding of literacy for children ages 5-9. The knowledge of the oral language, reading and writing, the function of words, phonogram study-spelling, word study, mechanics, sentence analysis, and library/reference and research skills will be developed throughout the semester. The Montessori philosophy will build a strong foundation for the language curriculum grades K-3. This course is paired with Language Curriculum & Instruction II and is intended to be taken prior to EDME 583.
The Montessori Integrated Cultural Studies courses provide candidates the opportunity to explore, discover, and develop a solid understanding of History, Geography, Biology, and Physical Science for children ages 5-9. The knowledge of the integrated Montessori Cultural Studies from History, Geography, Government and Economics, as well as Natural Science Studies from Botany, Zoology, Ecology, Earth Science, Physics, and Chemistry will be developed throughout the course. Lessons are integrated with state and national academic content standards. The Montessori Philosophy and Mathematics will build a strong foundation for the integrated cultural studies curriculum grades K-3. This course is paired with Integrated Cultural Studies II and is intended to be taken prior to EDME 585.
Creative Development I focuses on Health and Physical Education as well as Practical Living Skills as embedded in the classroom setting. This course provides candidates the opportunity to explore, discover, and develop a solid understanding of the care of self and practical living skills for children ages 5-9 in the Montessori classroom. The knowledge of the Health, Physical Education (along with creative movement) and Practical Life in the Lower Elementary will be developed throughout the semester. Lessons are integrated with state and national academic content standards. The Montessori philosophy and cultural studies will build a strong foundation for the arts and movement curriculum grades K-3. This course is paired with Creative Development II and is intended to be taken prior to EDME 587.
The Montessori Classroom Methods course provides candidates entering the classroom in the Fall semester with opportunities for preparation through a Montessori lens. In this course, candidates will have the opportunity to investigate and develop initial strategies for designing a Prepared Environment, and utilizing previous methods course content to initiate the implementation of the ‘Cosmic Curriculum’. Candidates will explore the ‘three-year cycle’ spiraling curriculum model and create a preliminary scope and sequence for the school year.
The Curriculum Strategies course provides the candidate with strategies and content to support their professional work in the classroom by integrating previous course work with further approaches to managing curriculum, lesson content, documentation, and student engagement.
The Montessori Global Leadership course provides students with research-based practices for engaging diverse cultural communities involving all stakeholders for the benefit of the elementary aged child. Candidates will explore issues concerning developmentally appropriate practices for Montessori schools, with special attention paid to the elementary years. This course will empower candidates to advocate for high fidelity Montessori practices which embrace issues impacting children’s physical, social, and emotional development.
The Montessori Mathematics Methods courses provide candidates the opportunity to explore, discover, and develop a solid understanding of Mathematics for children ages 5-9. The knowledge of the Montessori Mathematical numeration concepts and operations, algebraic reasoning, and problem-solving will be developed throughout the course. Lessons are integrated with state and national academic content standards. The Montessori philosophy will build a strong foundation for the Mathematics curriculum grades K-3. Prerequisite course: EDME 578 – Mathematics Curriculum & Instruction I.
The Montessori Geometry Methods courses provide candidates the opportunity to explore, discover, and develop a solid understanding of Geometry for children ages 5-9. The knowledge of Montessori Geometry constructs, transformations within the plane, algebraic reasoning, and problem solving will be developed throughout the semester. Lessons are integrated with state and national academic content standards. The Montessori philosophy and Mathematics will build a strong foundation for the Geometry curriculum grades K-3. Prerequisite course: EDME 580 – Geometry Curriculum & Instruction I.
The Montessori Language Methods course provides candidates the opportunity to explore, discover, and develop a solid understanding of literacy for children ages 5-9. The knowledge of the oral language, reading and writing, the function of words, phonogram study-spelling, word study, mechanics, sentence analysis, and library/reference and research skills will be developed throughout the semester. The Montessori philosophy will build a strong foundation for the language curriculum grades K-3. Prerequisite course: EDME 582 – Language Curriculum & Instruction I.

The Montessori Integrated Cultural Studies courses provide candidates the opportunity to explore, discover, and develop a solid understanding of History, Geography, Biology, and Physical Science for children ages 5-9. The knowledge of the integrated Montessori Cultural Studies from History, Geography, Government and Economics, as well as Natural Science Studies from Botany, Zoology, Ecology, Earth Science, Physics, and Chemistry will be developed throughout the semester. Lessons are integrated with state and national academic content standards. The Montessori philosophy and cultural studies will build a strong foundation for the Natural Sciences and curriculum grades K-3. Prerequisite course: EDME 584 – Integrated Cultural Studies I.

Creative Development II focuses on Music and Art in a Montessori context, providing candidates the opportunity to explore, discover, and develop a solid understanding of the performing and visual arts for children ages 5-9. The knowledge of the integrated Montessori Arts and Music will be developed throughout the semester. Lessons are integrated with state and national academic content standards. The Montessori philosophy and cultural studies will build a strong foundation for the arts and movement curriculum grades K-3. Prerequisite course: EDME 584 – Creative Development I.
Creative Development II focuses on Music and Art in a Montessori context, providing candidates the opportunity to explore, discover, and develop a solid understanding of the performing and visual arts for children ages 5-9. The knowledge of the integrated Montessori Arts and Music will be developed throughout the semester. Lessons are integrated with state and national academic content standards. The Montessori philosophy and cultural studies will build a strong foundation for the arts and movement curriculum grades K-3. Prerequisite course: EDME 584 – Creative Development I.
Creative Development II focuses on Music and Art in a Montessori context, providing candidates the opportunity to explore, discover, and develop a solid understanding of the performing and visual arts for children ages 5-9. The knowledge of the integrated Montessori Arts and Music will be developed throughout the semester. Lessons are integrated with state and national academic content standards. The Montessori philosophy and cultural studies will build a strong foundation for the arts and movement curriculum grades K-3. Prerequisite course: EDME 584 – Creative Development I.

**Candidates for the AMS Elementary I-II Credential will take an additional 16 credit hours in Philosophy, Observation, and Curriculum Strategies, along with methods courses in Math, Geometry, Language, Cultural Studies, and Creative Development for the upper elementary aged child.

***Candidates wishing to achieve the Masters of Education in Montessori Education will take an additional 12 hours: EDFD 500: History and Philosophy of Education (3 Credits); EDFD 505 Organization of Education Systems (3 Credits); EDFD 507/508: Education Research (2 Credits)/Paper (1 Credit); EDSP 505: Methods in Early Childhood Special Education (3 Credits).

Admission

Our Admission Process is Easy, on Your Phone or Computer!

Apply Now

To be considered for admission in the Montessori Online Blended Delivery Elementary-I / Elementary I-II program, applicants must hold a current state teaching license and should submit:

1   Free Online Application

Get Started on Xavier University’s free online application. You can begin the process in just a few clicks.

  1. Program select:
    1. “Degree Seeking Student” if interested in MEd in Montessori Education as well as the credential
    2. “Non-Degree Licensure Student” if only interested in credentials
    3. Select the fall of the current year for the term
    4. Program is “Montessori Education”, If attending under an existing partnership, the program focus be the initials of your school district (CPS, DPS, CMSD, ISD)
 
To learn more about international student admission requirements and the process, please visit International Admissions. 
 

APPLY NOW →

One official transcript directly from all colleges or universities that you have attended for any undergraduate and graduate course work. Applicants must have a degree from a regionally accredited university. Send transcripts to:

Xavier University
ATTN: Admission Processing Center
3800 Victory Parkway
Cincinnati, OH 45207-5131

For electronic transcripts, send to:
xuadmit@xavier.edu

Miller Analogies Test (MAT) or the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). (If you already have a master’s degree, you do not need to take either test.)  

Test may be waived under one of the following conditions:

  • Licensed teacher

Letters of recommendation from professional and/or academic references who are able to assess your potential for success in this program.

Montessori Statement of Purpose and résumé of professional work and volunteer experience.

Partnership tuition rate form (if applicable)

State Authorization

Applications permitted from residents of all states. Please be advised that our educator preparation programs are NOT accredited in Kentucky by the Education Professional Standards Board and are NOT recognized for initial, additional or renewal of certification or salary enhancement (rank change) for K-12 educators in Kentucky. For more information, please visit the Education Professional Standards Board’s website.

Tuition

Get More from Your Education with a Graduate Degree from Xavier

At Xavier, we understand that no two degree programs and no two students are alike. Therefore, we structure every online degree program to address the unique needs of individual students and have created unique fee structures for each degree program, as well.
View Financial Aid Options
$570

Per Credit Hour

$N/A

Estimated Total Tuition

The amounts listed are for the 2024-2025 academic year, and include classes from Summer 2024 through Spring 2025. Tuition cost is per credit hour unless otherwise stated. For the full, official listing, please visit xavier.edu/costs. Xavier University reserves the right to correct any computational or clerical errors.

Ready to Get Started?

Request Info
Apply Now
FAQs

No, the degree is from Xavier University and is awarded on meeting coursework standards that are independent of course delivery.

The tuition rate for the online Montessori program is $570 per credit hour. The total cost of the Montessori degree program will vary, depending upon transfer credits awarded, additional fees and the cost of textbooks/materials. See the Tuition page for more information.

No, online courses charge the same rate as all other courses.

Some students believe that online courses will be easier than a face-to-face course. However, that is not true. Each online course at Xavier will have the same academic standards and content as a face-to-face course. You may find online learning to be easier because it suits your learning style, but the course content, the expectations for how much you will learn and the assessment of what you have learned will be just as rigorous as in a face-to-face class.

Students may find that they can get to know their professor/instructor and other students better in an online course than in a traditional face-to-face course. There are many options for interacting with your instructors and classmates in your online program, including discussion boards, video or audio files from your instructor, email and video conferencing. There may be additional opportunities for interaction available based on the course and instructor.

You will need to review the syllabus for your course to determine how to obtain materials (print and digital) you will need for your course. The Xavier Bookstore and/or Library will be happy to assist you in finding course materials. Some readings or media lessons may be posted digitally within the online course itself or in Xavier’s E-Reserves system.

If you are new to online learning at Xavier, we encourage you to go through the student orientation for online courses.

The Technology Services website offers great resources to support online students.

We encourage you to take advantage of the library’s online resources.

Complete a free online application here.

Montessori teaching is a non-traditional teaching method that combines education with child development. Montessori teachers foster independent growth in their students, guiding them through self-taught lessons at their own pace as opposed to traditional teaching methods. In order to qualify to be a Montessori teacher, it’s necessary to have a bachelor’s degree before obtaining a Montessori teaching diploma. Aside from meeting the education requirements, some qualities of outstanding Montessori teachers include:

  • Interest in non-traditional teaching
    • Montessori education programs are more geared towards letting children discover, learn, and explore rather than sitting down to learn the same lesson. As a Montessori teacher you will be teaching in a mult-age classroom supporting each student’s independent learning and playing the role of facilitator. 
  • Relationship building
    • Successful Montessori teachers are able to build strong relationships between themselves and each individual child as well as be a role model for the group as a whole. 
  • Planning and record keeping
    • Planning and record keeping are an essential skill to have as a Montessori teacher. It is necessary to make weekly and long term plans so that children are able to receive education across a wide range of subjects. Planning ahead is also important so that children can be grouped accordingly into different social, interest and ability groups. Finally, effective record keeping helps a teacher see the progress each child has made over time.
  • Lesson delivery
    • Montesorri teachers create a well prepared Montessori environment for inquisitive minds. The activities are designed to move students from one activity and level to the next. Often, Montessori teachers step back and allow the children to learn from their own discoveries and draw their own conclusions. Instead of being supplied with answers, children in Montessori programs are asked how they would solve the problem, engaging them in learning and increasing their critical thinking skills. A variety of subjects are interwoven into the programs curriculum and Montessori teachers must have a solid understanding of history, art, music, math, astronomy, botany, zoology, chemistry, geography, language, physics, geometry and practical life skills. Montessori teachers will give one on one lessons, small group lessons or large group lessons centered around the basic information necessary for the children to explore and do the work. Montessori teachers scientifically observe the children and never use rewards or punishments for good or poor work. Montessori teachers provide the ideal atmosphere for children to have the freedom to choose their own activities and learn to behave without restriction. 

All Montessori teachers may receive specialized training in the Montessori education method. There are many options to receive this Montessori training from, both online and in person. Most Montessori training programs require a bachelor’s degree.

Ready to Get Started?

Request Info
Apply Now