RICHMOND MONTESSORI SCHOOL

“Montessori” is a term that is used broadly in the public domain. It is often applied as an adjective to describe qualities that a school has incorporated such as learning centers, freedom of choice and hands on activities. The Montessori form of education is not trademarked, copyrighted nor franchised. The only way a parent can ensure that their child is receiving an authentic Montessori education is through enrollment in an accredited school.

Richmond Montessori School is fully accredited by two external organizations – the American Montessori Society (AMS) and the Virginia Association of Independent Schools (VAIS). These agencies establish and oversee standards of excellence for Montessori and independent schools. Accreditation is a voluntary process that is undertaken by schools that are committed to continuous school improvement and compliance with AMS and VAIS standards. Accreditation validates that the school actually is what it says it is and does what it says it does.

Many schools indicate their level of involvement (full, associate, satellite, initiate, et. al.) with AMS and VAIS. But unless the school is fully accredited, there is no guarantee that the school practices the authentic educational philosophy and practices of Maria Montessori, nor that it demonstrates compliance with the rigorous standards that have been established by AMS and VAIS.

Richmond Montessori School has been accredited by AMS since 1991. It achieved VAIS accreditation in 2002. RMS is one of only four AMS accredited schools in the Commonwealth of Virginia and one of two schools with dual AMS/VAIS accreditation. RMS has the distinction of being the only fully accredited school in the Greater Richmond area and surrounding counties.