Professional Affiliations and Recognition
Northwest Association of Independent Schools – Subscriber School
Sunstone Montessori is a Subscriber School (accreditation in process) of the Northwest Association of Independent Schools (NWAIS). The Northwest Association of Independent Schools is a nonprofit membership association that provides accreditation, professional development and support services to over 110 schools in Alaska, British Columbia, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.
Association Montessori Internationale
Maria Montessori founded AMI in 1929 to protect and further her educational work. AMI operates teacher training centers worldwide and, through its USA affiliate , accredits Montessori schools though a program of internationally recognized standards and regular consultation.
All of Sunstone’s teachers are AMI trained. AMI teacher training is an intensive course in human development, Montessori philosophy and practice, and classroom curriculum. Most training centers offer graduate level credit with an affiliated university, and many trainees concurrently earn a Masters in Education during their training.
The term ‘Montessori’ is not trademarked or copyrighted, and anyone can use it. AMI training and accreditation is the oldest and most widely recognized standard, as well as the only standard developed by Dr. Montessori herself.
Montessori Northwest
Sunstone Montessori supports Montessori Northwest (MNW), an AMI training center, located in SE Portland, OR, providing AMI Montessori teacher training at the Assistants to Infancy (ages 0 – 3), Primary (ages 3 – 6), and Elementary (ages 6 – 12) levels. MNW also sponsors educational and outreach events, including parent education, and is an excellent source of information about Montessori education and child development.
Oregon Montessori Association
OMA is a professional association of Oregon and SW Washington Montessori schools which supports teachers and schools with professional development as well as sponsoring outreach and educational events.
North American Montessori Teacher’s Association
NAMTA is our national professional organization and offers publications, DVDs, conferences, and continuing education.