Applying to FME Diploma Programs
Your journey to an AMI diploma starts by applying. Follow the guidelines below to help prepare your application.
Important Message for International Applicants
Due to recent Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) regulations regarding the cap on study permits, we are currently unable to accept international applications for Diploma Programs. If you are an international applicant hoping to apply for a diploma program, please do not proceed with the application at this time. We are monitoring government allocations and will update this status when intake reopens.
Step One: Gather Documents for Upload
Before you begin your application there are a few documents to prepare. You will be asked to upload the following in a pdf format:
Résumé: please ensure your résumé is up-to-date.
Observation Report: a report of a 2-hour observation in a Montessori class with children in the same age range as the program for which you are applying. The class should have an AMI trained guide.
- Contact a Montessori school in your area, with an AMI trained guide, and ask to observe for your FME application.
- During the observation period take some notes. Afterwards, type your observations into a synthesis of no more than 2 pages in length.
- You may write about any combination of the following: what the children were doing, the materials and activities you observed in the classroom, the activities of the adults and their role, or anything else that you found of interest during your observation.
Hand Written Answers to the Following Questions: the answers must be written by hand. Either a scan or a good quality photo can be uploaded to your application.
- Why are you interested in Montessori Education?
- Why have you chosen to apply to the Foundation for Montessori Education?
- Why would you be an asset to the profession of Montessori Education and what are your plans for post-graduation?
English Language Proficiency (if applicable): Our diploma programs are conducted at a university-level of English. Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency by uploading one of the following:
- proof of completion of post-secondary courses in which the language of instruction was English
- an IELTS Academic (or equivalent) score of 6 with no band below 5.5
Step Two: Transcript or Credential Assessments
Transcript: Contact all post-secondary institutions you attended and request that your transcripts be sent to FME. They can be sent in one of the following ways:
- By email to fme@montessori-ami.ca or
- By post to Foundation for Montessori Education, 1460 – M427 The Queensway, Toronto, ON M8Z 1S4.
If you have a copy of your transcript and would like to upload it, so we can begin to review your application, you may. However, we must receive a copy directly from the post-secondary institute as well.
Credential Assessment (if applicable): If your degree or diploma was obtained outside of Canada you must have it assessed to determine the equivalency in Canada.
- If you have already obtained an assessment, from a university or an assessment agency, you may upload it to your application.
- If you do not have an assessment already then it can be done through the Comparative Studies Department of any Canadian University, or through an assessment agency such as the World Education Service (wes.org) with a document-by-document assessment.
Step Three: References
Contact one reference from each of the following three categories:
- Academic: A current or former instructor/ professor/teacher who has taught you
- Employment: A current or former employer
- Personal: A family friend who has known you for a number of years
Ask them to submit a written reference that addresses the following: The candidate’s personality, particularly with regard to ability to undertake a robust course of study, sense of humour, receptiveness, awareness of the world about them, and respect for self and others.
Ask them to submit their letter directly to: Lynn Woodward at fme@montessori-ami.ca. Please note that the letters must be written in English.
Note: You will be asked for the names of these individuals when you are completing the application form.
Step Four: Complete the Application Form
Once you have completed steps 1-3 then you are ready to complete the application form and upload your documents. Along with the information you have already gathered, you will be asked for personal information such as your name, address, phone number, and email address. You will also be asked about your educational experience and any Montessori experience you might have. Please note the Montessori experience is not required.
You will find the links to the application forms for each of our AMI Diploma Programs at the bottom of this page.
Step Five: Application Fee
Once you have completed the application form the final step is to pay the application fee. Applications will be processed upon receipt of the $200 CDN application fee. The fee can be paid by e-transfer, cheque, or wire transfer.
- E-transfer funds to fme@montessori.ca
- Please send us a separate email to share the answer to the security question that allows us to retrieve the funds.
- Cheques can be mailed to our mailing address: FME, 1460-M427 The Queensway, Etobicoke, ON, M8Z1S4
- Wire Transfer: Please contact us at fme@montessori-ami.ca for details.
Have Questions?
Contact us with your questions via email at fme@montessori-ami.ca or call us at 416-769-7457.