History & Accreditation

In 1970, the first Montessori school in Tampa formed on Hanley Road. It soon expanded to two campuses. In 1982, that same school, The Montessori House Day School, became the first school in the nation to gain accreditation under the new strict standards of the American Montessori Society (AMS). To this day, no other school in Tampa is AMS accredited. Fully credentialed Montessori teachers and a proven authentic Montessori curriculum provide your child the very best in education.

The Florida Council of Independent Schools (FCIS) was founded in 1954 as an organization dedicated to independence and quality of member schools. To ensure quality, all member schools must undergo an extensive accreditation process, with a periodic review every five years.

Schools must successfully meet standards found in the FCIS Bylaws & Standards Manual, demonstrate financial stability, provide quality education, and successfully undergo evaluation visits to be granted and to retain membership in FCIS.

Learn more about the value of FCIS accreditation.

Parents who choose Montessori education are looking for the best possible learning experience for their children. However, any school can call itself Montessori. The term is not trademarked, and schools vary in how they interpret the Montessori approach.

Accreditation by the American Montessori Society (AMS) is one benchmark parents can use in evaluating a Montessori program. To promote consistency and high quality in Montessori education, AMS has established standards and offers schools that meet these standards the opportunity to complete the rigorous accreditation process. Accreditation is voluntary and takes 1 to 2 years to complete.

AMS accreditation affirms a school meets a standard of excellence recognized by educators and Montessorians worldwide. Parents can rely on it.

Learn more about the requirements for AMS school accreditation.