Admissions Process
The Center for Guide Montessori Studies welcomes applications from all serious candidates interested in teacher education.
We feel our learning community is enriched by the diversity of the human population, and therefore, enrolls students without regard to race, color, religion, sex, marital status, age, or national origin. We are committed to treating all applicants and students with respect and integrity and strive to assure that all participants uphold ethical practices.
The Center for Guide Montessori Studies recognizes that success in the teaching profession in general, and in Montessori specifically requires a unique combination of skills and qualifications. Montessori teachers throughout the history of this educational movement have come from a variety of backgrounds. Our admissions requirements and procedures are designed with this in mind, allowing the applicant ample opportunity to demonstrate sincere interest and ability to develop the skills and knowledge needed for success in both this teacher education program and a career as a Montessori educator. While applicants will generally hold a bachelor’s degree, exceptions are made at the Director’s discretion when individuals possess significant experience with children and or Montessori.
The Admissions’ process is as follows:
| 1 | Candidates may contact the CGMS admissions office to get further information about the program and or the admissions process. We are happy to assist you with providing any information needed to determine if the CGMS program is right for you. | |
| 2 | Print out the application forms and recommendation forms from our website. | |
| 3 | Complete the application, making sure to write clearly. Check to be sure all contact information is correct and legible. | |
| 4 | Give the recommendation forms to three people who can recommend you for this program based on their knowledge of the following:
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| 5 | Request an official copy of your college transcripts to be sent to CGMS or if you already have an official transcript you may send them with the application. | |
| 6 | Write a brief essay (400) words describing why you want to work with children, your personal educational philosophy, and what draws you to Montessori. | |
| 7 | Complete the tuition agreement, making sure to indicate who will be responsible for the tuition and the payment options you choose. | |
| 8 | Complete the practicum form if you already have made arrangements for a practicum/internship site. If you have not made such arrangements, you should discuss your options in your admissions interview or before sending in the application. | |
| 9 | Application fee of $100.00 USD is non-refundable and can be paid by check from a US Bank or online via credit card. If you are a resident of the state of Michigan then $75 is refundable if your application is not accepted. Please note that this fee is not applied to your tuition. | |
| 10 | We recommend scanning and emailing all documents to admissions@cgms.edu. If you choose to mail any documents please be sure to make copies prior to mailing to the CGMS address listed on the application or documents may be faxed. | |
| 11 | Your application packet will be reviewed by the Director of Education and/or additional CGMS faculty designated to assist with admissions. After the application and recommendations are reviewed you will be contacted to set up an interview which will be conducted by phone or video conference call. The interview is designed to enable us to get to know you better, to learn more about you educational and career goals, and to answer your questions. It also provides an opportunity to clarify course expectations, including the practicum/internship requirements and options for a practicum school that best meet the candidate’s needs. | |
| 12 | Applicants will be notified by mail and/or by email of the admissions decision. Upon acceptance, a student will be emailed a course booklist and information about the start of the course. If for any reason your application cannot be accepted, your application fee will not be refunded. | |
| 13 | From time to time students may be admitted from other accredited Montessori teacher education programs. The course director will direct an evaluation of these candidates’ previous Montessori early childhood course work to determine which assignments and/or what amount of academic hours may be considered for acceptance and application toward a CGMS certificate. |
