Montessori Education

Undergraduate | Bachelor of Science
Undergraduate
Bachelor of Science
Overview
Empower children to reach their full potential by pursuing a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Montessori Education (Grades P-3) at Xavier University.
Our world-renowned, fully-accredited BS in Montessori Education program prepares you for licensure and certification as a Montessori teacher. Through a combination of coursework, field experiences and clinical practice, you'll gain the skills and knowledge needed to inspire and educate young learners (grades P-3) using the Montessori philosophy.
Curriculum

Fall

  • ENGL 101 - English Composition............ 3cr.
  • second language I............ 3cr.
  • BIO 130/131 - Natural Science............ 3cr.
  • CORE 100 - First year Seminar............ 3cr.
  • EDFD 110............ 3cr.
  • CORE 101: GOA Co-Curriculum Program I............ 0cr.

Spring

  • EDUCATION 100 - Introduction to Education............ 3cr.
  • second language II............ 3cr.
  • Historical Perspectives Elective............ 3cr.
  • THEO 111 - Intro to Theology............ 3cr.
  • PHYS 114/115 - Scientific Perspectives............ 3cr.
  • CORE 102: GOA Co-Curriculum Program II............ 0cr.

Fall

  • MATH 201 - Foundations of Arithmetic............ 3cr.
  • EDME 351 - Montessori Education: Philosophical Approach............ 3cr.
  • EDME 364 - Early Childhood Montessori Methods............ 3cr.
  • EDEC 210 - Early Childhood Development............ 3cr.
  • Creative Perspectives Elective............ 3cr.
  • PHIL 100 - Ethics as Introduction to Philosophy............ 3cr.

Spring

  • EDEL 251 - Instructional Technology............ 3cr.
  • EDSP 505 - Foundations in Early Childhood and Special Education............ 3cr.
  • EDME 376 - Early Childhood Phonics............ 3cr.
  • MATH 202 - Geometry and Measurement............ 3cr.
  • THEO 200 - Theological Perspectives............ 3cr.

Fall

  • ENGL 205............ 3cr.
  • EDRE 312 - Reading Methods for Early Childhood............ 3cr.
  • EDCH 324 - Children's Literature for Early Childhood............ 3cr.
  • EDEL 260 - Cultural Diversity In Education............ 3cr.
  • EDME 359 - Community and Advocacy in Education............ 3cr.
  • EDME 354 - Montessori Language Arts & Reading Methods............ 3cr.

Spring

  • EDRE 478 - Diagnosis and Correction of Reading Disabilities............ 3cr.
  • EDME 250 - Methods of Observation of Children............ 3cr.
  • EDEC 230 - Play in Early Childhood............ 3cr.
  • EDME 377 - Early Childhood Math & Science............ 3cr.
  • PHIL 200 - Philosophical Perspectives............ 0cr.

Fall

  • E/RS Elective............ 3cr.
  • EDME 366 - Curriculum Design Teaching Strategies I: Early Childhood............ 3cr.
  • EDME 474 - Montessori Early Childhood Practicum II............ 6cr.

Spring

  • General Elective............ 3cr.
  • EDME 367 - Curriculum Design Teaching Strategies II: Early Childhood............ 3cr.
  • EDME 474 - Montessori Early Childhood Practicum II............ 6cr.
Outcomes
98% of Xavier students, including those in the Montessori education major, are working, volunteering or in graduate school within six months of graduating (Class of 2023).

Alumni Employers

Summit Country Day, Pleasant Ridge Montessori, Dater Montessori, Gamble Elementary Montessori and Holy Trinity Montessori

Sample Courses

Play in Early Childhood Education (EDEC 230)

Discover the importance of play in early childhood development. Learn about the theory and practice of play, creativity, imagination, and their connection to music, movement, and creative drama. Understand the teacher's role in creating a supportive play environment, including for children with special needs.

Montessori Education: Philosophical Approach (EDME 351)

Gain a deep understanding of Dr. Montessori's pedagogical theories, including infancy through adolescence, cosmic education and spiritual education.

Montessori Language Arts and Reading Methods (EDME 354)

Master Montessori language arts and reading methods. Learn about Montessori materials, methods, and strategies for teaching phonics, word study, creative writing, mechanics, and grammar to 6-9-year-olds. Develop integrated curriculum units and create supplemental resources, assessments, and lesson plans.

Montessori Early Childhood Practicum I (EDME 473)

Gain hands-on experience in a Montessori classroom. This course is the first semester of a two-semester practicum where you'll work in both urban and suburban settings. As part of the teaching team, you'll apply your knowledge, observe and assess, and contribute to curriculum development and lesson planning. Experience a diverse student population and learn strategies to support their skill building.

Clubs

Montessori Education Club

Connect with fellow Montessori students, network and explore your passion for education. The Montessori Education Club builds community for Montessori majors through monthly events that incorporate trust, reflection, inspiration, investigation and service.

Educators for Justice

Are you an education major or minor looking to connect with Cincinnati's professional education community? Join Educators for Justice! Our monthly meetings offer opportunities for spiritual, intellectual and moral growth through professional development, service and community building.

Embrace Evanston

Join Embrace Evanston and help address educational inequality at Evanston Academy. As a member, you'll lead after-school programs, mentor students, tutor and participate in physical activities.

98%
Student Success Rate
200+
Hours of Field Experience

Program Features

Discover your leadership potential

In Xavier’s education programs, “I have class” usually means you’re the one teaching it. Benefit from experiential learning that begins your first year.

Observe the Montessori philosophy in action

You'll gain valuable hands-on experience through 200+ hours in field placements, witnessing the Montessori principles come alive in diverse educational settings.

Located in a city of opportunity

Gain valuable teaching experience at one of the 40+ public and private Montessori schools in southwestern Ohio and northern Kentucky.

Benefit from a fully accredited program

This program is accredited by the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE) and is affiliated by the American Montessori Society (AMS).

Student Spotlight
Education students on what inspires them

Meet five Xavier University education students, each with their unique story of what drew them to the classroom.

Faculty Spotlight
Laney Bender-Slack, PhD

Dr. Bender Slack is a professor in the School of Education. Hear what she loves most about preparing the next generation of teachers.

FAQ

Prepare for a successful career as an educator by earning your BS in Montessori Education at Xavier. Discover more.

Xavier University's Montessori Education program prepares you for the following licensure and credential:

  • Resident educators license (Ohio), P-3rd grade
  • American Montessori Society (AMS) Early Childhood Credential, ages 3-6

Please note: Licensure requirements can change over time, so it's always recommended to consult with Xavier's School of Education for the most up-to-date information.

View our Professional Licensure Disclosure website for more details. 

As a first year student, you'll take EDEL 100: Introduction to Education in the spring semester. This course provides field experience in both primary and middle childhood, giving you a chance to explore both levels and decide which one best suits you. You'll also learn about the teaching profession and if it's the right path for you.

Yes. Xavier’s School of Education is fully accredited by the Ohio Department of Higher Education and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. Xavier University is also accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

Yes. The University Scholars Honors Program offers students in the Montessori education major a more challenging curriculum and close support from professors while completing their undergraduate degree. Acceptance into the program is highly selective and includes a $2000 travel grant.

Montessori Education (Grades P-5) Program at Xavier University

Xavier’s Montessori Teacher Education program was the first in the nation to offer Montessori training to graduate students, beginning in 1965. It now offers a full range of Montessori programs for undergraduate and graduate students that are enhanced by its Lab School and professional development offerings in the Xavier Montessori Institute. Graduates have broad employment opportunities with their Montessori credentials and traditional licensure that prepare them to teach in public, private, Montessori or traditional schools as well as other educational settings.

Xavier University's College of Professional Sciences prepares undergraduate and graduate students intellectually, morally and spiritually for careers and professions of service. CPS challenges students to strive for academic excellence and life-long learning through promoting collaboration and community partnerships, and incorporating research, scholarship and innovation.

Xavier University is a private university located in Cincinnati, Ohio, providing a liberal arts education in the Jesuit Catholic tradition. Founded in 1831, the University is the sixth-oldest Catholic university in the nation. It has been ranked among the top 10 master's-level universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report for the past two decades. The Princeton Review names it one of the "Best 385 Colleges in America."