Montessori Education (Grades P-3)
Program Details
Montessori education is based on the idea that the best learning happens in supportive, experiential environments. As a national leader in Montessori teacher education, Xavier knows how to make sure you're ready for the thrills and rewards of a Montessori classroom. From pink tower geometry and sandpaper letters to exploring the mysteries of the universe, you’ll be prepared to guide and inspire children from PreK-3rd grade using the Montessori philosophy in public or private Montessori and traditional schools.
Xavier University is ranked #2 in Ohio for ‘Best Undergraduate Teaching Programs’ by U.S. News & World Report (2024).
Xavier's Bachelor of Science in Montessori Education grants an American Montessori Credential for preschool and the Ohio State Early Childhood Licensure.The program is accredited by the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education and is affiliated by the American Montessori Society. Xavier’s School of Education is fully accredited by the Ohio Department of Education and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.
Degree Awarded
Bachelor of Science in Montessori Education
Curriculum
The sample course sequence below illustrates class offerings for the Montessori Education (Grades P-3) major. Consult the official Xavier University course catalog for detailed registration and advising information.
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.
Sample Courses
- Play in Early Childhood Education (EDEC 230) - This course covers the theory and practice concerning developmental aspects of play, creativity, imagination and their relationship to music, movement and creative drama. This course also details the teacher’s role in preparation of the play environment, including issues of special needs children.
- Montessori Education: Philosophical Approach (EDME 351) - This course provides an in-depth study of Dr. Montessori’s pedagogical philosophy. Topics covered include: Montessori theory from infancy through adolescence, cosmic education and spiritual education.
- Montessori Language Arts and Read Methods (EDME 354) - Montessori materials, methods and instructional strategies for the teaching of phonics, word study, creative writing, mechanics and grammar to the 6-9 year old child. Literature integrated across the curriculum unit of study developed. Lessons integrated with state and national academic content standards. Supplemental resources, assessments, and lesson plans created.
- Montessori Early Childhood Practicum I (EDME 473) - This course is the first semester of a two semester practicum in which candidates experience both urban and suburban settings. During this 15 week field placement, candidates will become a part of a classroom’s teaching team. They will have the opportunity to apply material knowledge and theory, observe and assess, plan for curriculum develolpment and individual and group lessons. Students will experience a diverse population and learn strategies to support their skill building. Candidates are placed by Supervising Teachers.
Career Outcomes
99% of Xavier students, including those in the Montessori Education major, are working, volunteering or in graduate school within six months of graduation (Class of 2022). Additionally, 99% of students in Xavier’s education majors pass state licensure exams. Explore our Career Outcomes Dashboard to view career outcomes by major.
Montessori Education alumni have gone on to work at:
- The Summit Country Day
- Good Shepherd Montessori
- Prince of Peace Montessori
- Central Montessori Academy
- Mercy Montessori
More: Xavier's Career Development Office assists students in their search for employment by offering individual career counseling sessions, conducting workshops and maintaining an employer database. More than 100 nationally known companies visit the campus annually to interview graduating seniors for open positions.
Student Clubs
- Montessori Education Club- The Montessori Education Club works to build a sense of community for Montessori majors both on and off campus through monthly events that incorporate trust, reflection, inspiration, investigation and service. The club is a great place for Montessori and other education majors to get together and network.
- Educators for Justice- Educators for Justice is the club for all education majors. It meets in the spirit of St. Ignatius and exists to form solidarity with each other and with the communities surrounding our campus and the school districts our majors are interfacing with. It includes the Xavier Leadership Initiative, which holds events and an annual retreat targeting future leaders in education. We meet once a month and also plans multiple service projects throughout the year. Dr. Knestrict and Dr. Bender-Slack are the faculty leaders of this dynamic club.
- Kappa Delta Pi- Kappa Delta Pi (KDP) is an international honors society for education students. Its purpose is to foster professional fellowship and professional development and to honor achievement. This club works to honor and celebrate the accomplishments of education students, provide professional development opportunities and create community. Kappa Delta Pi exists to support Xavier's future educators and help them become men and women for others in their future careers.
- A Xavier Christmas- Members of this group work together to provide a meaningful Christmas experience for underprivileged elementary children in schools in the areas surrounding campus.
When we seek something more, we become something greater.
Find more information about how you can become a Musketeer.
Request InformationObserve the Montessori Philosophy in Action
See how Montessori education works firsthand in our on-campus Montessori Lab School, founded in 1966. Head teachers in the Lab School are credentialed by the American Montessori Society (AMS) and licensed by the State of Ohio.
99% Teaching Licensure Exam Pass Rate
At Xavier, small class sizes ensure you get the personal attention needed to succeed as an educator. Because of this, our Montessori Education program yields favorable outcomes, with 99% of Xavier’s teacher licensure students passing their state exams. Additionally, More than a quarter of Xavier education graduates stay for graduate degrees in education.
Kickstart Your Montessori Teaching Career in Cincinnati, Ohio
As a student in the Montessori Education major, you’ll earn over 200 hours of field experience in urban, suburban and rural schools in the Cincinnati region. Xavier has long-term partnerships with over 50 regional school districts where students are placed for classroom observations and student teaching. These partnerships provide you with invaluable hands-on teaching experiences and networking opportunities.
Graduate With Honors
Are you looking for an academic challenge? The University Scholars Honors Program offers incoming students 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-3) Major 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."