Wauwatosa, WI – Wauwatosa Montessori School has officially been approved as an Accreditation Candidate with the American Montessori Society (AMS), marking an important milestone in the school’s ongoing commitment to Montessori education and continuous school improvement.
The AMS Pathway of Continuous Improvement provides a framework for Montessori schools to engage in reflection, strengthen their programs, and work toward meeting AMS accreditation standards. The pathway includes four stages: Member School, Verified School, Accreditation Candidate, and, ultimately, Accredited School.
As an AMS Accreditation Candidate, Wauwatosa Montessori School will now begin the next phase of the process, which includes conducting a comprehensive self-study and gathering evidence related to the school’s practices, policies, and Montessori program. A self-study team will lead this work and prepare the school for a future accreditation visit.
“The Wauwatosa School District and Wauwatosa Montessori School are committed to offering a high-fidelity Montessori school,” Wauwatosa Montessori School Principal Elizabeth Fritsch said. “Accreditation is an opportunity to pause, reflect, and grow—honoring the Montessori practices that define us while ensuring we are upholding the principles of authentic Montessori education. Through this process, we will celebrate what we do well, identify areas where we can grow, and establish clear next steps that strengthen our learning community and our commitment to meaningful student growth. Ultimately, accreditation will help us continue building an exceptional Montessori experience where every child can thrive.”
The self-study team will guide the school through a thoughtful process of reflection, review, and continuous improvement. The team will examine Wauwatosa Montessori School’s current practices and systems against AMS accreditation standards, gather evidence of the work the school is doing, and identify strengths and opportunities for growth.
The school’s goal is not simply to meet accreditation standards but to use the process as an opportunity to deepen its Montessori practice and ultimately improve the educational experience and outcomes for every student.
Wauwatosa Montessori School is a public Montessori school within the Wauwatosa School District. The school is open to all Wauwatosa residents, with student enrollment determined through a lottery process. For more information about Wauwatosa Montessori School, visit montessori.wauwatosa.k12.wi.us.
The American Montessori Society (AMS) supports Montessori educators and schools and provides a framework for continuous school improvement and accreditation. Through its Pathway of Continuous School Improvement, AMS helps member schools strengthen and sustain Montessori practices and work toward accreditation. For more information about the AMS Pathway of Continuous School Improvement, visit amshq.org.