GMS is extremely fortunate to have an experienced, dedicated and highly knowledgeable staff. Our Montessori teachers are trained in advanced child development and early childhood or elementary education. In addition to a minimum of a BA degree, they must be certified by the Association Montessori Internationa (AMI), the worldwide Montessori organization begun by Dr. Maria Montessori to preserve the integrity of her work.

Classroom assistants are trained by the Montessori teachers. All of our staff receive ongoing training in education and related fields, are certified in First Aid/CPR, and undergo a yearly evaluation and performance review.

 Certification and Licensure

GMS has received AMI Recognition status since 1984, which requires a rigorous annual review process by the AMI/USA. GMS is the only AMI Recognized Montessori school in New Mexico. GMS has also achieved the New Mexico State CYFD (Children, Youth and Families Division) Gold-Level Rating, the highest level in state certification.

A Guide to the Montessori Classroom

The Montessori classroom is a unique environment in many ways. Because the class is multi-age and the children stay with the same teacher for three years, the children become a part of a close-knit community. To foster this at the beginning of each year, we have the returning students begin on the first day of school, let them settle in for a few days, and then have the new students join the class gradually, beginning the next week. This gets the classroom off to a great start.

New students will begin a few at a time each week until all have started. This gives the new children some time to get to know the routine by watching a settled classroom at work, and the teacher will be better able to meet the needs of the new child.

The Montessori environment is often referred to as an "ocean of activity". The activity of mind and body working together forms the basis of the Montessori approach. Each of these children is working at the task of his or her own development. Physical freedom and psychological freedom of choice help to fix interest and attention, lead to concentration and prevent fatigue.