Maria Montessori founded AMI in 1929 so that her method would be protected in its entirety.   AMI certified teachers are expected to hold up high standards. These standards are protected by AMI.

The AMI school recognition program was initiated in the United States for the benefit of parents by providing a measure of whether schools are following Dr. Montessori's principles and practices in their original integrity and completeness. A set of pedagogical standards was developed by AMI for this purpose. It us upon these standards that AMI recognition is granted annually.

To be eligible for an AMI Certificate of Recognition, a school is expected to have:

• One teacher only holding an AMI diploma (for the appropriate age level) for each class
• Children of mixed age levels (3-6, 6-9, 9-12)
• A complete set of AMI approved materials for each classroom from a manufacturer of approved materials
• A philosophical approach consistent with what is given in AMI training courses

Further,

• Applications must be made annually, and certificates are valid only for the current school year
• All points on the application must be answered fully to be considered and answers should refer to the situation in the month of September
• Schools should abide by all local, state, and federal ordinances, statutes, rules, and regulations

A school visit by a trained consultant is a part of the recognition process. The purpose of the consultation is to assess the schools' compliance with AMI pedagogical standards and assist the school and its teachers in achieving Montessori education. The consultant observes the classes and other relevant aspects of the school. Individual meetings are held at the time of the visit. A written school report and individual teachers' reports follow. Recommendations are discussed and documented indicating what needs to be done for a school to come into full compliance with standards. AMI-recognized schools must have an AMI-sanctioned consultation at least every three years. As needed, revisits are scheduled for the following year to assure implementation of the recommendations.