About VCMS

Organization

Virginia Center for Montessori Studies (VCMS) is founded upon Dr. Maria Montessori’s philosophy of human development and education. VCMS offers Montessori adult education programs that leads to the American Montessori Society teacher certification for Infant/Toddler Certification – Birth to three years and the Early Childhood level - ages 2 ½ through six years.

In 2021 Virginia Center for Montessori Studies launched a hybrid option that combines the hands-on training of our intensive summer sessions with an online feature that allows candidates to work independently at their own pace during the practicum year. Both our Early Childhood and Infant Toddler Hybrid Models begin with an in-residence session in June and followed by more academic work at a more leisurely pace during the practicum year.

VCMS provides qualified instructors, establishes curriculum and classic Montessori environments that meet AMS standards to ensure that the adult learner has the best learning experiences that lead to optimum success. The program is sensitive to the learning styles of adults and respectful of their developmental journey. VCMS is a resource for Montessori educators and schools, and promotes Montessori education on the local and national levels.

VCMS is a division of Mohar Educational Services. The program is located at West End Montessori School, located at 9307 Quioccasin Road, Richmond, VA. WEMS enrolls children ages 18 months to 12 years. The School is accredited by the American Montessori Society and a member of the Virginia Council for Private Education.

Early Childhood

The 18-month academic instruction begins with online coursework in late winter and early spring. It is followed by a four-week intensive summer session followed by online academic coursework during the practicum school year. The student teaching occurs over nine consecutive months, five days a week and a minimum of four hours per day. The adult learner will receive instruction and support throughout the training cycle and beyond graduation.

Infant and Toddler

The Infant/Toddler Montessori teacher certification is a 18-month program cycle dedicated to preparing adult learners as Montessori professionals. The program is designed to support, coach and guide the adult learner through the academic and practicum phases. VCMS’s Infant Toddler Program is offered every other year.

The foundations of the Montessori method are introduced online during the late winter and early spring. In-Residence coursework is held through a 2 1/2 week intensive academic summer session structured to provide the adult learner with foundational knowledge of the Infant and Toddler environment. Online academic coursework continues throughout the practicum school year. The student teaching occurs over nine consecutive months, five days a week and a minimum of four hours per day. The adult learner will receive instruction and support throughout the training cycle and beyond graduation.

Elementary I and I-II

t’s official! Our Elementary I and Elementary I-II programs will be up and running beginning February 1st, 2026. Our Elementary program will begin online with Philosophy that will give candidates a solid beginning before the 3 ½ weeks of in-residence sessions in the summer. Online coursework and several weekend seminar sessions will support the adult learners during their practicum. All content will wrap up during the summer of 2027.

The admissions process will begin December 1st and we encourage anyone interested to complete the attached Elementary Interest Form. Specific admission details will be published soon. While course content officially begins in February of 2026, we are accepting rolling admissions through May 1st.

The elementary practicum will be at least 6 hours a day five days a week for a nine-month period in an EL I or EL II environment. During this time, the adult learner will continue to learn and practice in the classroom with students.

VCMS believes that Montessori Adult Education:

  • Provides the highest quality application of Montessori philosophy

  • Encourages an exceptionally high level of intellectual excellence

  • Facilitates exploration and growth

  • Provides opportunities to learn through a practical, discovery-oriented approach

  • Maintains the integrity and dignity of the adult learner

VCMS admits students and hires staff of any race, religion, national or ethnic origin. VCMS does not discriminate on the basis of race, national or ethnic origin or any other protected class in employment or administration of its educational policies.