Applications 

Start your journey as a Montessori educator today!

Applicants must have at least a high school diploma or GED, submit three letters of recommendation, official college transcripts or a notarized high school diploma, be interviewed by a CRA Faculty member, and complete the Online Learner Readiness and Montessori Self-Reflection questionnaires. Credit may be given for previous course work in another MACTE accredited course.

Applicants that do not have a minimum of an Associate’s Degree are required to take a CRA’s Introduction to Academic Writing Workshop before beginning the Certification Program. The Introduction to Academic Writing Workshop spans 3 weeks in May and is delivered asynchronously online in Canvas. There is an additional $150 fee for this workshop to be paid before beginning.

Applicants that do not have a high school diploma or credential from a regionally accredited U.S. College/University must submit a transcript to a recognized U.S. credentialing agency (e.g. a credentialing agency that is a member of NACES –the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services) for credit equivalency evaluation. If the evaluation determines the non-U.S. transcript to be equivalent to a Bachelor’s Degree or higher in the U.S., the adult learner will then be eligible for an AMS Credential upon successful completion. If the evaluation determines that the non-U.S. transcript is not the equivalent of a Bachelor’s Degree or higher, then an Associate Credential will be awarded. If English is not the applicant’s first language, a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) may also be required.

Once all application materials and non-refundable application fee have been received, an interview (phone or in person) will be scheduled. Late registrations will be accepted based on availability.

Scholarship Opportunity

The American Montessori Society awards scholarships to adult learners applying to AMS teacher education programs each year. The application period for the 2025-2026 academic year is open through April 19, 2025. 

Please visit the AMS Scholarship site for more details and to fill out the application. 

Email jchamberlain@crescentridgeacademy.org with any questions. 

 
Infant & Toddler and Early Childhood Applications
*The application fee for the Infant & Toddler and Early Childhood programs is $125.
 
 

Tips for completing your application:

Please plan to allow yourself approximately 30 minutes for the application.  You will not have the option to save and return to your work at a later time or date.  The application must be completed in one session.  To expedite the process for you, please have the following information ready to enter into the application form.
  • Your previous education and employment details
  • The names and phone numbers of 3 references
  •  A 250 – 400-word personal statement, describing why you want to become a credentialed Montessori teacher. Include answers to the following questions:
    1. Why do you want to become a credentialed Montessori Teacher?
    2. What are your expectations of this program?
    3. What special qualifications or attributes do you bring to this field?
    4. How and when did you first learn about Montessori philosophy?
    5. Describe your experiences working with children. 
  • Details on how you plan to pay tuition (self or sponsor)
  • Make a payment of $125 for the application fee
APPLICATION DEADLINE: April 30, 2025
 
Once you have submitted your application, you will need to send an official copy of your college transcripts or high school diploma to us along with your three references.  These should be received no later than April 30, 2025.
 
Finally, after your application has been reviewed, CRA-TEP faculty will reach out to all applicants to set up an interview.
 
 
 
 
*The application fee for the Elementary I program is $100.