Southwest Institute of Montessori Studies

I completed my Primary Montessori training at SIMS in 2020. I absolutely loved my experience. Admin, instructors, trainees, local schools to practice teaching and complete observations. High quality all around. The environment was very well prepared. If you want an authentic, welcoming and serene training experience, I recommend Southwest Institute of Montessori Studies. It is THE best!

The institute trains AMI infant/toddler through elementary. I trained for the Elementary Diploma (Ages 6-12). As a trainer, Gaby Lopez was clear in stating the expectations for the course and, provided you worked hard, you were able to complete the coursework on time. Be aware that you will have to commit most of your time to the training course if you intend to finish it within 1 year. The center is located in Mesa, Arizona on the light rail. So, as an out of state commuter staying in an airbnb, it was simple to get there using public transit.

I completed my primary training at SIMS in 2022, and it has been one of the most transformative experiences of my 35-year teaching career. The training center is impressively modern, and every trainer I encountered was truly exceptional. My training director, Ms. Ann Velasco, went out of her way to personally pick me up at the airport—a gesture that speaks volumes about her dedication and the supportive environment at SIMS. Every time I encountered any kind of trouble—whether academic, logistical, or otherwise—Ms. Ann was there to support me, making a significant difference in my journey. The executive director of the training center is equally remarkable. Her leadership and visionary approach not only create a nurturing learning environment but also inspire confidence in every individual. Although I was eager to continue my elementary training at SIMS, timing conflicts meant that I missed the opportunity. However, the executive director graciously helped me locate an ideal alternative training center and guided me through the admission process, acting as my local curator with exceptional care and expertise. Over the past five years, I have explored several training centers, but none have matched the warmth, expertise, and personal attention that I experienced at SIMS. I highly recommend SIMS to novice teachers seeking a transformative training experience. If you are planning to get trained, SIMS could truly be one of the best destinations for you. I truly believe that SIMS sets the benchmark for teacher training in the field of education. The positive impact this program has had on my professional journey is immeasurable, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to educators who seek a comprehensive, compassionate, and inspiring training experience.

Wonderful experience. I did an orientation course in English and the instructor was very knowledgeable and reflects the profile of a truly Montessori Guide. Every time the class was over she gave time to students to ask questions. The platform was well organized and the class content was relevant, interactive and interesting. I highly recommend this center.

This program gave me an absolutely thorough, exceptional, enriching experience. The Teaching Assistants and Ann Velasco...all incredible people who delivered a superb course in an incredibly difficult time, coming through CoVid and delivering material live and online that reached to people across the globe. They helped us make connections even in that difficult time with schools that allowed us to finish our professional training and offer a partnership with Loyola University in Maryland to receive a concurrent Masters of Education. It has led me to the most incredible career in my London home and would allow me to work around the globe because of the AMI (Internationally recognized) Montessori degree. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves Montessori, enjoys working with the 2-6 year olds, and who believes in child-led education.

Loved my time at SIMS! Trainers are so lovely and the set up of the hybrid course made it easy to work alongside the training. Such a fabulous training center for pure and beautiful Montessori!

I had AMI administrator training in Nov, 2022. And I had AMI 0-3 diploma training during the whole year of 2023. I got the AMI 0-3 diploma certification in Feb 2024. Our teachers are so professional and I learned a lot in these two trainings. I want to thank our teachers and the SIMS school, they really mean a lot to me and the others. Cause as Dr. Maria Montessori says, "WITHIN THE CHILD LIES THE FATE OF THE FUTURE."