Choosing the right early learning environment is a big decision for Seattle-area families. Accreditation is one way to understand the quality and standards behind a school. Sammamish Montessori School (SMS), serving families in Sammamish, Redmond, Bellevue, and beyond, has once again earned accreditation from the American Montessori Society (AMS), one of only 10 schools in Washington to hold this distinction.
SMS has been part of the region’s long-standing Montessori network in the Puget Sound, and our mission has always been rooted in providing an authentic, high-quality Montessori education that nurtures the whole child. A key part of sustaining that mission is engaging in thoughtful reflection, continuous improvement, and accountability to the highest standards of Montessori practice.
What AMS accreditation means for Seattle-area families
One meaningful way we uphold these standards is through our long-standing relationship with the American Montessori Society (AMS), the organization that sets the benchmark for quality Montessori education in the United States and beyond. The AMS accreditation is widely recognized as the gold standard of Montessori excellence, offering schools a rigorous framework that guides strong program implementation, professional growth, and long-term school development.
We are proud to share that Sammamish Montessori School (SMS) has been officially re-accredited by the American Montessori Society (AMS) through 2032. SMS remains one of only 10 AMS-accredited schools in Washington state, and part of a distinguished network of 239 AMS-accredited Montessori schools worldwide. This designation places our school among a select group that has demonstrated excellence across all aspects of Montessori education—from curriculum and instruction to organizational leadership, staff development, and community engagement.
Our reaccreditation journey
The SMS reaccreditation journey began in January 2023 with the start of an in-depth, collaborative 12–18-month self-study process. Over this extended period, our community, including lead guides, assistant guides, administrative staff, and parents, engaged in thoughtful reflection, data collection, and analysis guided by the nine AMS Accreditation
Standards:
- Standard 1: Philosophy, Mission, and Vision
- Standard 2: Governance, Leadership, and Continuous Improvement (Strategic Plan)
- Standard 3: Teaching and Learning—Educational Nature
- Standard 4: Documenting and Using Results—Learner Outcomes
- Standard 5: Personnel
- Standard 6: Facility Resources
- Standard 7: Finances & Stability
- Standard 8: Records, Resources, and Support Systems
- Standard 9: Stakeholder Communication and Relationships
This intensive process examined every aspect of the school, from curriculum and teaching practices to governance, finances, safety, and community engagement. Through this introspective process, the school identifies both its strengths and opportunities for growth. The final self-study report was submitted in May 2024, marking the completion of this important phase.
The on-site visit: October 2024
Following the self-study, SMS welcomed an AMS peer review team for a comprehensive on-site visit in October 2024. During this multi-day evaluation, the team:
- Observed classrooms in both the Toddler and Primary programs
- Engaged with guides (lead and assistant teachers) across both programs
- Interviewed parents to understand the family experience and community strength
- Conducted meetings with the leadership team, administrative staff, and enrichment specialists
- Reviewed documentation to validate alignment with AMS standards
- Connected with various stakeholders to gain a holistic understanding of SMS’s operations and culture
This process reflects AMS’s commitment to ensuring that accredited schools truly embody the principles of Montessori philosophy, prepared environments, and child-centered learning.
This visit served not only as an objective review but also as an affirming and collaborative exchange with peers from other accredited Montessori schools.
Sammamish Montessori School reaccreditation granted: April 2025
After a thorough review of the self-study and the on-site visit findings, the AMS Commission on Accreditation granted SMS full reaccreditation in April 2025, extending our accredited status for another seven years, through 2032.
This acknowledgment affirms the dedication, consistency, and expertise of our guides, staff, and school leadership, and the trust and partnership of our parent community.
Celebrating strengths & looking ahead
The AMS review team highlighted numerous strengths within our program, including:
- Our experienced, dedicated, and passionate teaching teams
- Carefully prepared and beautifully maintained Montessori environments
- Strong administrative leadership and operational stability
- A deeply connected and supportive parent community
- A culture rooted in respect, safety, and the holistic development of each child
They also provided thoughtful recommendations that we have incorporated into our strategic plan, guiding our next phase of growth. Reaccreditation is both a celebration and a renewed commitment to continuous improvement.
Honoring Montessori’s vision
As we reflect on this accomplishment, we are guided by Dr. Maria Montessori’s profound understanding of the child:
“We must help the child to act for himself, will for himself, think for himself. The child is the constructor of man, and the environment must give him the means to develop his potential, respecting his individuality and natural tendencies.” — The Discovery of the Child (1948)
These words remind us why we do this work—and why this reaccreditation matters.
With gratitude
This milestone would not have been possible without the exceptional dedication of our faculty and staff, who bring the Montessori philosophy to life each day with passion, professionalism, and heart. We are equally grateful to our families for their trust and partnership throughout this journey.
Together, we are nurturing curious minds, compassionate hearts, and confident lifelong learners.
We are honored to continue this important work as a trusted Montessori option for Seattle-area families and an AMS-accredited school through 2032 and beyond.
