Southwest Institute of Montessori Studies

The Southwest Institute of Montessori Studies (SIMS) was established in 2011 as a non-profit organization affiliated with the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI). AMI training is the gold standard in Montessori teacher education, recognized for excellence in over 110 countries. AMI-trained Montessori teachers are in high demand worldwide: Montessori schools and other employers know that AMI training is the best available. 

So many schools force children into rigid boxes, trap them with boring and pointless work, and curb their natural desire to explore the world with all of their senses. The Montessori Method is the alternative. Rather than fighting human nature, Montessori embraces and elevates the child’s natural tendencies,

enhancing the child’s innate desire to learn and gain independence. The real-world result is a child who is much more confident with language, much more mathematical, much more independent – a child in love with learning.

SIMS is the AMI-affiliated training center in Phoenix, Arizona, and is proud to offer a course of study

certifying teachers of 2 1/2 through 6-year-olds (with plans to expand to infant/toddler and Elementary training) that meets AMI’s rigorous standards of quality and authenticity.

SIMS also partners with The Center for Montessori Education to offer the option to obtain a Master's in Education. This unique program is offered through Loyola University Maryland. Candidates complete their AMI training while earning graduate credits toward a master’s degree in education which culminates in a one-summer intensive program at Loyola’s Evergreen campus.