Grace Montessori School in Allentown — a nonprofit school and childcare center established in 1992, part of the Episcopal Diocese of the Susquehanna, and a member of the National Association of Episcopal Schools — has earned accreditation from the American Montessori Society (AMS), joining a select group of just eight AMS-accredited schools across Pennsylvania and remaining the only accredited Montessori school in the Lehigh Valley.
“Earning AMS accreditation is a proud milestone for our entire school community and a reflection of the dedication our teachers and staff bring to the classroom every day,” said Radhika Hoshing, director of Grace Montessori School. “The accreditation process challenged us to reflect, grow and strengthen every aspect of our program. Most importantly, it gives families confidence that their children are learning in a Montessori environment that meets the highest standards of educational excellence, and it inspires us to continue improving for the benefit of every child we serve.”
Grace Montessori has worked toward accreditation through an extensive process that included a comprehensive self-study, peer review, classroom observations, and evaluation by the AMS Accreditation Commission and Board of Directors. As part of the self-study, Grace Montessori conducted a review of its governance, curriculum, teacher preparation, and learner outcomes, identifying opportunities for continuous improvement. The school’s Board of Directors worked with a consultant and staff members to create a 3- to 5-year strategic plan to set out objectives to ensure future sustainability, direction, and growth. Following the self-study, a team of educators from another AMS-accredited school conducted an on-site evaluation and submitted its findings to the AMS Accreditation Commission.
The accreditation recognizes Grace Montessori School’s longstanding commitment to providing a high-quality Montessori education. As a member of the Episcopal Diocese of the Susquehanna, the school is committed to nurturing the intellectual, emotional and spiritual growth of every child through an inclusive, child-centered learning environment.
Grace Montessori School’s curriculum provides hands-on experiences and individualized instruction, empowering students to learn at their own pace while developing academically, socially, emotionally and physically, all while providing a child-centered education that encourages independence, curiosity and a lifelong love of learning.
“AMS accreditation recognizes the quality of the education we provide today while strengthening the opportunities we can offer tomorrow,” said Hoshing. “As we continue to grow, this recognition reinforces our commitment to expanding access to Montessori education and creating meaningful learning experiences for every child who walks through our doors.”
Looking ahead, Grace Montessori School plans to pursue Keystone STAR 4 designation through Pennsylvania’s Office of Child Development and Early Learning. The AMS accreditation also positions the school to qualify for the designation, which would increase access to funding for student tuition assistance and future educational initiatives.